What documents does the Citizen Card replace?

It replaces five previous documents in one card: the old identity card, the tax card, the social security card, the National Health Service card, and the voter registration card.

Can I sign documents digitally with it?

Yes. The chip supports qualified electronic signature once you activate the function and set your PINs, using a card reader or the gov.pt app.

🇵🇹 Portugal · National ID card

Cartao de Cidadao

Cartao de Cidadao (Citizen Card)

The Cartao de Cidadao is Portugal's smart-card national identity document, consolidating into one card the former identity card, taxpayer, social security, health and voter registration documents. Its chip supports electronic authentication and qualified electronic signature. A new EU- and ICAO-compliant biometric model began issuance in June 2024.

What it does

Online authenticationIdentity verification / KYCQualified digital signaturesCross-border interoperabilityTravel / border control

Country:🇵🇹 Portugal

Type:National ID card

Status:Live

Launched:2007

Issuer:Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN), Ministry of Justice, with AMA

Who can get it:Portuguese citizens, including those resident abroad via consulates

Format

Smart card

Identity attributes

NameCivil identification numberNIF (tax number)NISS (social security number)SNS health numberPhotoSignature

Authentication methods

PINCard readerContactless (new model)

Common use cases

Physical identificationGovernment online services loginQualified digital signingCross-border eIDAS authentication

Standards

eIDASEU Regulation 2019/1157ICAO

Coverage

Standard national ID for Portuguese citizens

Interoperability

Part of EUDI Wallet pilots via AMA; cross-border recognition through eIDAS at level high

Privacy and trust

Separate PINs for authentication and signature, with EU-standard data protection applied on the new biometric model.

Identity verification providers

Independent identity verification vendors that support documents like this for KYC and onboarding. Exact document coverage varies by provider and region, so confirm support before relying on it.

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Official source

https://www2.gov.pt/en/temas/cidadania-e-documentos/cartao-de-cidadao

Cartao de Cidadao: frequently asked questions

What documents does the Citizen Card replace?: It replaces five previous documents in one card: the old identity card, the tax card, the social security card, the National Health Service card, and the voter registration card.
Can I sign documents digitally with it?: Yes. The chip supports qualified electronic signature once you activate the function and set your PINs, using a card reader or the gov.pt app.

Educational reference, not official guidance. Confirm current details with the issuing authority. all Portugal schemes · identity verification vendors