Are you a South African expat considering relocating to Portugal and using your South African driving licence? Driving in Portugal as an expat can be an exciting and convenient way to explore a country with such stunning scenery stretching from Lisbon to Porto. But here’s the million dollar question: Can you drive in Portugal with a South African licence? The short answer is yes, but only temporarily, after which you’ll need to convert your South African licence. Converting to a Portuguese ‘carta de condução’ is the key to exploring and settling in Portugal hassle free.
Whether you’re visiting as a tourist or staying for longer, it’s important to understand the intricacies of converting your South African driving licence to a Portuguese one. In this blog, we will answer the question Can I drive in Portugal with a South African driver’s licence? cover everything you need to know about converting your South African driving licence to a Portuguese one to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, including essential traffic rules in Portugal and must-know institutions and road etiquette.
Can I drive in Portugal with a South African licence?
As a tourist
You can drive in Portugal as a tourist with a South African driver for a period of approximately six months (185 days) after your entry into Portugal, provided you do not intend to settle.
Time-limits
When you take up residence in Portugal, you must observe the following time limits, which apply from the date on which your residence permit is issued:
- Up to 90 days:
You may continue to drive on a South African licence for up to 90 days from the date of issue of your residence permit, but you must apply to IMT for an exchange during this period;
- From 90 days up to 2 years:
You can no longer drive with a South African licence, but you can still apply to IMT for an exchange during this period;
- After 2 years:
You can apply to convert your licence, but you will have to pass a practical driving test.
The basics of converting South African license in Portugal
- The IMT is Your Primary Contact: The Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) is the sole authority for converting driving licences in Portugal. IMT is the equivalent of the RTMC (Road Traffic Management Corporation) in South Africa. All applications, documentation and appointments are managed through IMT.
- Biometric Data is Mandatory: The Portuguese licence requires a photograph and signature, and requires a personal appointment at an IMT office (so even if you’re using a lawyer, you’ll still need to go in person).
- Medical Fitness is Non-Negotiable: A medical examination by an IMT-registered doctor is always required, regardless of nationality or type of licence.
- Language Matters: Although the IMT application and some tests are available in English, a basic knowledge of Portuguese is an advantage for navigating the process and communicating with officials.
What documents do I need to convert my South African driving license in Portugal ?
The first thing you’ll need is a medical examination. A doctor in Portugal will determine whether you’re fit to drive and then send the certificate directly to IMT. In Portugal this is called an “atestado médico eletrônico” (digital medical certificate) and you will also need the following documents:
Proof of Identity:
- Passport (with visa, if applicable), or;
- Portuguese Citizen Card (if you have one), or;
- Residence Permit/Card (Cartão de Residência)—essential for proving legal residency.
Proof of Residency (Address):
- A proof of residence: from Portal das Finanças (requires a Portuguese tax identification number, or NIF) or Utility bills (electricity, water, gas) in your name, :or A rental agreement (contrato de arrendamento).
- A driving license confirmation letter: also called a Driver’s Licence Verification Certificate, acts as official proof that you hold a valid driver’s license in South Africa. It verifies the information on your license against a government database, usually issued by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). The letter must be apostilled.
- Original Driver’s License: You must surrender your original, valid foreign driver’s license. Make a high-quality color copy for your records before submitting it.
- NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal): Your Portuguese tax identification number. This is essential for many administrative processes in Portugal.
- A psychological assessment certificate (if your license includes categories for heavy duty vehicles, public transport, or tractors);
Once you have submitted your application, wait for IMT to contact you to arrange a face-to-face appointment to complete the process.
What’s the traffic like in Portugal?
Traffic laws in Portugal are similar to those in other European countries, but it is important to be aware of the specific rules when driving in Portugal. Here are a few things to keep in mind :
- Driving on the right : In Portugal, you must drive on the right-hand side of the road, with the steering wheel on the left.
- Speed limits : Speed limits in Portugal can vary depending on the type of road and conditions. In general, the standard limit on highways is 120 km/h, on national roads it is 90 km/h, and in urban areas it is 50 km/h. However, pay attention to the road signs, as there may be variations.
- Seat belts : The use of seat belts is compulsory for all occupants of the vehicle, including the rear seat.
- Alcohol and Driving : Blood alcohol limits in Portugal are strict. The maximum permitted level is 0.05 g/dL (grams per deciliter) of alcohol in the blood. For drivers with less than 3 years’ experience or under the age of 21, the permitted level is 0.02 g/dL.
- Documentation: It is mandatory that you carry your driver’s licence, vehicle document and proof of insurance whenever you are driving. If you don’t have a citizen’s card, you must carry the NIF registration paper. If you want, you can have the documents in digital form as long as they are in the Official government app created for this purpose.
- Tollgate: Many highways in Portugal require toll payment, which means you have to pay a toll. There are different payment systems, including electronic tags and payment at toll stations.
- Compulsory insurance: Car insurance is compulsory in Portugal. However, you only need third-party insurance that covers damage to other vehicles.
Important: In Portugal, most official certificates and documents must have been issued within the last 6 months to be considered valid. This includes medical certificates and apostilles. Plan accordingly to avoid having to repeat these steps.
Global Apostille Document application Service
Global Apostille is a Pretoria-based legalisation agency that can assist you in applying for and obtaining a Letter of Confirmation for your Driving Licence within 10 working days so that it can be legally used abroad. Our Express Driving Licence Confirmation Letter service includes:
- Checking your application documents for the Driving Licence Confirmation Letter to ensure they have been properly completed as required.
- Submission of application documents to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).
- Fast-track your application & receipt of your Driving Licence Confirmation Letter.
- Our transparent pricing structure includes verification and submission of documents to the RTMC for a competitive fee of R2 700.00.
For more information on our express Driving Licence Confirmation Letter service contact us today at 012 348 3134, 081 347 6060. You can also email us at info@apostillelegalisation.co.za or visit our website at www.apostillelegalisation.co.za.
