Yes, Portugal is a full member of the European Union (EU) and has been since January 1, 1986. In 2026, Portugal celebrated its 40th anniversary of joining the union. As a member of the EU, Portugal also belongs to the Schengen Area, which allows for passport-free travel between most other European member states. Additionally, Portugal is part of the Eurozone, using the Euro (€) as its official currency. In 2026, Portugal continues to be an active participant in EU policy-making and benefits from European structural funds, which have significantly modernized its infrastructure over the last four decades. For travelers, this means that if you are a citizen of another EU country, you have the right to live and work in Portugal, and for tourists, it ensures standardized consumer protections and roaming regulations.