1. Can You Drive in Portugal With a Foreign License?
Yes, but it depends on your nationality and length of stay:
✅ EU/EEA Citizens
- You can use your original license in Portugal indefinitely.
- However, if you become a resident, you should register your license with IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes) within 60 days.
✅ Non-EU Citizens
- You can drive with your foreign license for up to 185 days if you’re a tourist.
- If you’re a resident, you must exchange your license—typically within 90 days after receiving your residence permit.
2. Who Needs to Exchange Their License?
You must exchange your foreign license if you:
- Are a non-EU citizen and a legal resident
- Hold a license from a country not in a reciprocal agreement with Portugal
- Have an expired or non-European license not written in Latin script (e.g., Arabic, Cyrillic)
Portugal has reciprocity agreements with countries like:
- Brazil
- UK
- USA (varies by state)
- Canada
- Switzerland
- Australia
Note: If your country is not on the list, you’ll likely need to take written and practical driving exams in Portugal.
3. How to Exchange Your Foreign Driving License
To exchange your license, visit your local IMT office or apply online. Here’s the basic process:
Step-by-Step:
- Book an appointment at an IMT (Mobility and Transport Institute) center
- Bring all required documents (see section below)
- Pay the exchange fee (~€30–€40)
- Your original license may be returned or retained, depending on country of origin
- You’ll receive a temporary document until your new Portuguese license is issued
4. Getting a Portuguese Driving License from Scratch
If you are a first-time driver, or your foreign license isn’t valid for exchange, you must:
Enroll in a certified driving school
- Take theoretical and practical lessons
- Pass the code exam (teórica)
- Pass the driving test (prática)
- Undergo a medical exam and eye test
Training and exams are typically in Portuguese, though some schools offer assistance in English.
Duration: 3–6 months depending on your pace
Cost: €500–€1,200 depending on location and school
5. Documents Required
To exchange or apply for a Portuguese driving license, bring:
- Valid residence permit (Título de Residência)
- Original driving license
- NIF (tax identification number)
- ID or passport
- Medical certificate from a Portuguese doctor
- Psychological evaluation (only for some categories like professional drivers)
- Certificate of authenticity from your home country’s driving authority (for non-EU licenses)
Always check with the IMT for up-to-date and country-specific requirements.
6. Costs and Validity
| Action | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| License exchange | €30–€40 |
| New license (from scratch) | €500–€1,200 |
| Medical certificate | €20–€40 |
| License renewal (every 10–15 yrs) | €30–€40 |
Validity Period:
- Most licenses are valid for 15 years until the holder turns 60
- After age 60, renewal periods become shorter (every 5 years or less)
7. Driving in Portugal: What to Expect
Driving in Portugal is generally safe and well-regulated. Here’s what you should know:
- Roads are well maintained, especially highways (Autoestradas)
- Tolls are common on major routes—check for Via Verde or prepaid options
- Speed limits:
- 50 km/h in towns
- 90 km/h on national roads
- 120 km/h on highways
- Strict rules on drink-driving and mobile use
- Roundabouts and one-way streets are common in cities
Emergency number: 112
8. Final Tips & Useful Resources
Getting your driving license sorted in Portugal is straightforward if you follow the official procedures. Whether you’re exchanging a foreign license or applying for a new one, Portugal’s IMT system ensures you can drive legally and safely.