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Citizen Card: what it is, who can get it, how to do it and more
The Citizen Card is an important document in Portugal and brings together a series of information and data about the individual. So, find out how to do it here, whether you are Portuguese or foreign!
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What is the Citizen Card?
The citizen card is the main identification document in Portugal and brings together a series of data about each individual, across all possible social areas.
In fact, it appeared in 2007 to replace the old Identity Card. However, it was only after December 31, 2018 that it became the official document.
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Therefore, the Citizen Card took its place and is now the official document. Tickets are no longer issued. If you need to renew your card or change your address, you will need to issue the card.
Furthermore, the Citizen Card is very important for all inhabitants, as it entitles them to various benefits granted by the Portuguese Government.
What is the Citizen Card for?
This document serves identification purposes for numerous purposes. It brings together various data in one place, including:
- Civilians;
- Taxes;
- Electoral;
- Of health;
- Social Security.
Furthermore, it also allows the authentication of citizens and their signatures on public and private service portals. Therefore, it can be used as a digital signature.
Therefore, it has a series of uses and can make your daily life easier as it concentrates a lot of information in one place.
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And that's not all! Anyone who has a Citizen Card can also participate in public competitions in Portugal and, as a result, occupy public positions.
To do this, the citizen must pass a general and specific knowledge test, in accordance with each test notice.
Furthermore, possession of the Citizen Card allows the holder to participate in draws for scholarships at universities in Portugal. They give access to discounts on monthly fees, as well as completely free education!
Who can obtain the Citizen Card?
All Portuguese citizens can (and should) obtain the document. It can be done from 20 days of age.
Furthermore, Brazilians who have a residence permit in Portugal can also apply for the document. However, they are under no obligation to do so.
Finally, this is due to the Statute of Equal Rights and Duties, signed between Brazil and Portugal in 2000.
Find out more about the Statute of Equal Rights and Duties
This agreement, which was signed between Brazil and Portugal and is still valid today, brings a series of benefits to Portuguese and Brazilians who are in a foreign nation.
In this way, Brazilians who reside in Portugal, are over 18 years old and do not have restrictions on political and civil rights in Brazil can enjoy it.
Anyone who meets these conditions can request the Equal Rights and Duties document. In this way, he gives the right to the following things:
- Enjoying the right to exercise economic activities, work without quantitative limitations, and performance in public bodies;
- Right to vote, after 2 years of residence in Portugal;
- Right to apply in Portugal for elective public positions after 4 years of residence in the country.
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Furthermore, to obtain it you must present the following documents:
- Printed PDF application;
- Copy of proof of residence in Portuguese territory;;
- Copy of the residence permit;
- Certificate of Nationality (original and photocopy), document issued by the Brazilian Consulate. He is responsible for certifying that the citizen is in full enjoyment of his civil capacity and political rights in Brazil.
Finally, documents can be delivered to the following locations:
- SEF service counters in SEF Regional Delegations or Directorates. To do this, it is necessary to schedule an appointment in advance;;
- Send by mail to SEF Central Services, accompanied by the necessary documents.
How to get a Citizen Card?
You can apply for the Citizen Card in several locations, in person. Are they:
- Institute of Records and Notaries (IRN);
- Born a Citizen (in maternity wards and hospitals);
- RIAC stores;
- Consulate of Portugal (to obtain the document outside the country).
Furthermore, it is possible to obtain the document online, which is more convenient. However, this is not allowed for Brazilians, who must request the documents in person.
Necessary documents
So, to obtain the Citizen Card, gather the following documents:
- Request for the Statute of Equal Rights and Duties (for Brazilians);
- Copy of residence permit;
- Certificate of nationality (original and a copy – for Brazilians), issued by the consulate in Portugal;
- Identity card (if you have one);
- Valid proof of residence;
- Social Security number;
- SNS number;
- Taxpayer number;
- Voter card (if you have one).
Values for making the Citizen Card
Furthermore, the document is not free! Check the rates:
- Babies up to 20 days: €7.50;
- Normal valid for 5 years: €15;
- Normal valid for 10 years: €18;
- Urgent with a validity of 5 years: €30;
- Urgent with a validity of 10 years: €33;
- Extreme urgency valid for 5 years: €50;
- Extreme urgency valid for 10 years: €53;
- Provisional card: €70.
Card expiring date
This document is not lifetime. Therefore, it must be renewed after its expiration date. However, the deadline varies according to the age of the citizen when requesting it.
So, see what the applicable deadlines are for Brazilians residing in Portugal:
- Up to 25 years: Maximum term of 5 years, which is the same as the residence permit and may be less than or equal to the limit term;
- Over 25 years old: same as the residence permit, which can be for up to 10 years.
On the other hand, anyone who has Portuguese citizenship must also redo the document from time to time. Furthermore, the deadlines are the same, but do not depend on a residence permit.
Therefore, Portuguese people up to 25 years of age have a Citizen Card valid for 5 years. However, if you are older you can use it for 10 years until you renew it.
Finally, if you want to know a little more about other benefits, see below for more information about Auxílio Filho, which prevents lost wages if you need to take time off from work!
Discover Auxílio Filho: guarantee assistance in delicate moments!
Auxílio Filho is a social security benefit aimed at Portuguese workers. After all, it avoids lost wages due to absence from work due to illness. Find out more and see how to request it!
About the author / Aline Augusto
Reviewed by /
Senior Editor
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