Exchanging your foreign driving licence for a Portuguese one
Your licence may be valid in Portugal, but there are limits, and the rules depend on the country that issued it. We tell you when it's worth exchanging and handle the application at IMT, start to finish.
Your licence works here. But not forever.
You already live in Portugal
You have residence and want a Portuguese licence so you can drive with peace of mind, without depending on deadlines, age limits or your current licence's validity.
Your licence is close to its limit
Depending on the issuing country, the age of the licence or your own age can stop it from being valid for residents in Portugal. Exchanging solves it.
You want to work as a driver
For ride-hailing (TVDE), school transport or new categories, IMT requires a Portuguese licence.
You'll drive around Europe
A Portuguese licence is a European document, which makes life easier anywhere in the EU.
You hand in your licence. We take care of the rest.
Review of your case
We check whether you need to exchange now, whether you can keep driving on your current licence, and which categories carry over to the Portuguese one.
The right list of documents
ID, proof of residence, tax address and a certificate of your licence when IMT asks for one. Nothing extra, nothing missing.
Medical certificate
We guide you on the medical check and, if you like, book it for you. The doctor sends the certificate straight to IMT.
Application on the IMT portal
We fill in and submit the application online, with the documents attached the way IMT asks.
In-person appointment
We explain what to bring on the day IMT calls you in to hand over your licence and record your photo and signature.
Follow-up until your licence arrives
We follow the process and reply to IMT if it asks for anything else. You know about every step.
From your current licence to a Portuguese one, in 5 steps
- 01
1. First conversation
We understand your situation: residence, the country and validity of your licence, categories and what you need to drive.
- 02
2. Documents and medical certificate
We gather the documents and you do the medical check. The certificate goes straight from the doctor to IMT.
- 03
3. Application at IMT
We submit the exchange application on the IMT portal. Whether a test is needed depends on the country that issued your licence, and we tell you upfront.
- 04
4. Handing in your licence
IMT calls you to a service desk. There you hand in your original licence and record your photo and signature.
- 05
5. Licence in hand
Until your Portuguese licence arrives, you drive with the guia de substituição. Then you just receive the card.
Agreements between countries change. We check yours.
Each country's licence follows its own rules in Portugal, and some countries have agreements with Portugal. These agreements change: in February 2026, for example, Portugal published the decree approving a new licence recognition agreement with Brazil, which only takes effect once both countries complete ratification. Until then, the current IMT rules apply. If your licence was issued in an EU or EEA country, it is generally recognised in Portugal and the rules are different. We confirm what applies on the day of your application.
What people ask before they start.
Can I drive in Portugal with a foreign licence?
In many cases, yes, if the licence is valid. If you've just arrived, you can drive with it for a period after entering the country. If you already live here, you may also be able to, as long as you meet the IMT conditions for the country that issued your licence.
What are the conditions for driving on a foreign licence while living in Portugal?
They depend on the issuing country. For Brazilian licences, for example, IMT requires the licence to be valid, less than 15 years since it was issued or last renewed, and the holder to be under 60. If a condition isn't met, it's time to exchange. We check the rules for your country.
Do I need to take a test to exchange my licence in Portugal?
It depends on the country that issued it. Licences from some countries, Brazil among them, are exempt from the theory and practical tests on exchange, and you only need the medical certificate, plus a psychological assessment if you want to exchange lorry or bus categories. We tell you what applies to yours before you apply.
Do I need a residence permit to exchange my licence?
IMT asks for proof of residence in Portugal to complete the exchange. Our founder, Danilo, who is Brazilian, exchanged his Brazilian licence before he had his residence permit, when many people said it was impossible. Every case has a way, and we look at yours.
Does IMT keep my original licence?
Yes. On exchange, you hand in your original licence at the IMT desk. You stop using it and drive with the Portuguese licence from then on.
How long does the Portuguese licence take to arrive?
It varies by time of year and region. Until it arrives, the guia de substituição lets you drive in Portugal. We follow it and keep you posted.
Can I exchange my licence to work as a ride-hailing (TVDE) driver?
Yes, and for TVDE the exchange is mandatory. IMT only adds Group II, the professional entitlement, to a Portuguese licence. We also advise you on the TVDE certificate.
My licence has expired. Can I still exchange it?
An expired licence can't be used to drive in Portugal and doesn't go through the exchange in the normal way. First you need to look at renewing it in the country that issued it. We point you to the best way for your case.
I'm over 60. Can I drive on my foreign licence in Portugal?
For some licences, including Brazilian ones, once you live in Portugal the licence stops meeting the IMT conditions from age 60. The way forward is to exchange it for a Portuguese licence, with your medical certificate up to date. We check the rule for your country.
We're with you the whole way.
Residence permit
Your AIMA application, documents, appointments and follow-up until your residence card arrives.
Learn moreVehicle import
From the ISV calculation to Portuguese plates: we legalise the car you brought to Portugal.
Learn moreNIF in Portugal
Get your NIF, the Portuguese tax number, here or from abroad, with people who know the way at Finanças.
Learn moreThere's always a way.
Your licence. Your Portuguese licence. The right way.
Talk to us and find out whether it's time to exchange. The initial consultation costs 80 €, deducted if you go ahead with the service.