Here we hope to dispel some of the myth and confusion which comes with driving in Portugal and whether you need to do anything with your driver’s licence be it an EU licence, British licence or a driving licence from outside of the EU.

As of 2025, the regulations regarding driving licences in Portugal have undergone several important changes. Here’s an updated overview:

Driving in Portugal as a Temporary Visitor

If you’re visiting Portugal temporarily (up to six months), you can drive using your international driving permit or EU licence without the need for a Portuguese licence.

Becoming a Resident in Portugal

Upon obtaining Portuguese residency, the requirements for driving licences differ based on your country of origin:

1. EU and EEA Licence Holders

• Registration: You must register your EU or EEA driving licence with the Portuguese Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT) within 60 days of establishing residency.

  www2.gov.pt

• Exchange Requirement: If your EU licence is valid for an unlimited period, you are required to exchange it for a Portuguese licence within two years of obtaining residency.

  www2.gov.pt

2. OECD and CPLP Licence Holders

For licences issued by countries that are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) or the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), the following conditions apply:

• Validity: You can drive in Portugal with your foreign licence if:

  • You are under 60 years old.

  • Your licence is valid.

  • No more than 15 years have passed since the issuance or last renewal of your licence.

  • The issuing country is a signatory to international road traffic conventions or has a bilateral agreement with Portugal.

  • Your licence is not suspended, expired, or revoked.

• Exchange Requirement: If you wish to exchange your foreign licence for a Portuguese one, you must do so within two years of obtaining residency.

3. Non-EU/EEA Licence Holders

• Exchange Requirement: You are required to exchange your foreign driving licence for a Portuguese one within 185 days (approximately six months) of obtaining residency.

  www2.gov.pt

• Driving Test: If you do not exchange your licence within this period, you may be required to pass a Portuguese driving test.

Required Documents for Licence Exchange

When applying to exchange your foreign licence, you’ll need:

• Passport.

• Proof of residency.

• Completed IMT Modelo 13 application form.

• Photocopy of your current driving licence.

• Medical certificate (if required).

• Payment of applicable fees.

Medical Examination

A medical examination is mandatory for all applicants. This examination assesses your physical and mental fitness to drive and must be conducted by a doctor registered with the IMT.

Additional Considerations

• Age Requirements: The legal driving age in Portugal is 18. For certain vehicle categories, the minimum age may be higher.

• Driving Test: If required to take a driving test, it consists of theoretical and practical components. Theoretical exams are available in multiple languages, including English.

• Licence Validity: The validity period of driving licences in the EU, including Portugal, has been extended from 10 to 15 years.

For the most current information and specific details related to your situation, it’s advisable to consult the IMT or a legal professional specializing in Portuguese traffic laws.