Local elections are set to happen on 12 October, and people may vote for three different political aspects of each municipality. In these elections, citizens will choose not only the mayor, but also the president of their Junta de Freguesia, and also the deputies for the Municipal Assembly.

The date of the election was decided after the Government conversations with the parties represented in the Assembly of the Republic. While most parties decided that 12 October would be the best date for the elections to happen, Partido Socialista (PS) wanted the elections to happen on 28 September.

This way, when heading to vote, people will be handed over three different paper sheets, with the parties or movements that may be voted for the municipality where the citizen is residing.

In 2025, there will be 3,259 parishes nationwide, after the Government changed the 2013 reform law on the local government. In 2013, some parishes were merged, but now they are separate again, this way more representatives will be needed.

Can foreigners vote in local elections?

Foreign citizens can vote in local elections and choose the mayor of the municipality they are residing in, the deputies for the Municipal Assembly, as well as the president of their residency area Junta de Freguesia.

With dates confirmed, it is easier to know the deadlines for registration. Foreigners must register in their Junta de Freguesia before the elections. According to the Portuguese legislation, foreigners must register until 60 days before the elections. The registration period began on 19 May 2025 and will last until 12 August.

What is required for the registration?

In the Junta de Freguesia, in the residency area, the foreign citizen must be at least 17 years old, however, it is only legal to vote when 18 years old.

European Union (EU) citizens and UK citizens, living in Portugal before Brexit, must take a valid residency document: whether permanent or temporary. Proof of nationality may be taken, like a passport and proof of address, such as a utility bill.

Foreign citizens, residing in Portugal, from other countries, including UK citizens residing in Portugal after Brexit may vote in local elections. The latter as well as Brazilian and Cape Verde citizens must be legally residing in Portugal for two years or more. Citizens from other countries, such as South American countries, Norway, Iceland and New Zealand must be legally residing in Portugal for three or more years. A utility bill, valid residency document and proof of nationality must also be brought to the Junta de Freguesia.

Question to be answered

In the local Junta de Freguesia, all the questions must be answered by the people working there. However, it is possible to find more information at https://www.portaldoeleitor.pt/en/Election/ElectionsandReferendums/Pages/default.aspx or contact 808 206 206 or 213 947 101.

Importance of voting

It is important to vote and make all voices heard, after registering people must make sure that they know the parties’ manifesto so that a choice can be made.

Regardless of the choice, every vote matters and may make a change in each town.

Author

Currently, the Deputy Editor at The Portugal News, Bruno G. Santos, is really interested in national politics. With a degree in Journalism and Communication, he also loves to write about different topics like Portuguese culture, society and other current affairs. Press card: 8463. 

Bruno G. Santos