Virtual Citizen’s Bureau starts operating today

Portugal is taking a decisive step in modernising Public Administration by launching the Virtual Citizen’s Bureau on the gov.pt website. The new platform offers 150 essential public services that are permanently accessible with videocall customised assistance, offering citizens and companies a simple, inclusive, and innovative digital experience.

The Minister in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister and of State Reform Gonçalo Matias notes that the "Virtual Citizen’s Bureau intends to offer quick and simple access so people’s experience with the State is swifter and more effective".

Services available at any time

The Virtual Citizen’s Bureau houses services from 22 public bodies in a single digital space, enabling solving matters at anytime, anywhere. Of the 150 services already available, 23 are for citizens and 127 for companies and businesses.

Among the services available one finds changing the address on the Citizen Card, renewing a Driver’s Licence, setting up a company online, updating corporate data, such as the name, head office or object, or make an effective beneficiary request. These services were selected due to their importance and frequency with which they’re used, ensuring an immediate response to the most common needs. New services will be added progressively.

Videocall assistance

With the aim of ensuring no one is left without assistance due to not being able to travel to a physical bureau, one of the main novelties is videocall assistance.

Scheduling a call is simple and ensures human assistance in a digital environment for those who need individual support or have queries on the services. 

Less red tape, more time for what matters

"We want to make sure that all the essential public services are accessible digitally anytime, anywhere. The Virtual Citizen’s Bureau enables saving time, cutting red tape and long queues. This platform, which will continue to evolve, brings the State closer to the people, offering a more convenient interaction, suited to their needs", claims Manuel Dias, the State’s CTO (Chief Technology Officer) and President of the Agency for State Reform (ARTE).

Hosted in gov.pt, the Virtual Citizen’s Bureau is a strategic step towards the 2030 goal: to make all public services online in a single digital point of contact with Public Administration.

A closer and more accessible State

ARTE will continue to lead the process of public services’ digital transformation, fostering innovative and efficient solutions that boost the trust and proximity between the State and citizens. The Virtual Citizen’s Bureau is a milestone along this path — a modern, efficient, accessible service that is truly centred around those who need it.