According to a statement from the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the new PEP will be launched in 2026 and will be valid for ten years, instead of the five currently applied. The decision aims to follow international practices and provide greater convenience to citizens, reducing the need for frequent renewals.

In addition to the extension of validity, the document will have a new graphic design based on the theme “National Territory”, which aims to highlight the geographical and cultural elements of Portugal. The Government announced that the image will be chosen through a competition open to citizens.

The new version of the PEP will continue to fully comply with the recommendations of the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), ensuring data security and document authenticity. Reinforced aspects include:

- Use of highly durable materials;

- Anti-copy protection and digital security techniques;

- Advanced security printing, making counterfeiting difficult;

- Customisation and finishing according to the latest international requirements.

The Portuguese Electronic Passport is a globally recognized identification document, allowing entry into several countries without the need for a prior visa.

Extending the validity to ten years follows a trend adopted by several European countries, ensuring greater practicality for citizens and reducing pressure on the administrative services responsible for issuing them, as explained by Pplware.

The Government expects the new version of the passport to be available in the first half of 2026, remaining a fundamental element in the identification and international mobility of Portuguese citizens.