Dia da Defesa Nacional
Published 4 November 2026, 21:42
Dia da Defesa Nacional (DDN) — National Defence Day
One compulsory day at a military base for Portuguese citizens: talks about national defence, an introduction to what the armed forces do and how you can serve in them, and sometimes a tour of the base. No oath, no medical, no service: you go home in the evening. Taking part is free; the state pays for travel and meals. It is compulsory for everyone who turns 18 in the current year, though most people actually attend at 19.
Where you come across it. The list of names and Cartão de Cidadão numbers is posted at the junta de freguesia, the câmara, schools and consulates; you can find your date and venue by entering your Cartão de Cidadão number on the Balcão Único da Defesa website.
Exemption for those born abroad and living outside Portugal is not automatic: you must apply for it 10 working days in advance. Failing to attend without good reason means a fine of €249.40 to €1,246.99 and a ban on public-sector jobs until your military status is regularised.
Official website: ddn.dgrdn.gov.pt/ddn_editaispesq.aspx