Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Passport in Portugal?
A Portuguese passport is an important travel document for Portuguese citizens travelling outside Portugal, particularly when travelling outside the European Union and Schengen Area. The Portuguese Electronic Passport, known as Passaporte Eletrónico Português, is a biometric travel document issued by the Portuguese authorities.
If you are searching for how to apply for a passport in Portugal, the process is relatively straightforward if you are a Portuguese citizen. You generally need a valid Cartão de Cidadão (Citizen Card) or Bilhete de Identidade, apply at an authorized service location, provide the required identification, pay the applicable passport fee and collect or receive your new passport.
However, there is an important difference for foreign residents. Having a residence permit in Portugal does not automatically make you eligible for the standard Portuguese citizen passport. The regular Portuguese electronic passport is available to Portuguese citizens. In specific circumstances, some foreign residents may qualify for a separate Portuguese passport for foreigners.
This step-by-step guide to applying for a Portuguese passport explains the eligibility requirements, documents, appointment process, passport fees, processing times, urgent services, renewal, applications for children, applications from abroad and frequently asked questions.
What Is the Portuguese Passport?
The Portuguese passport is an official biometric travel document issued to Portuguese citizens. It is used to travel internationally and identifies the holder as a Portuguese citizen outside the European Union and Schengen Area.
The Portuguese Electronic Passport is issued under the responsibility of the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN). Portuguese citizens can apply for a new passport or renew or replace an existing passport through authorized service locations.
A passport application is different from a Portuguese nationality application. If you are a foreign national who does not yet have Portuguese citizenship, you may first need to obtain Portuguese nationality before applying for the standard Portuguese passport.
Who Is Eligible for a Portuguese Passport?
The main requirement for the standard Portuguese electronic passport is Portuguese citizenship.
The Portuguese government states that Portuguese citizens can request or renew the Portuguese electronic passport.
This includes:
- Portuguese citizens living in Portugal
- Portuguese citizens living abroad
- Portuguese children who meet the citizenship requirements
- People who have acquired Portuguese citizenship and have the necessary identification documents
If you are a foreign resident in Portugal but do not have Portuguese citizenship, you cannot normally apply for the standard Portuguese citizen passport simply because you hold a Portuguese residence permit.
There is a separate passport procedure for certain foreign residents, discussed later in this guide.
How to Apply for a Passport in Portugal Step by Step
The Portuguese passport application process is mainly completed in person. Here are the key steps to follow.
Step 1: Confirm Your Portuguese Citizenship
Before starting your passport application, confirm that you are eligible for the Portuguese electronic passport.
The standard Portuguese passport is available to people with Portuguese citizenship. If you are still applying for Portuguese nationality, the nationality process is separate from the passport application.
If you have recently acquired Portuguese citizenship, make sure your Portuguese identification documents are available and valid before applying for your passport.
Can a foreign resident directly apply for a Portuguese passport?
Generally, a foreign resident cannot obtain the standard Portuguese citizen passport merely by holding a Portuguese residence permit.
A person normally needs Portuguese citizenship to obtain the standard electronic passport.
However, Portugal has a separate passport for foreigners for certain foreign residents who meet specific conditions. This is not the same as the ordinary Portuguese citizen passport, and approval is not automatic.
Step 2: Check Your Identification Document
Before applying for a Portuguese passport, make sure your identification document is valid.
For a standard application in Portugal, you need a valid:
- Cartão de Cidadão, or
- Bilhete de Identidade
If your identification document has expired, it must be renewed before you can request the passport. For a passport renewal or replacement, you should also take your previous passport.
Before your appointment, check that:
- Your identification document is valid.
- Your personal details are correct.
- Your name matches your official records.
- Your previous passport is available if you are renewing or replacing it.
Having the correct identification documents ready can help prevent unnecessary delays.
Step 3: Choose Where to Apply
You can apply for or renew a Portuguese electronic passport at authorized service locations.
In Portugal, passport services are available at locations including:
- Civil Registry services
- Lojas de Cidadão
- Other authorized registration service locations
The exact location available to you may depend on the service you need and the area where you live.
Before visiting a service point, check whether an appointment is required and whether the location provides the passport service you need.
Step 4: Book a Passport Appointment
You can schedule an appointment to apply for, renew or collect a Portuguese passport.
The Portuguese government provides appointment scheduling through the Siga portal and SigaApp, and appointments can also be arranged by telephone. The appointment itself is free.
How to book a Portuguese passport appointment online
The basic process is:
- Open the Siga appointment service.
- Select the option to make an appointment.
- Search for passport.
- Select passport application or renewal.
- Choose your preferred service location.
- Select an available date and time.
- Enter your personal details.
- Confirm the appointment.
You should receive the appointment details and confirmation code by email or SMS.
Step 5: Prepare the Required Documents
Before attending your passport appointment, prepare all necessary documents.
For a standard Portuguese passport application, you generally need:
- Valid Cartão de Cidadão or Bilhete de Identidade
- Previous passport if you are renewing or replacing it
- Appointment details, where applicable
- Additional documents required for special circumstances
For applicants under 18, additional requirements apply. The child and the person exercising parental responsibility or legal representation must meet the relevant identification requirements.
If your application involves a child, lost passport, damaged passport or another special circumstance, check the specific requirements before attending your appointment.
Step 6: Attend Your Passport Appointment
On the day of your appointment, take your required identification and supporting documents with you.
The relevant service official will verify your identity and process your passport request.
Because the Portuguese electronic passport is a biometric document, the application involves the collection of relevant biometric information.
For most applicants, the process is handled directly at the authorized service location.
Step 7: Pay the Portuguese Passport Fee
The Portuguese passport fee depends on the type of service and how quickly you need the passport.
For mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores locations covered by the current official fee table, the standard passport service is listed at €65, with faster services available for additional fees.
Portuguese Passport Fees in Portugal
| Passport service | Fee | Processing time |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | €65 | 5 working days |
| Express | €85 | 2 working days |
| Urgent | €95 | 1 working day |
| Urgent, Lisbon Airport same-day collection | €100 | Same day* |
An additional €10 applies for delivery to an address under the applicable domestic service. Frequent-traveller passport options have additional fees.
*The Lisbon Airport same-day option has specific application and collection conditions.
Passport fees can change, so check the current official fee before applying.
Step 8: Choose Normal, Express or Urgent Processing
Portugal offers different passport processing options depending on how quickly you need your document.
Normal Passport Service
The normal service is currently listed as 5 working days for the relevant locations in mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores.
Express Passport Service
The express service is currently listed as 2 working days when the applicable deadline is met.
Urgent Passport Service
The urgent service is listed as 1 working day when the application is submitted by the specified deadline.
Same-Day Passport at Lisbon Airport
An urgent passport with same-day collection at Lisbon Airport is available under specific conditions. The current official information lists a €100 fee for this service.
If you need your passport for an upcoming trip, check the application deadline and collection conditions before choosing an urgent service.
Step 9: Wait for Your Portuguese Passport
After your application has been accepted, the passport will be processed according to the service you selected.
For the standard service in the applicable areas of Portugal, the current listed processing time is five working days. Express and urgent services provide shorter processing periods.
Remember that the processing time is not necessarily the same as the total time needed to complete your application. You may also need to consider:
- Appointment availability
- Time needed to travel to the service location
- Collection or delivery time
- Additional requirements in special cases
If you have international travel planned, apply well before your departure date.
Step 10: Collect or Receive Your Portuguese Passport
Once your passport is ready, you can collect it according to the arrangements made during your application.
Depending on the applicable service, delivery to an address may also be available for an additional fee.
For domestic applications covered by the current Portuguese fee information, address delivery is listed at an additional €10.
When you receive your passport, check your:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Photograph
- Other personal information
If you notice an error, contact the relevant authority promptly.
Can You Apply for a Portuguese Passport Online?
You can book a Portuguese passport appointment online, but the standard Portuguese passport application is not an entirely online process.
The appointment can be scheduled through the Siga portal or SigaApp. The actual passport application is handled through an authorized service point and requires the applicant to provide the necessary identification.
Therefore, if you search for how to apply for a Portuguese passport online, it is important to distinguish between:
- Online appointment booking
- In-person passport application
- Passport collection or delivery
Can Foreigners Apply for a Portuguese Passport?
A foreign national normally cannot apply for the standard Portuguese citizen passport simply because they live in Portugal.
The standard Portuguese electronic passport is for Portuguese citizens.
If you are a foreign resident who wants a standard Portuguese passport, you would generally need to obtain Portuguese citizenship first.
Portuguese nationality can be obtained through different legal routes depending on an individual’s circumstances. Nationality eligibility and the passport application are separate processes.
What If a Foreign Resident Needs a Portuguese Travel Document?
Portugal has a separate Portuguese passport for foreigners in specific circumstances.
According to the Portuguese government, a foreign person authorized to live in Portugal may apply in certain situations, including if they:
- Are a national of a country without an embassy or consulate in Portugal
- Are stateless
- Can prove that they cannot obtain another passport
This document is not an automatic right. The IRN decides whether it will be granted.
The current government information states that the application is initiated by email, followed by an appointment for biometric data collection. The listed fee is €111, and the passport can be valid for a maximum of two years.
This document should not be confused with the ordinary Portuguese electronic passport issued to Portuguese citizens.
How Do You Apply for a Portuguese Passport for a Child?
Portuguese children can also have Portuguese passports.
For a child under 18, the child and the person exercising parental responsibility or legal representation must meet the relevant requirements. The Portuguese government specifies that valid identification is required for the child and the responsible parent or legal representative.
Parents should prepare:
- The child’s valid Cartão de Cidadão or Bilhete de Identidade
- Valid identification for the parent or legal representative
- Proof of legal status in Portugal where required
- Any additional documents relevant to parental responsibility or guardianship
Check the requirements for your individual circumstances before attending the appointment.
How Do You Renew a Portuguese Passport?
Renewing a Portuguese passport is similar to applying for a new passport.
Portuguese government information states that people who have or previously had a passport can renew or replace it. Portugal issues a new passport rather than a conventional duplicate.
Steps to renew a Portuguese passport
- Check your current passport’s validity.
- Make a passport appointment if required.
- Take your valid Citizen Card or Bilhete de Identidade.
- Take your previous passport.
- Submit the renewal request.
- Pay the applicable passport fee.
- Select the appropriate processing service.
- Collect or receive the new passport.
It is advisable to renew your passport before it becomes a problem for planned international travel.
What Should You Do If Your Portuguese Passport Is Lost or Stolen?
If your Portuguese passport is lost or stolen, you should report the situation and follow the appropriate replacement procedure.
Do not assume that a lost passport can simply be used again if it is later found.
If you are abroad when your Portuguese passport is lost or stolen, contact the nearest Portuguese consular authority for guidance on replacement or emergency travel documentation.
The Portuguese government also allows passport replacement in circumstances such as loss, theft, destruction or other situations requiring replacement.
Can You Get a Portuguese Passport Urgently?
Yes. Portugal offers express and urgent passport services.
For the relevant locations in mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores, the current listed options include:
- Express: €85
- Urgent: €95
- Urgent with same-day Lisbon Airport collection: €100
The application deadlines differ between services. The current official information states that the express service requires the application by 5 p.m., while the urgent service requires it by 11 a.m. The Lisbon Airport option has its own collection conditions.
If you have an urgent trip, verify the applicable deadline before visiting the service location.
Can Portuguese Citizens Apply for a Passport Abroad?
Yes. Portuguese citizens who live or are temporarily outside Portugal can apply for a Portuguese electronic passport through the relevant Portuguese consular services.
Portuguese consular posts can issue passports to Portuguese citizens abroad, subject to the applicable procedures and requirements.
Fees and processing times outside Portugal can differ from those in Portugal.
For example, the official information lists different fees for normal, express and urgent applications abroad, with variations depending on the country or region.
If you live abroad, check the Portuguese consulate responsible for your location before applying.
What Are the Most Common Mistakes When Applying for a Portuguese Passport?
Avoiding common mistakes can make the passport application process easier.
1. Using an expired identification document
Your Cartão de Cidadão or Bilhete de Identidade should be valid when you apply.
2. Forgetting the previous passport
If you are renewing or replacing an existing passport, take the previous passport with you.
3. Choosing the wrong processing service
Normal, express and urgent services have different fees, deadlines and processing times.
4. Waiting until the last minute
Even with urgent services, appointment availability and other circumstances can affect your plans.
5. Confusing residency with citizenship
A Portuguese residence permit does not automatically provide eligibility for the standard Portuguese citizen passport.
6. Not checking current fees
Passport fees and processing arrangements can change. Always check the latest official information before applying.
7. Ignoring destination passport requirements
Some countries require a passport to remain valid for a certain period after arrival. Check the entry requirements of your destination before travelling.
Portuguese Passport Application Checklist
Use this checklist before submitting your application:
- Confirm your Portuguese citizenship.
- Check that your Cartão de Cidadão or Bilhete de Identidade is valid.
- Take your previous passport if renewing or replacing it.
- Choose an authorized passport service location.
- Book an appointment if required.
- Prepare the necessary documents.
- Choose normal, express or urgent processing.
- Check the current passport fee.
- Attend your appointment.
- Complete the required identity and biometric procedures.
- Pay the applicable fee.
- Keep your collection or delivery details.
- Check all passport information when you receive the document.
FAQs
How much does a Portuguese passport cost?
For the relevant locations in mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores, the current normal Portuguese electronic passport fee is €65. Express service is €85, urgent service is €95 and the listed same-day Lisbon Airport service is €100.
How long does a Portuguese passport take?
The standard service is currently listed as 5 working days in the relevant locations. Express service takes 2 working days and urgent service takes 1 working day under the applicable conditions.
Can I apply for a Portuguese passport online?
You can book your passport appointment online through the Siga portal or SigaApp, but the standard passport application itself is handled in person at an authorized service location.
Can a foreigner get a Portuguese passport?
A foreigner normally needs Portuguese citizenship to obtain the standard Portuguese electronic passport. Some foreign residents may qualify for a separate Portuguese passport for foreigners under specific circumstances.
Do I need Portuguese citizenship to apply for the standard passport?
Yes. The standard Portuguese electronic passport is available to Portuguese citizens.
Can I get a Portuguese passport urgently?
Yes. Portugal provides express and urgent passport services, including a specific same-day collection option at Lisbon Airport under applicable conditions.
Can I renew my Portuguese passport?
Yes. Portuguese citizens can renew or replace an existing passport through the appropriate passport service.
Where can I apply for a Portuguese passport?
In Portugal, you can apply through authorized Civil Registry services, Lojas de Cidadão and other designated service locations. Portuguese citizens abroad can apply through Portuguese consular services.
What identification do I need for a Portuguese passport?
You need a valid Cartão de Cidadão or Bilhete de Identidade. If renewing or replacing your passport, you should also take your previous passport.
Is the Portuguese passport appointment free?
Yes. The passport appointment is free, although the passport itself has a separate application fee.
Final Answer
Applying for a Portuguese passport is a straightforward process if you already have Portuguese citizenship and valid identification.
The main steps are to confirm your eligibility, check your Cartão de Cidadão or Bilhete de Identidade, choose an authorized service location, book an appointment, prepare the required documents, attend the appointment, provide the required biometric information, pay the passport fee and collect or receive your passport.
For the relevant locations in mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores, the current normal passport service costs €65 and is listed at five working days. Express and urgent services are available for higher fees.
For foreign residents, the most important point is that a Portuguese residence permit is not the same as Portuguese citizenship. The standard Portuguese electronic passport is for Portuguese citizens. However, certain foreign residents who meet specific conditions may be able to apply for a separate Portuguese passport for foreigners.
Before applying, check the latest official requirements, fees, appointment availability and processing times because passport rules and service charges can change.
Also Read:-
Step by Step Guide: How to Apply for a Passport in Spain?
Step by Step Guide: How to Apply for a Passport in the Italy?
Step by Step Guide: How to Apply for a Passport in Germany?