Converting Your Driving Licence in Portugal: The Complete 2026 Guide
If you hold a non-EU driving licence and plan to live in Portugal long-term, you will eventually need to convert it to a Portuguese licence. Here is exactly how the process works in 2026 — timelines, costs, and what to expect.
Driving licence conversion is one of those administrative tasks that expats in Portugal often put off — until they realise their foreign licence is no longer valid for driving here. Here is the definitive guide to getting it sorted in 2026.
EU/EEA Licences — No Conversion Needed (Usually)
If you hold a driving licence issued by an EU or EEA country (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), it is valid in Portugal indefinitely for the same categories. You do not need to convert it. However, once you establish Portuguese residency, you are technically required to exchange it for a Portuguese licence within 2 years — in practice, this is rarely enforced, but it is the rule.
UK licences fall in a different category post-Brexit (see below).
UK Driving Licences
The UK-Portugal bilateral agreement allows UK licence holders to drive in Portugal and to convert their licence without taking a driving test, provided they do so within 2 years of establishing Portuguese residency.
Process:
- Book an appointment at the IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes) — online at imt-ip.pt
- Bring: original UK licence, certified Portuguese translation (not always required but recommended), NIF, proof of Portuguese address, recent passport photo, medical certificate (from IMT-approved doctor)
- Surrender your UK licence — IMT sends it back to DVLA
- Portuguese licence issued: typically 3-6 weeks
Cost: approximately €30-50 for the licence itself; €50-80 for the medical certificate; translation if required €30-60.
Important: The 2-year window is from the date of establishing Portuguese residency (not from arriving in Portugal). If you miss the window, you may need to take the full Portuguese driving test.
US, Canadian, and Australian Licences
Portugal does not have bilateral conversion agreements with the US, Canada, or Australia. This means holders of these licences can drive in Portugal on their foreign licence for up to 185 days after establishing residency, after which they must have a valid Portuguese licence.
To get a Portuguese licence, you must:
- Complete a Portuguese driving theory course and pass the theory test (available in English at most driving schools)
- Complete a minimum number of practical driving lessons with a certified Portuguese instructor
- Pass the practical driving test
Most US/Canadian/Australian expats who already drive competently find the process straightforward — it is a formality rather than a skill test. The theory test covers Portuguese road signs and rules, many of which differ from North American conventions. Budget 4-8 weeks and approximately €400-700 total (theory course, lessons, tests, licence fee).
Some driving schools in major cities offer English-language instruction and theory preparation, which makes the process considerably less stressful.
Brazilian Licences
Brazil and Portugal have a bilateral agreement — Brazilian licence holders can convert without taking a test, similar to the UK process. Requires: original Brazilian licence, NIF, proof of address, medical certificate, photos. Processing time: 4-8 weeks.
The Medical Certificate
All licence conversions require a medical certificate from an IMT-approved medical centre (centro de saúde IMT). These are private clinics (not the SNS) that conduct a brief assessment of vision, hearing, and general health fitness to drive. The appointment takes 20-30 minutes; the certificate is issued immediately or within a few days. Cost: €50-80. IMT-approved centres are listed on the imt-ip.pt website — there are centres in all major cities.
Practical Tips
- Book IMT appointments well in advance — wait times at IMT offices can run 4-6 weeks for popular slots
- Check your licence validity date — some licences issued abroad have expiry dates; an expired foreign licence cannot be converted
- Keep a digital copy of your original licence before surrendering it
- Driving schools (auto-escolas) can handle much of the paperwork for you, for a fee — worth it if your Portuguese is limited
- International Driving Permit (IDP): not a substitute for conversion but useful as a translation of your licence for the transitional period
The Portugal Brief covers news and policy for expats and internationals. Verify current requirements at imt-ip.pt before starting your application.
