01
EU/EEA
IMT states that an EU/EEA licence can be used in Portugal until its expiry; residence registration with IMT is required in the applicable situations.
CONDUÇÃO
The rule changes according to the country that issued the licence.
There is no single rule for every foreign driving licence. EU/EEA, OECD/CPLP, bilateral-agreement and non-convention countries are treated differently.
What you need to know
Start with the essentials
02
OECD and CPLP
Certain licences from OECD and CPLP countries may allow driving in Portugal without exchange if the legal conditions are met. Always check the issuing country and your situation with IMT.
03
Bilateral-agreement country
gov.pt states a general period of up to two years for exchange where the licence is from a bilateral-agreement country, subject to the concrete conditions.
04
Country outside the conventions
IMT states that these licences are not valid for driving in Portugal; exchange has its own requirements and driving tests.
Important: Do not drive on the assumption that “if my licence is valid at home, it is valid in Portugal”. The driver's nationality does not decide the rule; the issuing country, licence, validity, residence and legal regime matter.
Confirm before acting
Exchange a foreign licence — gov.pt ↗Foreign driving licence — IMT ↗
Requirements and channels can change. Check the official source at the time you act.