The aim of the Simplex programme is to simplify public administration following recent outrage over long queues and delays for people trying to renew their citizen’s identity cards.


Automatic renewal of the citizen’s card with payment by ATM will be possible in cases where biometric data is not required.


Driving licences will be renewed on the same day as they are requested – upon payment of an additional fee.


Among other measures to be presented as part of the programme include the introduction of a one-stop shop at Portuguese consulates to simplify and merge procedures for granting visas and residence permits. Foreigners wishing to come and live in Portugal only need to contact this single entity.

This simplified process will also be introduced at SEF – the Foreigners and Borders Service, for foreigners already in Portugal.


Other measures to be introduced include simplifying banking procedures to enable an account to be opened at the destination bank, information transferred to this bank from the original bank and the original account to be closed.


The iSimplex 2019 programme will merge social security and tax authority income declarations into one single monthly declaration. This is to be presented to the social security department which will subsequently transfer it to tax authorities.


Another measure to be introduced involves the application for legal aid, allowing the process to be completed on-line via the social security website.