AIMA Invites Immigrants in Portugal to Register for Municipal Elections 2025
Minimum Voting Age & Election Date
Immigrants in Portugal can vote in the municipal elections on October 12, 2025, if they are at least 18 years old on election day and properly registered on the electoral roll.
Who Can Register to Vote?
Eligible immigrants must have legal residence in Portugal and meet nationality and residency requirements:
- EU Citizens (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden) – No minimum residency required.
- UK Citizens residing in Portugal before Brexit – Eligible without residency period.
- Brazilian Citizens with Equal Political Rights – Automatically registered.
- Cape Verdeans and Brazilians (without equal status) – Must have lived in Portugal for at least 2 years.
- Citizens from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Iceland, Norway, New Zealand, Peru, United Kingdom (post-Brexit), Uruguay, Venezuela – Must have lived in Portugal for at least 3 years.
Required Documents for Voter Registration
- Valid identification document (Passport or Citizen Card).
- Proof of residence (such as utility bills or rental contracts if the address isn’t on official ID).
- Residence permit or proof of legal stay duration, depending on nationality.
Where and How to Register
Immigrants must register in-person at their local parish council (junta de freguesia).
- Deadline: Registration must be completed at least 60 days before the election date.
- Voter roll updates and corrections can be made between 39 and 34 days before election day.
Voting Rights for Immigrants
Registered immigrants can vote in municipal elections but cannot participate in national or European Parliament elections.
Voters receive a notification and must present valid ID at their designated polling station on election day.
Quick Summary Table
| Group | Residency Requirement | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|
| EU Citizens + UK (Pre-Brexit) | None | ID + Residence Proof |
| Brazilians (Equal Rights) | None | Citizen Card (Auto-registered) |
| Cape Verdeans & Brazilians (No Equal Rights) | 2 Years | ID + Residence Permit |
| Argentina, Chile, Colombia, etc. | 3 Years | ID + Residence Permit |
Why It Matters
Portugal has around 1.6 million legal immigrants, about 16% of its population, making them an essential part of local governance. AIMA’s campaign ensures immigrant voices are included in municipal decision-making.
