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Registering to Vote at Local Elections

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What is it?

Recenseamento Eleitoral

Electoral registration allows eligible foreign citizens legally residing in Portugal to vote in local elections. Eligible voters may participate in elections for:

  • Mayor (Presidente da Câmara Municipal)
  • Parish Council (Junta de Freguesia)
  • Municipal Assembly (Assembleia Municipal)

Local elections are generally held every four years and determine the composition of local government, which is responsible for areas such as urban planning, local infrastructure, education, environmental management, and community services.

Who can apply?

Foreign citizens who are at least 17 years old and legally residing in Portugal may register to vote in local elections, provided they meet the nationality and minimum legal residence requirements established by Portuguese law.

Eligibility:
Citizens of European Union (EU) Member States
  • No minimum residence period required.
Citizens of Brazil and Cabo Verde (subject to the applicable reciprocity arrangements)
  • More than 2 years
Citizens of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, the United Kingdom, Uruguay and Venezuela (subject to reciprocity agreements)
  • More than 3 years

Registration must be completed at least 60 days before election day in order to vote in that election.

Step-by-Step guide

  1. Visit your local Junta de Freguesia
  2. Present the required documents: provide proof of your identity and legal residence in Portugal.
  3. Complete the registration form: fill in the electoral registration form (impresso de inscrição) provided by the Junta de Freguesia.
  4. Receive confirmation: once your application has been accepted, your electoral registration will be completed and you will be eligible to vote in future local elections, provided you remain registered.

Documents Required

Depending on your nationality and residence status, you may be asked to present:

  • A valid identity document (passport or national identity card, if applicable);
  • Proof of legal residence in Portugal (such as a residence permit or EU Registration Certificate (Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia), if applicable);
  • Proof of address, if requested by the Junta de Freguesia.

It is advisable to contact your local Junta de Freguesia in advance to confirm the documents required for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this service.

Yes. If you change your permanent address, you should ensure that your electoral registration reflects your new Junta de Freguesia.

Where we are

Rua Carvalho Araújo 66-B
1900-140 Lisboa
Portugal

How to Get Here

  • Metro: Linha Verde (Green Line) - Intendente Station
  • Bus: 708, 730, 742, 794

Opening hours

Mon, Tue, Thu
10:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30
Wednesday (Extended)
Until 19:30
Friday
Until 18:30
No appointment needed. Just walk in.

Contact info

+351 964 809 959