New ID card issued to foreign residents

On January 9th, Portugal’s Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) started issuing the new ‘Permanent Residence Certificate of the European Union.’

This new card is identical to the national Citizen’s Card in format, material and contents which contains the physical security data internationally recommended for this type of document.

The new card for foreign residents is for citizens from within the European Union, living in Portugal for more than five years.

The ID complies with current tough security standards and ensures holders can access services by identifying them clearly.

The card does away with the current piece of paper and the old cardboard gate-folded document.