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Portuguese driving license: a complete guide for foreigners driving in Portugal.
Many foreigners moving to Portugal have the same questions: Can I drive with my home country license? For how long? And when do I need to exchange it for a Portuguese driving license?
Understanding the rules around the Portuguese driving license, the exchange process and the driving license point system helps avoid fines, delays and unnecessary stress when settling in the country.
This Xtracars guide explains everything step by step, in simple terms, so you can drive legally and confidently in Portugal.
Can foreigners drive in Portugal with a foreign driving license?
Yes, but the rules depend on where your driving license was issued. Portugal distinguishes between EU/EEA driving licenses and licenses issued by non-EU countries. The requirements and deadlines are different for each case.
Knowing which category applies to you is the first step to driving legally in Portugal and working towards a Portuguese driving license.
Driving in Portugal with an EU driving license.
If your driving license was issued in an EU or EEA country, you can drive in Portugal without exchanging it, as long as your license is valid.However, if you become a resident in Portugal, you must register your license with IMT (the Portuguese mobility authority) within 60 days of residency.
This registration links your driving record to the Portuguese driving license system and ensures Portuguese authorities can track your driving record correctly.
Driving in Portugal with a non-EU driving license.
For drivers from non-EU countries, the rules are stricter. In most cases, you can drive in Portugal for a limited period after becoming a resident. After that, you may need to start the driving license exchange Portugal process with IMT. The exact deadlines depend on bilateral agreements between Portugal and your home country.
How does the driving license exchange Portugal process work?
Exchanging a foreign license for a Portuguese driving license is done through IMT.
- The process usually requires:
- Your foreign driving license.
- Proof of residence in Portugal.
- Portuguese tax number (NIF).
- Medical certificate.
- IMT application forms.
In some cases, medical exams or driving tests may be required, depending on your country of origin.
Because the driving license exchange Portugal process can take time, many expats look for flexible mobility solutions while handling the paperwork.
The Portuguese driving license point system explained.
Portugal uses a driving license point system, similar to many European countries.
All drivers start with 12 points on their Portuguese driving license. Points can be lost due to traffic violations or recovered through good driving behavior.
Understanding this system is essential once you are registered as a driver in Portugal.
All drivers start with 12 points on their Portuguese driving license. Points can be lost due to traffic violations or recovered through good driving behavior.
Understanding this system is essential once you are registered as a driver in Portugal.
How many points do drivers have and how are they lost?
Serious and very serious traffic offenses lead to point deductions.
Common examples include:
- Speeding.
- Using a mobile phone while driving.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Vehicle safety violations.
The number of points lost depends on the severity of the offense.
How to find out points on license in Portugal?
If you already have a Portuguese driving license or have registered your EU license, you can check your points online.
The official platform is the Portuguese Traffic Offenses Portal, managed by the National Road Safety Authority (ANSR). This is where "how to find out points on license” becomes relevant for many foreigners.
What do you need to check your license points?
To access the portal, you usually need:
- A Portuguese tax number (NIF).
- Digital authentication, often through Digital Mobile Key (Chave Móvel Digital).
In some cases, you may need to create an account linked to your NIF. Once logged in, you can see your current point balance and driving history.
How can drivers recover points on a Portuguese driving license?
The system does not only penalize drivers. It also rewards safe driving. If you drive without infractions for three consecutive years, you automatically regain points, up to a maximum of 15 points on your Portuguese driving license. Drivers can also recover points by attending voluntary road safety training programs, when eligible.
What happens if points run low?
Portuguese law includes warning stages before a license is cancelled.
- At 4 points, drivers must attend mandatory road safety training.
- At 2 points, drivers may be required to retake a theory exam.
If all points are lost, the driving license is cancelled and can only be reissued after a waiting period.
Why mobility solutions matter for newly arrived expats?
For many foreigners, dealing with driving license exchange Portugal procedures, bureaucracy and waiting periods can be overwhelming.
At the same time, mobility is essential, especially outside major cities. That’s why many expats choose flexible solutions that allow them to drive immediately, without waiting for paperwork to be completed.
If you are currently dealing with this process, you can learn more in our detailed guide on exchanging a foreign driving license in Portugal.
Car subscription: a practical alternative for foreigners in Portugal.
For many newcomers, buying a car in Portugal is not an immediate option. Between the driving license exchange process, the need for a Portuguese tax number, local banking requirements and financial stability, the traditional purchase route can be slow and complex.
Car subscription services offer immediate access to a recent vehicle without buying a car or applying for credit. With Xtracars, you get:
- No credit approval.
- No down payment.
- Maintenance, inspections and roadside assistance included.
- Flexible monthly plans.
This is especially useful while handling your Portuguese driving license process.
Extra peace of mind with reduced excess protection.
For newcomers, unexpected costs can be stressful. That’s why complementary options like Reduced Excess are important. They lower your financial exposure in case of damage or incidents, offering greater peace of mind from day one.
At Xtracars, this protection can be combined with Super Protection, a solution designed to cover the driver and occupants in the event of an accident. Together, these options help ensure a safer and more predictable driving experience.
This combination is especially valuable for expats who want clear mobility costs and added security while settling in Portugal.
Driving legally in Portugal starts with understanding the system.
Learning how the Portuguese driving license works, how the driving license point system operates and how to check your points makes settling in Portugal much easier.
With the right information and flexible mobility solutions, you can focus on enjoying life in Portugal instead of worrying about paperwork.
Xtracars offers a diverse fleet of recent vehicles, suitable for different needs and lifestyles, ensuring safer and more controlled mobility from the very first day in Portugal.
