As the date for the upcoming national local elections in Portugal approaches, all residents in the country will soon be heading to the polls to choose regional representatives. However, foreign residents in Portugal need to register soon if they wish to participate in the elections.
Details about voting and the registration process follow below:
Can foreigners vote in the local elections in Portugal?
The answer is “yes.” This is confirmed by both the National Election Commission (CNE) and the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Internal Administration (SGMAI), in their frequently asked questions section.
However, to vote, you need to be registered in the Portuguese electoral register, originate from a country where voting rights are granted to Portuguese citizens (as stated in Article 2 of the Electoral Law for Local Government Bodies), and be at least 17 years old.
Registration must be completed in the coming days, as it needs to be finished by the 60th day before the election (effectively two months prior). This year, with the elections set for October 12, registration must be completed by August 12 – the coming Tuesday.
Eligible registrants include citizens from:
- A European Union (EU) member state;
- The United Kingdom, if residing in Portugal before Brexit;
- Brazil, if holding equal political rights;
- Brazil (without equal political rights) or Cape Verde, if residing in Portugal for over two years;
- Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Iceland, Norway, Peru, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, or Venezuela, if residing in Portugal for over three years.
How do you register?
To register on the electoral roll and thus be able to vote in local elections, you must go to the parish council of your residence.
If you are from an EU country or the UK with residence in Portugal prior to Brexit, you should carry your identification and residence documents (water bills or lease agreements also serve as proof of residence).
If you are from Cape Verde, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Iceland, Norway, New Zealand, Peru, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, or Venezuela, you only need your residence permit (either temporary or permanent).
For Brazilian citizens, it depends on their status. Those with equal political rights who hold a citizen card have been automatically registered. Others need only present their residence permit (temporary or permanent).
The CNE notes on its website that “residence permits that expired after February 22, 2020, are accepted under the same terms until October 15, 2025 (Article 2 of Decree-Law No. 85-B/2025, June 30).”
How do I know where to vote?
Voting in Portugal is conducted solely in person for residents.
On election day, you must travel to your polling place to select your representatives for regional bodies. To find your polling location, check the SGMAI website if you have a citizen card, or visit your parish council.
How is the vote conducted?
At the polling place, bring your identification document so officials can confirm your registration and eligibility to vote.
Voters receive three ballots – unlike other Portuguese elections with just one.
Each ballot is for electing representatives to different municipal bodies and is identified by both the body’s name and distinctive colors: Parish Assembly (white), Municipal Assembly (yellow), and Municipal Chamber (green).
The votes are cast on all three ballots and may vary between them. Voting involves marking an X without any additional marks or symbols to ensure the vote counts.
The majority of foreigners are not registered
A report from the Ministry of Internal Administration reveals that most foreign residents in Portugal are not registered to vote in local elections.
The report states that a total of 35,808 foreigners are registered (16,376 from the EU and 19,432 from other countries). According to the latest government figures, over one and a half million foreigners currently live in Portugal. This means that only about 2% of foreigners are registered to vote in the local elections on October 12.
