Portuguese citizens living abroad are being urged to register or update their voter information before the end of November in order to participate in Portugal’s next presidential election, scheduled for 18 January 2026.

The voting roll will freeze 60 days before Election Day, meaning that after November 19, 2025, no new registrations or address updates can be processed.

Voters living abroad may cast their ballots by post, which is the default method, or in person at a Portuguese consulate or embassy.

To ensure eligibility—especially for those who vote by post—citizens abroad should complete any required updates by 18 November 2025.

Overseas registration is typically automatic when holding a valid Cartão de Cidadão, but registrations may become inactive if identification documents have expired for an extended period.

To ensure their vote counts, citizens abroad are advised to verify that their address, identification documents, and electoral registration are current before the registration freeze takes effect.

Address accuracy is essential for postal voting, as ballot materials are sent to the address on file. Voters should also check with their local Portuguese consulate to confirm instructions and available in-person voting dates.

Portuguese nationals residing outside the country maintain full voting rights in presidential elections, provided their electoral registration is active and up to date.

More than 1,5 million Portuguese are estimated to be living abroad, yet less than 30,000 voted in the last presidential election.

For official information, voters can consult the Portal do Eleitor, the Portuguese government’s voter information platform, as well as the Comissão Nacional de Eleições (CNE) for regulations and updates. Portuguese consulates worldwide also publish local instructions on registration, postal voting, and election-day procedures.

More @ 2026 Portuguese presidential election

PAJ/Staff