Rules and laws in Portugal (2026)
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
Every topic we cover for Portugal. Each rule links to its official source.
Driving
Car insurance and green cards
Foreign cars must be insured and may be checked in a non-discriminatory way. For cars from countries in the national insurance bureaux Agreement, a valid green card or other proof of compulsory insurance issued under that country's law is accepted.
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Car speed limits
For a passenger car without a trailer, the general limits in the Highway Code are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on other public roads, 100 km/h on roads reserved for cars and motorcycles and 120 km/h on motorways. Signs can set other limits.
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Drink-driving limits
Portugal sets the limit at 0.05% (0.5 g/l), and 0.02% (0.2 g/l) for probationary drivers and listed professional drivers. Drivers must submit to alcohol tests. From 1.2 g/l driving is a crime punishable by up to one year in prison.
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Driving after drugs
Driving under the influence of psychotropic substances is prohibited, and a positive confirmation blood test for a listed substance shows influence without a numeric limit. The administrative fine is EUR 500 to EUR 2,500, and driving unsafely because of drugs is a crime.
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E-bikes and speed pedelecs
An electric bicycle with a motor of up to 1.0 kW that cuts out at 25 km/h is treated as a bicycle under the Highway Code. Cycle tracks are to be used in preference where they exist. Age, helmet, licence and plate and insurance rules were not confirmed for these bikes.
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E-scooters
Electric scooters with a continuous motor power of up to 0.25 kW and a top speed of 25 km/h on the flat are treated as bicycles in the Código da Estrada. They need no driving licence and, according to ANSR, no motor insurance. ANSR also states that a helmet is not mandatory.
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Foreign driving licences
Portugal accepts EU and EEA licences until their printed expiry date, and residents register their residence with the IMT. Licences from other states are generally usable for 185 days after entry, and residents have 90 days to apply for an exchange.
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Mopeds
A moped (ciclomotor) has a design speed of up to 45 km/h and needs a licence of category AM or a higher category that covers it. A helmet and compulsory insurance apply, and the vehicle must be registered. The minimum age is 14 in the narrow case the rules describe and 16 otherwise.
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Motorcycles: helmets and licences
Riders and passengers of mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles must wear an approved helmet. The minimum age is 16 for category A1, 18 for A2 and 24 for category A, or 20 with two years on A2.
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Seat belts and child seats
Drivers and passengers must use the seat belts fitted to a vehicle. Children under 12 and under 135 cm need an approved child restraint and must travel in the rear seat, with limited exceptions.
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Towing trailers and caravans
A category B licence covers a trailer of up to 750 kg, or a heavier trailer if the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg. Combinations of 3,500 to 4,250 kg need a specific practical test.
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Using a mobile phone while driving
Using or continuously handling a phone or similar device while driving is banned; a single earpiece or a loudspeaker microphone is excepted, headphones are banned. The fine is EUR 250 to 1,250 and three licence points are subtracted.
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Travel
Air passenger rights
Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 applies to flights departing from Portugal, with compensation of EUR 250, 400 or 600 by distance. The national enforcement body is the Autoridade Nacional da Aviação Civil (ANAC).
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Customs allowances for tobacco and alcohol
Portugal presumes commercial use of tax-paid goods from other EU countries above 800 cigarettes, 10 litres of spirits, 90 litres of wine and 110 litres of beer. From outside the EU the EU-wide duty-free allowance applies: 200 cigarettes, 1 litre of spirits, 4 litres of wine and 16 litres of beer.
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Health cover for temporary visitors
The EHIC covers care from public-system providers in Portugal, with doctors generally free of charge. Private healthcare, repatriation and planned treatment are not covered.
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Identity documents
Portuguese nationals must obtain the citizen card, and EU citizens may enter with a valid ID card or passport. Foreign nationals must hold a valid travel document to enter. A general duty to carry identification was not confirmed.
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Meat and dairy imports
Portugal applies the EU rules: animal products can move freely between EU states, but travellers from outside the EU may not bring meat, milk or their products. Infant milk and special medical foods are allowed up to 2 kg and fish up to 20 kg.
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Rail passenger rights
Regulation (EU) 2021/782 applies in Portugal, with national exemptions. Delay compensation of 25% or 50% of the ticket price (Article 19) is exempted for domestic services until 31 December 2029, so it applies to international journeys. The Autoridade da Mobilidade e dos Transportes enforces the rules.
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Short stays (90/180-day rule)
UK visitors do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The travel document must be valid for at least three months after departure and issued within the previous 10 years. Non-EU short-stay visitors are registered in the Entry/Exit System.
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Tax-free shopping for visitors
Travellers who live outside the EU can claim a VAT refund on goods bought in Portugal for personal use. Purchases must total more than EUR 50 excluding VAT and the goods must leave the EU within three months. On exit through Portugal the e-Taxfree system confirms the exemption, and the shop or its intermediary pays the refund.
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Travelling with pets
Portugal applies the EU rules for dogs, cats and ferrets: microchip, rabies vaccination and a pet passport or health certificate, with up to 5 animals per vehicle. National breed rules and special entry rules have not been verified yet.
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Living
Deposit return schemes and plastic bags
Portugal has a national deposit-return system, 'Volta', for plastic and metal drink containers up to 3 litres, with a deposit of EUR 0.10 each. A contribution of EUR 0.08 per lightweight plastic carrier bag is passed on to the buyer in mainland Portugal.
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Home education
Compulsory schooling runs from 6 to 18. Home teaching is allowed under Decreto-Lei 70/2021 if the parent enrols the child at a school, the school director approves, and a yearly collaboration protocol is signed. The person teaching at home must hold at least a bachelor's degree.
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Maximum working time
Normal working time may not exceed 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week. The average weekly time including overtime may not exceed 48 hours, and workers are entitled to 11 hours of daily rest and at least one day of weekly rest.
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Registering residence for longer stays
EU citizens staying in Portugal for more than three months must register at the municipal council of their place of residence within 30 days after the first three months. A registration certificate valid for up to five years is issued on the spot.
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Restrictions
Cannabis
Using cannabis and holding it for own use are administrative offences handled by a commission, not criminal offences. Growing it, even for own use, and selling it remain criminal offences. Medical cannabis is legal on prescription from pharmacies.
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Drones
Portugal applies the EU drone rules, with ANAC as the competent authority. Operators register for drones of 250 g or more or with a data-capturing sensor, and the maximum height is 120 m. The national insurance and minimum-age rules could not be confirmed on an official page.
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Fireworks
The minimum age to buy fireworks from a shop is 14 for category F1, 16 for F2 and 18 for F3. On mainland Portugal, rockets are banned and most other fireworks need a municipal or parish licence when the rural fire danger is very high or maximum. No national sale or use period was found in the texts read.
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Knives and pepper spray
A knife with a blade longer than 10 cm is a bladed weapon, and carrying one without being able to justify it is a crime. Automatic and spring-assisted knives are prohibited. Defence sprays approved under European rules are class E weapons that need a licence to carry.
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Tobacco and nicotine age limits
Selling tobacco products and nicotine e-cigarettes to anyone under 18 is banned. Smoking and vaping nicotine are banned in a long list of enclosed public places and in public transport vehicles. Marketing tobacco products with a distinctive flavour is banned.
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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.