The Portuguese government confirmed a new change in retirement rules, which will come into force from 2025. The legal age for accessing the old-age pension was adjusted to 66 years and 7 months, an increase that reflects the growing life expectancy in the country and aims to ensure the sustainability of the pension system in the long term.
The measure directly affects both Portuguese citizens and the resident foreign community, including thousands of Brazilians who contribute to the local Segurança Social or plan to move to the country. The change requires new planning on the part of those approaching retirement age, impacting timelines and financial strategies.
Managed by Segurança Social, the European country’s pension system is known for its comprehensiveness, offering not only a pension, but also access to essential public services. International Acordos, such as the one existing with Brasil, continue to be a fundamental pillar to facilitate the transition of workers between the two countries.
Details of the new Portuguese pension legislation
The main change established for 2025 is the setting of the retirement age at 66 years and 7 months, a progressive adjustment that follows demographic projections. Para To be entitled to the benefit, in addition to age, it is necessary to complete a minimum contribution period of 15 years for the general regime. Para self-employed or voluntary insured workers, the waiting period is 12 years of payment. The system, however, provides flexibility for specific cases. Trabalhadores with very long contributory careers, exceeding 40 years, can request early retirement from the age of 60, although this option implies a percentage penalty on the final value of the pension, calculated based on the years remaining to reach the legal age. The management and calculation of benefits are the exclusive responsibility of Segurança Social, the body that centralizes all contributory information for workers in the national territory.
The bilateral agreement that benefits Brazilian workers
One of the most important mechanisms for Brazilians who plan to retire in Portugal is the bilateral pension agreement maintained between the two countries. Este treaty allows the “totalization of contribution periods”, which means that the working time with contribution to the INSS in Brasil can be added to the contribution time for Segurança Social in Portugal. Essa sum is used to fulfill the minimum requirement of 15 years of waiting period required by Portuguese law. Para to activate this right, the worker must request the Certidão of Tempo of
Despite the sum of the contribution time, it is crucial to understand that the calculation of the pension amount in Portugal will only be proportional to the years actually contributed in the European country. Ou is, if an individual contributed for 10 years in Brasil and 5 years in Diante In addition, many retirees evaluate the possibility of continuing to receive the INSS benefit directly from Brasil, transferring the amounts to their account in Portugal. Neste case, a withholding tax of 25% of Imposto of Renda is applied to the amount transferred.
Advantages and benefits in addition to the monthly pension
The Portuguese social protection system offers retirees a benefits package that goes far beyond the monthly pension payment. One of the biggest attractions is universal access to Serviço Nacional of Saúde (SNS), which guarantees quality medical care, including consultations, exams and hospitalizations, at very low or even free costs, depending on the procedure.
Financially, pensioners receive 14 annual payments instead of 12. In July, a holiday bonus is paid, and in December, a bonus of Natal, both corresponding to the value of one month’s pension. For retirees with lower incomes, there is also Complemento Solidário for Idosos (CSI), additional financial support that aims to guarantee a more dignified standard of living.
In the tax field, although the Residente Não Habitual (RNH) regime, which guaranteed total exemption, has been reformulated, there are still advantages. Aposentados who managed to register with the scheme by the end of 2023 can benefit from a 10% rate on pensions from a foreign source. Novas tax incentive rules are in force for professionals in specific areas, requiring detailed tax planning.
How to obtain the D7 visa to live as a retiree
For Brazilians who do not have European citizenship and wish to reside in Portugal as retirees, Visto D7 is the most common and suitable path. Este visa is intended for holders of their own income, such as pensions, rent or investments.
The main requirement for the application is proof of means of subsistence. Para 2025, the main applicant must demonstrate a minimum monthly income equivalent to the Portuguese minimum wage, projected at 855 euros. Para a couple, the value increases, requiring 50% more for the second adult.
The visa application must be initiated at Brasil, through the Portugal consulates or visa application centers. Documentation includes, among others, proof of retirement, bank statements, valid passport, travel insurance and criminal record certificate.
After approval of the visa, which is valid for four months, the applicant must travel to Portugal and schedule an appointment at Agência for Integração, Migrações and Asilo (AIMA), the body that succeeded the SEF, to request Autorização from
Quality of life and attractions of Portugal
Portugal consolidates itself year after year as one of the best destinations in the world for retirees, frequently appearing at the top of international rankings. Fatores as the mild climate, with more than 300 days of sunshine per year in regions like Algarve, the high level of public safety and a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other countries in Europa Ocidental are decisive for this choice.
Cultural proximity and shared language represent a great advantage for Brazilians, facilitating adaptation and social integration. Cidades like Lisboa and Porto offer a bustling urban life rich in culture, while the interior and coast provide a quieter lifestyle connected to nature, catering to different profiles and preferences.
Essential financial planning for change
A successful transition to living in retirement in Portugal depends on robust and detailed financial planning. It is essential to consider the exchange rate variation between the real and the euro, which can directly impact purchasing power. Living costs also vary significantly between different regions of the country. Enquanto Lisboa and
In addition to monthly expenses, it is recommended to have an emergency fund to cover unforeseen expenses, such as medical costs not fully covered by the NHS or home maintenance. Utilizar platforms specialized in international transfers can reduce fees and exchange costs. Taking out private health insurance is also an option to consider, as it can complement the public service and ensure greater agility in accessing certain medical specialties and procedures.
Reference values for pensions
The amount of the pension in Portugal is directly linked to the worker’s contribution history, both in terms of duration and declared salary values. Segurança Social establishes minimum values to guarantee a safety net. For example, a worker who meets the requirement of 15 years of contribution is entitled to a minimum pension of around 320 euros per month. Para for those with longer contributory careers, over 31 years, the minimum pension value can exceed 460 euros. Estes values are updated annually to follow inflation and the country’s economic conditions.
