Chave Móvel Digital & Online Public Services

Portugal uses digital public services extensively

Many administrative tasks can be completed or initiated online. A reliable digital authentication method can therefore reduce the need for in-person visits and make it easier to manage tax, Social Security and other public services.

What is Chave Móvel Digital?

Chave Móvel Digital is Portugal’s mobile digital authentication system. It allows eligible users to authenticate themselves on participating public and private digital services using a mobile telephone and security credentials.

Why it is useful after arrival

Once eligible, residents can use digital authentication for a growing range of services. The exact services available to a foreign resident depend on the person’s identification documents and registration status.

Keep your phone number current

Because authentication can depend on the registered mobile number, update it if your number changes. Losing access to an old number can make authentication more difficult.

Digital signatures

Some Portuguese digital services also allow qualified or legally recognised electronic signing through official authentication tools. This can be useful for applications and administrative documents.

Security

Treat authentication codes like banking credentials. Do not provide one-time codes to callers or websites that you have not independently verified.