Foreign driving licences in Portugal (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: 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.

RuleWhat applies
Licence from another EU/EEA state valid for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceYes [1]
EU/EEA licence after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceAn EU or EEA licence can be used until the end of the validity printed on it. The holder must register residence in Portugal with the IMT, a free service. Exchanging for a Portuguese licence is optional. [1]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceFor licences from countries party to the international road traffic conventions or with a bilateral agreement or reciprocity with Portugal, the holder may drive for 185 days after entering Portugal, before taking up residence. [1]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceCounted from the residence permit date, the holder may keep driving for up to 90 days but must apply to exchange. Between 90 days and 2 years, the exchange can still be requested but driving on the foreign licence is no longer allowed. After 2 years an exchange requires a practical driving test. Licences from OECD and CPLP states party to the traffic conventions (or with a bilateral agreement) are accepted even for residents if the licence is under 15 years old, the holder is under 60, and other listed conditions are met. [1]
International Driving Permit needed with an EU/EEA licenceUsing a foreign driving licence⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • The IMT page gives a 60-day deadline for registering residence in its passage on licences that carry no printed expiry date. It is not stated separately for other EU licences.
  • The IMT page splits the rules by group of countries: bilateral or convention states, and OECD and CPLP states under Decree-Law 46/2022 (for example Brazil, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States are listed there as OECD or CPLP states party to a convention). Bilateral agreements differ by country in their own table.
  • The IMT page does not mention international driving permits.

Sources

  1. Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT): Tenho Carta de Condução Estrangeira (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.