The Government of Portugal is reinforcing the rule requesting all Portuguese citizens residing abroad, who receive pensions from the Segurança Social or the Caixa Geral de Aposentações (CGA), to provide the annual Prova de Vida (Proof of Life) to ensure the continued payment of their pensions.

The Prova de Vida is a mandatory procedure designed to confirm that pensioners living outside Portugal remain eligible for their retirement, survivor, or disability benefits. Failure to present this proof within the designated timeframe may result in the suspension of pension payments until verification is completed.

Pensioners may complete the Prova de Vida in several ways. They may appear in person at the nearest Portuguese consulate or embassy, where officials will issue the required certificate free of charge. In some cases, documentation from local civil authorities may be accepted if validated by the consulate. Pensioners registered with Segurança Social Direta may also be able to complete the procedure electronically if they have access to digital authentication.

Deadlines vary according to the type of pension. CGA pensioners (civil service retirees) typically must present proof during the first half of each calendar year, while Segurança Social pensioners are required to submit proof annually, with deadlines that may vary depending on the country of residence and pension type.

Portuguese authorities are also stressing that consular posts are obliged to assist their pensioner citizens abroad. “The Government values our senior citizens in the diaspora, who built lives across the world while maintaining strong ties to Portugal,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We encourage all pensioners to complete their Prova de Vida on time, ensuring uninterrupted pension payments and safeguarding their rights.”

For more information, pensioners and their families are encouraged to contact their nearest Portuguese consulate or embassy or consult the official websites: Segurança Social (www.seg-social.pt) and CGA (www.cga.pt).

PAJ/Staff