On-Duty Pharmacies in Lisbon: How to Find One Open at Night
The green cross is dark, it is 11 pm and a child has a fever. How the night-shift system works, what you can buy without a prescription and how electronic prescriptions and SNS discounts are applied.
In Lisbon, when a pharmacy closes, a duty pharmacy (farmácia de serviço) in the same area stays open on a rota approved by the health authorities, and every pharmacy must display that rota where passers-by can see it. Some Lisbon pharmacies are open 24 hours. A duty pharmacy may charge up to €2.50 per customer on top of the medicine price at night, unless you bring a prescription dated that day or the day before.
The rules below come from Portaria 277/2012 on pharmacy hours and shifts, as published in INFARMED’s compiled pharmaceutical legislation, and from SNS 24 guidance, as of November 2026. INFARMED is Portugal’s medicines regulator.
How do I find a pharmacy open at night in Lisbon?
Look at the door or window of any pharmacy: the regulation requires each one to post the approved duty rota for the municipality. The notice lists which pharmacies are on duty each day, with addresses. INFARMED and the regional health authorities are also required to publish the rotas on their websites.
- Go to the nearest pharmacy, even if it is closed, and read the duty notice.
- Check that the pharmacy listed is on duty for today’s date and note its address and phone number.
- At night, a permanent-service pharmacy may keep its doors closed and serve through a hatch (postigo). Ring the bell if there is one.
- If you are unsure whether you need a pharmacy at all, call SNS 24 on 808 24 24 24 first.
Pharmacies that open 24 hours a day are part of the rota system too. Their hours are registered with INFARMED, so a pharmacy’s opening hours on its door should match the official record.
What are normal pharmacy opening hours in Portugal?
Most pharmacies open longer than the legal minimum, but the minimum is low. Under Portaria 277/2012, a pharmacy must open at least 44 hours a week, and its standard daily hours are set within these limits:
| Day | Standard hours in the regulation |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 10:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 19:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 to 13:00 |
| Sunday and public holidays | Closed unless on duty or on extended hours |
In practice, many pharmacies in Lisbon’s center and in shopping centers stay open through lunch, into the evening and on weekends. Check the sign on the door, and remember that hours change on public holidays in Portugal.
What can I buy without a prescription?
Medicines not subject to prescription (medicamentos não sujeitos a receita médica, MNSRM) can be bought over the counter. They include common painkillers and fever reducers, many cold remedies, antacids and some allergy tablets. Many of these are also sold outside pharmacies, in parapharmacies and some supermarkets.
Prescription-only medicines (medicamentos sujeitos a receita médica) need a valid prescription. That includes antibiotics. A pharmacist can advise on minor symptoms and tell you when to see a doctor, but cannot sell a prescription-only medicine without a prescription. Brand names often differ from those in other countries, so bring the active ingredient name written down.
How do electronic prescriptions work?
Almost all SNS prescriptions are paperless (Receita Sem Papel). After the appointment you receive the prescription details by SMS or email, or on a printed treatment guide, and you can see them in the SNS 24 app. According to SNS 24’s guide to paperless prescriptions, the pharmacy needs one of these:
- the prescription number plus the access and dispensing code;
- your Cartão de Cidadão plus the access and dispensing code;
- your SNS user number, which lets the pharmacy request a new code by SMS to the mobile phone in the national user register.
You can collect all items at once or some now and the rest later, at different pharmacies. Keep your phone number up to date at your health center; if you do not have a user number yet, see our guide to the SNS user number.
How much does the SNS pay towards medicines?
The state pays a share of the price of reimbursed (comparticipado) medicines, set by the drug’s therapeutic group. Under Portaria 195-D/2015, the general rates are:
| Tier | Share paid by the state |
|---|---|
| A | 90% |
| B | 69% |
| C | 37% |
| D | 15% |
Low-income pensioners on the special regime get higher rates, for example 95% on tier A. Where a cheaper generic exists, the discount is calculated on a reference price, so the pharmacist will ask whether you want the generic; choosing a more expensive brand means you pay the difference. Over-the-counter medicines bought without a prescription are not reimbursed.
When should I call SNS 24 or 112 instead?
Call 112 for an emergency such as chest pain, breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding or loss of consciousness. Call SNS 24 on 808 24 24 24 for advice when symptoms are new but not life-threatening; nurses there can say whether a pharmacy, a health center or a hospital is the right place. For possible poisoning, call the CIAV poison line on 800 250 250. Our guides to the SNS 24 helpline and emergency numbers in Portugal cover the details.
Bottom line
Take a photo of the duty rota on your local pharmacy’s door the week you move in, and keep your SNS number and prescription codes on your phone. At night, a prescription from that day or the day before saves you the duty surcharge.
FAQ
Can a pharmacist refill my regular medicine without a new prescription?
Generally no. Ask your family doctor or use the SNS 24 app to request a repeat prescription for chronic medication.
Do pharmacies in Lisbon speak English?
Some do, but it is not guaranteed. Write down the active ingredient, dose and your symptoms to show at the counter.
Can I return unused medicines?
Pharmacies do not refund them, but many have collection bins (Valormed) where you can leave unused and expired medicines for safe disposal.
