Driving on a Foreign Driver’s Licence in Portugal

Portugal is a popular destination for tourists, digital nomads, retirees and new residents from all over the world.

If you are planning to drive in Portugal, one of the first questions you may have is whether your driving licence is valid and, if so, for how long.

The rules vary depending on where your licence was issued, whether you are a resident of Portugal and how long you plan to stay.

Understanding the requirements early can help you avoid fines, delays and unnecessary complications when it comes time to exchange your licence.

In many cases, yes. Portugal recognises driving licences issued by a range of countries through European regulations, international road traffic conventions and bilateral agreements.

However, the conditions depend on the country that issued your licence and your residency status.  

For short-term visitors, driving with a valid foreign licence is generally straightforward. For residents, the rules are often different and may require registration with the authorities or an eventual exchange for a Portuguese licence.

If your driving licence was issued by a member state of the European Union or the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein), you can continue driving in Portugal using your existing licence until it expires.  

However, if you become a resident in Portugal, you must register your Portuguese address with the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) within 90 days of establishing residency. This registration is free of charge.  

If your licence does not have an expiry date or is valid for life, you must exchange it for a Portuguese licence within two years of becoming a resident.

Portugal also recognises certain licences issued by eligible members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).

Countries covered include:

Even if you have a Portuguese residence permit, you may continue driving without exchanging your licence provided that:

While exchanging your licence is not always mandatory in these circumstances, some residents choose to do so to simplify administration and ensure their licence is recognised throughout the European Union.

Portugal has separate bilateral and reciprocal agreements with several countries outside the EU.

If you hold a licence issued by one of these countries and become a resident in Portugal, you generally have up to two years after obtaining residency to exchange your licence for a Portuguese one before you will be required to take a practical test.

Non-residents can usually drive for up to 185 days using their foreign licence.  

Failing to exchange your licence within the required timeframe may result in additional requirements, including practical driving tests in certain situations.  

What if Your Country Is Not Covered?

Licences issued by countries that are not party to the recognised international road traffic conventions are not valid for driving in Portugal.

In these cases, drivers must begin the exchange process immediately and may be required to complete driving examinations before receiving a Portuguese licence.

The requirements can vary depending on the country involved and the licence category.

If you need or choose to exchange your licence, the process is handled by the IMT.

Applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:

Typical documentation includes:

Applications can be initiated online through the IMT platform before attending an appointment if required.  

Things to Remember

The most important factor is whether you are considered a resident in Portugal.

Many visitors can drive with their existing licence, but residents may face registration or exchange requirements depending on their country of origin.

As regulations can differ significantly between licence-issuing countries, it is advisable to verify your specific situation with the IMT before relocating or shortly after obtaining residency.

Starting the process early can help avoid interruptions to your ability to drive legally in Portugal.  

Whether you can use your foreign driving licence in Portugal depends on where it was issued, how long you have been resident and the conditions attached to the licence.

Checking the rules early can help you avoid fines, missed deadlines and unnecessary disruption.

For support with moving to Portugal, residency, documentation and settling in, contact our team of experts today.

Can I drive in Portugal with a UK driving licence?

Yes. UK driving licences are recognised in Portugal. Depending on your residency status and circumstances, you may eventually need to exchange your licence for a Portuguese one.  

Can I drive in Portugal with an Angolan driving licence?

Yes. Angola is among the CPLP countries whose licences are recognised under Portugal’s current framework, provided the applicable conditions are met.  

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

Many visitors can drive using their valid foreign licence alone if it is recognised by Portugal. However, travellers from certain countries may still benefit from carrying an International Driving Permit alongside their original licence.  

How long do I have to exchange my foreign licence?

The deadline depends on the country that issued your licence and your residency status. In many cases, residents have up to two years after establishing residency to complete the exchange process before requiring a practical driving test to do so.