2026 Presidential Election: Portuguese choose Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's successor
More than 11 million voters are being called to the polls to elect the next President of the Republic, after ten years of Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. This year the choice of the next occupant of Belém Palace is between 11 candidates, a record number.
Portuguese in London travel hours to vote in person
Correio da Manhã/CMTV coverage finds unusually high motivation among emigrant voters this election, with TV crews following voting at Portuguese consulates and polling stations abroad. Higher turnout overseas could be consequential in a close race and may strain consular services on busy days. Those voting from abroad should check consulate arrangements and confirm their polling location and required ID well ahead of time.
Update: Reports from London show many Portuguese travelled up to around two hours to vote at the Consulate‑General, with voters complaining there is no remote voting option and describing long queues at peak times. Portuguese living abroad should confirm consular opening hours, travel arrangements and allow extra time if going in person.
Emigrant voting lets Portuguese citizens living abroad cast ballots in national elections, usually by mail or at consulates. With several hundred thousand registered overseas voters, their turnout and geographic distribution can be decisive in close presidential contests, so candidates often campaign to win votes in key emigrant communities.
A Consulate‑General (Consulado‑Geral) is Portugal’s main diplomatic office in a major foreign city that provides consular services like passports, civil registration, legal help and in-person voting for citizens abroad. For expats, the Consulate‑General is often the place you must travel to to vote in national elections and to register for consular services, so check its website for opening hours, location and voter-registration deadlines.
Remote voting means casting a ballot without being physically present at a polling station, using methods such as postal ballots, proxy voting or internet/telephone systems. In the current presidential vote context many Portuguese abroad had to travel to consulates because remote options weren’t available, so voters living overseas should check well before election day which methods (if any) apply to them and how to register.
Brazilian chocolatier Abner Ivan denied entry to Portugal
Abner Ivan and his wife, Natália Marinho, travelled to Portugal at the invitation of the Óbidos International Chocolate Festival but were barred from entry at Lisbon Airport.
'The phenomenon of immigration took us all by surprise,' says the Patriarch of Lisbon
The Patriarch of Lisbon, Rui Valério, criticises the anti-immigrant rhetoric promoted by many who call themselves Catholics and by conservative movements.
Emigrants can only vote in person in the presidential election
Voting is already taking place this Saturday, despite it being on Sunday in Portugal.
Voting in the presidential election takes place at diplomatic missions
Thousands of voters abroad must travel in person to consulates and embassies in order to vote in the presidential election.
Ventura abandons 'moderation', revives the 'three Salazars' and wants to be like Afonso Henriques against 'the Moors'
On the final day of the campaign, André Ventura attacked immigrants and gender minorities, praised Salazar and King Afonso Henriques, and in the afternoon asked that PSD and IL not be 'an obstacle' if the second round becomes a head-to-head against Seguro.
Azores Parliament speeds up support for the arrival of new immigrants in the region
The move aims to tackle the shortage of labour in the archipelago.
After publication of a report, the Left Bloc questions the Government on immigrant integration policy
Following the release of a report, the Left Bloc has called on the Government to explain and justify its policies for integrating immigrants.
Emigrant voters may carry outsized influence this election
Experts told Lusa and national outlets that emigrant voting could have a larger impact than in previous presidential contests, as turnout patterns and narrow margins make overseas ballots more decisive. Historically lower in influence, emigrant turnout this time could tip close races or affect which candidates progress to a second round. Portuguese citizens abroad should confirm registration and polling or postal-vote arrangements with their consulate or local authorities well before Sunday.
- 2026 Presidential Candidate (running as an independent)
- Party: Former leader of Socialist Party (PS) Partido Socialista
- Center left
Background:
António José Martins Seguro (born March 11, 1962, in Penamacor) is a lawyer, political scientist, and Socialist Party politician running for president in Portugal's January 18, 2026 election. He led Socialist Youth (1990-1994), served as MEP (1999-2001), was Minister Adjunct to PM António Guterres (2001-2002), and led the PS parliamentary group (2004-2005). Elected PS Secretary-General in 2011 with 68%, he led the opposition during Portugal's bailout era. In 2014, António Costa defeated him in party primaries by a landslide, prompting Seguro's resignation and decade-long retreat from politics. He returned in 2025, launching the movement UPortugal and announcing his presidential candidacy in June. He received official PS backing in October 2025. Political Philosophy:
Seguro positions himself as representing a "modern and moderate" left, offering a progressive alternative to conservative candidates. He advocates for "financial responsibility but critical of austerity," attempting to reposition the PS at center-left. His campaign emphasizes institutional trust, efficient governance, and hope for a better future.
Emigrant voting lets Portuguese citizens living abroad cast ballots in national elections, usually by mail or at consulates. With several hundred thousand registered overseas voters, their turnout and geographic distribution can be decisive in close presidential contests, so candidates often campaign to win votes in key emigrant communities.
The second round (segunda volta) is a runoff held if no candidate obtains more than 50% of votes in the first round; the top two candidates then compete head‑to‑head. For expats following elections, the second round is usually decisive because broader coalitions form and turnout and endorsements can change the outcome.
Lack of AIMA guidance halts online residence renewals
Diário de Notícias reports that unclear guidance from the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) has stalled online residence‑permit renewals, creating insecurity among immigrants whose renewals are due. DN says AIMA has not responded to requests for clarification, leaving some migrants unsure how to complete or prove renewals. Those awaiting renewal should contact their local consulate or municipal immigration desk and keep evidence of attempts to renew; legal or immigration advisers may be needed if deadlines approach.
Renewal of a residence permit means applying to the immigration authority to extend your existing authorization to live in Portugal (autorização de residência), usually by submitting ID, your passport, proof of address, proof of means or employment, a criminal-record check and paying a fee. Start the process well before the permit expires because processing can take weeks or months; missing the deadline risks fines, loss of legal status and difficulty with work, banking or travel.
Renewal of a residence permit means applying to the immigration authority to extend your existing authorization to live in Portugal (autorização de residência), usually by submitting ID, your passport, proof of address, proof of means or employment, a criminal-record check and paying a fee. Start the process well before the permit expires because processing can take weeks or months; missing the deadline risks fines, loss of legal status and difficulty with work, banking or travel.
The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) is the national body that manages immigration, asylum and integration services in Portugal, including information, application processing and support programmes for newcomers and refugees. Expats should use its website and local offices for practical matters such as residency procedures, integration courses and up‑to‑date guidance on rights and obligations.
Brazilians in Portugal head to the polls with immigrant rights in mind
Brazilian citizens living in Portugal speak about the importance of Sunday’s (18/01) presidential election. They want to prevent the spread of hate speech.
Ask the Lawyer: I came as a student, I didn't finish my course and I'm working — what should I do?
A reader seeks legal advice after arriving as a student but not completing their studies and now working in the country; they ask what options or steps they should take.
PSP in Porto issued 106 notices for voluntary departure and detained 53 immigrants
The Portuguese Public Security Police (PSP) in Porto issued 106 notices ordering voluntary departure and carried out 53 detentions of immigrants.
Ruling to be read about immigrants exploitation case in Portugal
Home News Ruling to be read about immigrants exploitation case in Portugal Ruling to be read about immigrants exploitation case in Portugal Seventeen defendants accused of allegedly exploiting immigrant workers in Alentejo will hear the verdict today, which will be read at 2:30 pm at the Beja Cou
A firm knock on the table, with coherence
I decided to try to return to Portugal. Naively, I was convinced that my experience abroad would bring me better opportunities and that Portugal would want me back...
Government insists it will not pay for refusing 420 refugees
Leitão Amaro says there is no payment planned at present. Brussels is reviewing Portuguese data after the discovery of a further million immigrants in the country.
PSP identified 56 illegal accommodation units occupied by around 900 foreign nationals in the Porto Metropolitan Area in 2025
Throughout 2025 in the municipalities of the Porto Metropolitan Area (AMP), the PSP identified 56 illegal accommodation units occupied by around 900 foreign nationals, the police national directorate said on Tuesday. In a statement reviewing enforcement actions regarding the residence of foreign nationals on national territory carried out during the year...
Social Golden Visas
A proposal to create 'Social Golden Visas' — a fast-track residency pathway modelled on investor golden visas but targeted at people with urgent social needs. Analytically, the policy could deliver rapid legal protection and access to services for vulnerable migrants and expats, but it requires clear eligibility criteria, safeguards against abuse, and alignment with broader immigration and welfare systems to avoid unintended consequences.
Airports and EU clash over new border control rules
The EU's new Entry-Exit System (EES) — which now obliges over a third of non‑EU nationals entering the Schengen area to submit extra personal and biometric data — has provoked a standoff between airports and Brussels. Airports warn of operational strain, higher costs and longer processing times amid limited staff and technical readiness; EU institutions argue the measure is necessary to improve border security, migration management and traveller rights. The dispute highlights tensions between security aims, data‑protection concerns and practical implementation challenges that could affect expats, short‑term visitors and airlines alike.
Some overseas Portuguese may be prevented from voting
An opinion piece warns that, in this presidential election, some Portuguese living abroad will be prevented from voting — suggesting the next president may not represent all Portuguese. The report signals concerns about overseas voting access rather than new official rules. Expats eligible to vote should double-check registration status and polling arrangements well ahead of election day.
Anything goes in the name of the fight against immigrants
The piece analyses rhetoric and policies that treat any measure as acceptable in the fight against immigration. It considers how such an approach can erode legal safeguards, bypass due process and civil rights, and normalise discriminatory or ad hoc enforcement under the guise of national policy. The article argues for clearer legal frameworks, independent oversight and rights-based reforms to balance legitimate border and public-order concerns with rule-of-law protections.
Casa do Brasil in Braga is the new association to support the city's immigrant community
Casa do Brasil de Braga has been launched as a new association to provide support and services to immigrants in Braga, aiming to facilitate integration and address community needs. The initiative represents a coordinated local response to immigrant challenges by offering a dedicated organisational structure for assistance, outreach and advocacy. Monitoring its service offerings, partnerships and uptake will be important to assess its effectiveness in strengthening social inclusion and community cohesion in Braga.
