How to Get a Portuguese Driving License as a Non-Resident

Driving in Portugal offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and vibrant cities. Whether you’re visiting as a tourist or staying for an extended period, understanding the rules for non-residents is crucial to ensure a smooth driving experience. For short-term visitors, it may not be necessary to obtain a Portuguese driving license. However, certain non-residents may be required to exchange their foreign license for a Portuguese one depending on their length of stay, the country of issuance, and other factors. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about driving in Portugal as a non-resident.

Step 1: Understand Eligibility for Non-Residents

Who Can Drive in Portugal Without a Portuguese License?

As a non-resident, you can drive in Portugal without obtaining a Portuguese driving license if you meet certain conditions. Visitors from EU/EEA countries can use their existing driving licenses without any restrictions, provided that the license is valid. For non-EU/EEA nationals, it depends on whether their home country has a bilateral agreement with Portugal.

If you’re visiting Portugal as a tourist, you can generally use your foreign driving license for up to 185 days after entering the country. This period allows you to drive legally without needing to exchange your license, provided that you do not establish residency during this time.

Recognized Foreign Driving Licenses (EU, EFTA, and Bilateral Agreements)

Portugal recognizes driving licenses from EU/EEA member states and treats them the same as Portuguese licenses. This means that if you’re from a country within the EU/EEA, your driving license is valid in Portugal until it expires, without needing to exchange it.

For non-EU/EEA nationals, several countries have bilateral agreements with Portugal, allowing their citizens to drive without the need for a Portuguese license, as long as their stay is temporary. Countries with such agreements include Brazil, Canada, the United States, Australia, and others. If you’re from one of these countries and are planning a short stay, you can use your existing license. However, if you plan to become a resident, you may need to exchange your license within a set period.

Time Limits for Using a Foreign License in Portugal (up to 185 Days)

Non-residents, particularly tourists, are allowed to drive in Portugal using their foreign licenses for up to 185 days after their entry into the country. This rule applies to individuals who are visiting and do not intend to establish residency. After this period, if you decide to stay longer or become a resident, you’ll need to consider the process of exchanging your foreign license for a Portuguese one.

If you are a non-resident from a country with no bilateral agreement, you may be required to pass a Portuguese driving test to obtain a local license. Understanding these conditions will help you navigate the legal requirements and enjoy your time driving in Portugal without unnecessary complications.

Step 2: Verify Whether You Need a Portuguese License

Rules for Non-EU/Non-EEA License Holders

For non-EU/Non-EEA license holders, the rules for driving in Portugal vary depending on your country of origin. If your country has a bilateral agreement with Portugal, such as the United States, Brazil, Canada, or Australia, you can drive using your existing foreign license for a limited period (up to 185 days). However, if you plan to stay longer, or if you become a resident, you will need to exchange your foreign license for a Portuguese one within a specific time frame, typically 90 days after obtaining your residence permit.

For countries that do not have such agreements with Portugal, you may need to apply for a Portuguese license by undergoing the full licensing process, including attending driving school and passing the driving test. This requirement applies even if you are staying in Portugal temporarily but longer than the initial 185-day period allowed for tourists.

International Driving Permit (IDP) Requirements

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not mandatory for driving in Portugal if your foreign license is recognized by the Portuguese authorities. However, if your license is not in English or Portuguese, having an IDP can make interactions with law enforcement much smoother. It essentially serves as a translated version of your driving license and is particularly useful if you are visiting Portugal from a country that does not have a bilateral agreement.

For tourists and short-term visitors, an IDP is often recommended as an additional document, especially if your stay will exceed the standard tourist period of a few weeks.

Exceptions for Short-Term Visitors and Tourists

Short-term visitors and tourists can usually drive in Portugal without needing to obtain a Portuguese driving license. If your visit lasts less than 185 days, and you do not establish residency, you are allowed to use your foreign license during your stay. This applies to most visitors from EU, EEA, and countries with bilateral agreements.

However, if your stay extends beyond the 185 days, or if you begin the process of establishing residency, you must either exchange your license or apply for a new one under Portuguese regulations. It’s essential to monitor your length of stay to avoid legal complications and ensure you continue driving legally in Portugal.

This step is all about confirming whether you fall under the exemption rules or if you need to pursue a Portuguese driving license based on your plans and length of stay.

Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents

Once you’ve determined that you need a Portuguese driving license or need to exchange your foreign license, the next step is gathering the required documentation. The specific documents you need will depend on your situation—whether you’re a tourist, a long-term visitor, or someone planning to exchange a foreign license for a Portuguese one.

Required Documentation (Passport, Driving License, IDP)

To begin the process, you’ll need to have a few essential documents ready. These include:

Passport or ID Card: A valid passport or identification card is required as proof of identity. This is necessary whether you are applying for a new Portuguese license or exchanging an existing foreign license.
Current Driving License: If you’re exchanging a foreign license for a Portuguese one, you must provide your original driving license. It’s important to ensure that your foreign license is still valid at the time of submission.
International Driving Permit (IDP): While an IDP is not mandatory, it is recommended, especially if your driving license is not in English or Portuguese. The IDP can help translate your license and avoid potential issues with local authorities.

Proof of Temporary Stay or Tourist Visa

For non-residents, especially those staying for longer periods (e.g., long-term tourists or visitors), you may need to provide additional documentation to prove your legal stay in Portugal. This could include:

Tourist Visa: If your stay in Portugal requires a visa, you’ll need to present this as part of your documentation. A valid visa confirms your temporary stay in the country.
Proof of Temporary Stay: This could be in the form of your hotel booking, rental agreement, or other documents that show where you are staying during your time in Portugal.

Additional Documents for Long-Term Visitors

If you are staying in Portugal for an extended period or planning to exchange your foreign license for a Portuguese one, additional documents may be required. These include:

Residence Permit: For those planning to stay longer and who are transitioning into residency, a valid residence permit issued by the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) will be necessary. This document is critical for those seeking to exchange a license after establishing residency.
Medical Certificate: In some cases, particularly when exchanging a foreign license or applying for certain categories of licenses, you may need to provide a medical certificate. This certificate must confirm that you meet the necessary physical and mental health requirements to drive.
Photographs: Some applications, particularly for exchanging a license, may require you to submit recent passport-sized photographs.

Gathering the necessary documents in advance will help you avoid delays and ensure a smooth process when applying for or exchanging your driving license in Portugal.

Step 4: Decide Whether to Exchange Your License

If you’re planning a longer stay in Portugal or transitioning to residency, you may need to exchange your foreign driving license for a Portuguese one. Whether you’re eligible to exchange your license depends on your country of origin and the specific agreements Portugal has with that country.

Eligibility for License Exchange (Bilateral Agreement Countries)

Portugal has bilateral agreements with several countries outside the EU/EEA, allowing their citizens to exchange their foreign driving licenses for Portuguese ones without needing to pass a driving test. Countries with such agreements include the United States, Brazil, Canada, Australia, and others. If you’re from one of these countries, you may be eligible to exchange your license, provided you meet the necessary requirements and do so within the allotted time frame.

For residents from EU/EEA countries, the process is simpler. You can continue using your home country’s license until it expires. Once it does, you will need to exchange it for a Portuguese license, but you won’t need to pass any additional tests.

Documents Needed for License Exchange

If you’re eligible for license exchange, you will need to gather several documents before submitting your application to the Portuguese Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT). These include:

Proof of Residence: A document showing that you are a resident of Portugal. This could be your residence permit or certificate of residency issued by the SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras).
Original Foreign License: You will need to submit your original driving license along with a photocopy.
Identification: A valid passport or Portuguese ID card to verify your identity.
Medical Certificate: For certain license categories (especially for heavy vehicles or professional driving), a medical certificate confirming your physical and psychological fitness to drive may be required. The certificate must be submitted by an approved doctor.
Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs are sometimes required, depending on the specific conditions of your license exchange.

Deadline for Exchanging Your License (90 Days for Residents)

If you become a resident of Portugal, you must exchange your foreign license within 90 days of receiving your residence permit. Missing this deadline can result in the need to undergo a full Portuguese driving test, including both the theoretical and practical exams, which are typically conducted in Portuguese. The 90-day countdown begins from the day you officially become a resident, not from the day you enter Portugal.

It’s crucial to be proactive and begin the license exchange process as soon as you establish residency to avoid the complications of taking a driving test in a foreign language. By gathering your documents and starting the process early, you can ensure a smooth transition and continue driving legally in Portugal.

Step 5: Determine if You Need to Pass a Driving Test

If your foreign driving license isn’t recognized in Portugal, or if you’re from a country that doesn’t have a bilateral agreement with Portugal, you’ll likely need to pass a Portuguese driving test. This involves enrolling in a driving school and successfully completing both theoretical and practical exams.

Requirements for Non-Recognized Licenses (e.g., Non-Bilateral Agreement Countries)

For non-residents with licenses from countries that are not part of bilateral agreements with Portugal, the process of obtaining a Portuguese driving license can be more complex. In these cases, your existing foreign license may not be valid beyond the initial 185-day period allowed for visitors, and you will be required to obtain a new license by passing the Portuguese driving tests.

This means that you must go through the same process as a first-time driver in Portugal, which includes attending driving school, completing the mandatory number of theoretical and practical driving lessons, and passing the driving exams.

Enrolling in a Driving School for Test Preparation

If you’re required to pass the driving test, enrolling in a licensed Portuguese driving school is mandatory. Driving schools in Portugal offer both theory and practical classes, with a minimum requirement of 28 hours of theory instruction and 32 hours of practical driving lessons (including at least 500 km of driving).

The theory classes cover essential topics like traffic rules, road safety, and Portuguese driving laws. After completing your theory lessons, you will need to pass the theoretical exam (Exame de Código). Once you’ve passed this exam, you can begin your practical lessons, which will prepare you for the practical driving test.

It’s essential to choose a driving school that suits your schedule and location. Prices vary, with total costs typically ranging from €400 to €700, depending on the driving school and any additional services offered.

Options for Taking the Test in English

While the standard driving tests in Portugal are conducted in Portuguese, there are options for non-Portuguese speakers. If you are not fluent in Portuguese, you can request to take the theory exam in English when you register at the driving school. This is particularly important for expatriates or non-residents who do not have proficiency in the local language.

In some cases, you may also be able to arrange for an interpreter to assist during the practical driving test, although this needs to be coordinated with the IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes) or the driving school in advance. It’s advisable to discuss these options with your driving school when enrolling to ensure all necessary accommodations are made.

Taking the test in English can help alleviate some of the stress associated with taking a driving test in a foreign language, and it can significantly increase your chances of passing the exam on the first try.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Once you have completed all the necessary steps, such as gathering documents, passing required tests, and determining your eligibility for a Portuguese driving license, it’s time to submit your application. This process involves submitting your documents to the appropriate authorities and paying any required fees.

Where and How to Apply for a Portuguese License

Applications for a Portuguese driving license, including both new licenses and license exchanges, must be submitted through the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT), which is Portugal’s mobility and transport authority. There are a few ways you can submit your application:

In-Person: You can visit an IMT office in person. This is the most common method for submitting your application, especially if you are exchanging a foreign license. The IMT offices are located in most major cities, and you can find the nearest office through the IMT website.
Online: If eligible, you can submit your application online through the IMT’s official portal. This option is convenient, especially for those who prefer to handle the process digitally. However, certain applications, such as foreign license exchanges, may still require an in-person visit for verification and submission of original documents.
Via Driving Schools: In some cases, driving schools may handle the submission of documents on your behalf, especially if you are applying for a new license after completing your driving lessons and exams.

Fees and Costs for Non-Residents

The cost of obtaining or exchanging a driving license in Portugal can vary depending on several factors:

Application Fees: The IMT charges fees for both new license applications and license exchanges. The typical cost for submitting an application is around €30 to €50 for a new license. Exchanging a foreign license generally falls within the same price range, though additional costs may apply if medical exams or translations are needed.
Driving School Costs: If you are required to take driving lessons and exams, the total cost can range between €400 and €700, depending on the school and additional services offered (e.g., English translations, extra practical lessons).
Medical Certificates: If you need to provide a medical certificate as part of your application, the cost for the examination can range from €20 to €50, depending on where you get it done.

It’s important to budget for all these expenses to avoid unexpected delays in the process.

Timeline for Application Processing

Once your application is submitted, the processing time for a Portuguese driving license can vary. On average:

New License Applications: If you are applying for a new driving license after passing your exams, the license is typically issued within 60 working days. During this time, you may be given a provisional license that allows you to drive legally in Portugal until your official license arrives.
License Exchange: For those exchanging a foreign license, the process generally takes around 30 to 60 days, depending on the volume of applications at the IMT. During this period, you can often continue to drive using your foreign license or a temporary permit, depending on your situation.

It’s advisable to check with the IMT for any updates or delays, especially during peak periods when processing times might be longer.

Step 7: Temporary Driving in Portugal

While waiting for your Portuguese driving license to be processed, non-residents often have the ability to continue driving using their foreign license. However, there are specific rules and limits that you need to be aware of.

Driving with Your Foreign License While Waiting for Approval

If you’ve applied to exchange your foreign license for a Portuguese one, you are generally allowed to continue driving in Portugal during the application process. This is particularly true for non-residents who hold licenses from countries with bilateral agreements or who are from EU/EEA nations. As long as your foreign license is valid and you meet the temporary stay requirements, you can legally drive while waiting for your Portuguese license to be issued.

Limits on Using Your Foreign License in Portugal

There are limitations on how long you can use your foreign license in Portugal as a non-resident. If you are in Portugal for a short-term stay (e.g., as a tourist or a business visitor), you can use your foreign license for up to 185 days. After this period, you must either leave the country or take steps to exchange your license if you plan to stay longer or become a resident.

For those who have begun the process of exchanging their foreign license, it’s important to monitor the validity of your existing license. Once your foreign license expires, you will no longer be legally permitted to drive in Portugal until your Portuguese license is issued. Make sure to start the exchange process early, especially if your foreign license is close to its expiration date.

Provisional License for Non-Residents

In some cases, especially if you’re applying for a new Portuguese driving license, you may be issued a provisional license after passing your driving exams. This provisional license allows you to drive legally in Portugal while waiting for your permanent license to be processed and issued.

For non-residents, the provisional license is particularly useful if your application processing is delayed. It ensures that you can continue driving without any legal interruptions until your full license arrives.

Make sure to always carry your provisional license, as well as any necessary documents such as your ID or passport, while driving in Portugal. If stopped by law enforcement, having these documents readily available will help avoid complications.

Step 8: Collect Your Portuguese License

Once your application has been processed and approved, you will be able to collect your Portuguese driving license. Depending on your location, there are different methods to receive your license, and as a non-resident, understanding the validity and renewal requirements is essential to maintain your ability to drive legally in Portugal.

Receiving Your Portuguese License (in Portugal or Abroad)

For most applicants, the Portuguese driving license will be sent by mail to the address provided during the application process. If you are residing temporarily in Portugal or are a non-resident, ensure that the address you provide is reliable and can receive important government documents.

If you are staying outside Portugal during the processing period, you might need to make special arrangements, such as appointing a representative in Portugal to receive your license on your behalf. In some cases, you may be required to collect the license in person at the local IMT office where you submitted your application.

For individuals who applied for a Portuguese license while temporarily staying in Portugal and have since returned to their home country, it’s advisable to confirm the delivery options with the IMT during the application process. Delivery to an international address might be possible in certain circumstances, but this can vary.

Validity and Renewal Requirements for Non-Residents

Once you receive your Portuguese driving license, it is important to understand its validity and the renewal process. The standard Portuguese driving license is valid for 10 years, after which it must be renewed. The renewal process generally requires submitting an application, undergoing a medical examination, and possibly a psychological assessment, particularly if you are over a certain age or hold a license for heavy vehicles.

For non-residents, it’s crucial to monitor the expiration date of your license and plan your renewal accordingly, even if you are no longer residing in Portugal full-time. If you are living abroad when your license expires, you may still be able to renew it by coordinating with the Portuguese consulate in your country, though this process can be more complicated.

In addition, if you fail to renew your license within the specified timeframe (typically up to five years after expiration), your license may be canceled, and you could be required to undergo the entire driving test process again to obtain a new one.

Keeping track of the renewal deadlines and requirements will ensure that you can continue driving in Portugal and other EU countries without facing legal issues.

Step 9: Driving Safely as a Non-Resident

Once you have your Portuguese driving license or are using your valid foreign license temporarily, it’s crucial to be familiar with the local traffic laws to ensure your safety and compliance with Portuguese regulations. Driving safely not only protects you but also ensures that you avoid penalties that could affect your ability to drive in Portugal.

Important Traffic Rules in Portugal

Driving in Portugal generally follows the same basic principles as in other European countries, but there are some specific rules that non-residents should be aware of:

Drive on the Right: In Portugal, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Seatbelts: It is mandatory for all passengers, both in the front and back seats, to wear seatbelts at all times.
Speed Limits: The general speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on highways. Pay close attention to local signs as these limits can vary.
Alcohol Limits: The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05%, which is lower than in some other countries. Stricter limits apply for novice drivers (under three years of driving experience) and professional drivers, at 0.02%.
Use of Mobile Phones: Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you are using a hands-free system.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Portuguese traffic laws are strictly enforced, and violations can lead to significant penalties, including fines, points on your driving record, or even license suspension. Some common violations include:

Speeding: Fines for speeding can range from €60 to over €2,500, depending on how much you exceed the speed limit.
Driving Under the Influence: Driving with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit can result in fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.
Parking Violations: Parking in restricted areas, such as bus stops or crosswalks, can lead to fines or towing of your vehicle.

For non-residents, these penalties can be enforced even after you leave Portugal, and unresolved violations could affect your ability to return to the country or drive in other EU nations.

Renewing or Extending Your License During Long-Term Stays

If you are a non-resident staying in Portugal for an extended period, it is important to keep track of your license’s validity. If your license is close to expiring during your stay, you should consider renewing it early to avoid complications. As a non-resident, you may also be able to extend the validity of your foreign license under certain conditions, such as by applying for an extension with the IMT.

Always check the renewal requirements for your specific situation, especially if you have transitioned to residency or are planning to stay in Portugal for more than a year.

Conclusion

Driving in Portugal as a non-resident can be a smooth experience if you follow the correct procedures and stay informed about local traffic regulations. Whether you’re using your foreign license for a short visit or transitioning to a Portuguese license for a longer stay, understanding the requirements will help you stay on the right side of the law. By driving safely and staying up to date on renewals and extensions, you can enjoy your time in Portugal without any disruptions to your mobility.

How to Get a Portuguese Driving License as a Non-Resident: A Step-by-Step Guide