Scheduled regional voting events are planned
Foreign residents in Portugal can now participate in local democratic processes, following changes in residency requirements for voting in municipal and parish elections.
EU citizens who are registered residents in Portugal automatically qualify to vote in these elections. Citizens from countries with reciprocal agreements with Portugal, such as Brazil, Cape Verde, Uruguay, and New Zealand, can also vote after meeting specific residency requirements, typically a minimum of two to three years of legal residence in Portugal.
It is worth noting that voting in national elections, including parliamentary, presidential, and referendums, remains exclusive to Portuguese citizens. Foreigners can only participate in these elections if they acquire Portuguese citizenship.
The registration period for foreigners began on 19th May 2025 and will last until 12th August. Foreign citizens can vote for the mayor, the president of the Junta de Freguesia, and deputies for the Municipal Assembly.
There will be 3,259 parishes nationwide after the Government changed the 2013 reform law on local government. To register and vote, foreign citizens must bring a utility bill, a valid residency document, and proof of nationality to their Junta de Freguesia.
Every vote matters in local elections, and foreign residents can make a significant impact on community governance and local policies. To make an informed choice, voters should familiarise themselves with the parties' manifestos before casting their ballots.
The election date was decided after discussions between the Government and parties in the Assembly of the Republic, and local elections will take place on 12th October. For more information, residents can visit the website
Voters will be given three different paper sheets with parties or movements to vote for. It is important to note that foreigners must register in their Junta de Freguesia before the elections. Foreign citizens, residing in Portugal, from countries including the UK (after Brexit), Brazil, and Cape Verde, must have been legally residing in Portugal for at least two years to vote in local elections. Citizens from South American countries, Norway, Iceland, and New Zealand must have been legally residing in Portugal for at least three years.
Voters must be at least 17 years old to register, but can only vote when they are 18 years old. Bruno G. Santos, the Deputy Editor at our website, holds a degree in Journalism and Communication and has a press card number 8463. He is interested in national politics and Portuguese culture, society, and other current affairs.
Foreign residents from countries like the UK (after Brexit), Brazil, and Cape Verde, who have lived legally in Portugal for at least two years, can participate in local municipal and parish elections to vote for the mayor, president of the Junta de Freguesia, and deputies for the Municipal Assembly. Citizens from South American countries, Norway, Iceland, and New Zealand must reside in Portugal for at least three years to exercise this right. Every vote in local elections significantly impacts community governance and local policies, so it's essential for voters to study party manifestos before casting their ballots.
