The Agreement between the Portuguese Republic and the Federative Republic of Brazil on the Mutual Recognition of Driving Licences, signed in Lisbon in September 2023 and enacted through Decree No. 4/2026 of 9 February, has now been approved.
This new legal framework responds to a long-standing need felt by Portuguese and Brazilian citizens, allowing holders of driving licences issued in one of the States to drive legally in the territory of the other using their original licence, provided that certain requirements are met.
The measure removes administrative barriers that for many years have restricted personal and professional mobility, particularly in situations involving residence and employment.
The Agreement is structured around two key scenarios:
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Temporary driving
Holders of valid driving licences may drive in the territory of the other State for up to 185 days from the date of entry, even prior to the establishment of residence.
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Driving after establishing residence
Once residence has been established, the driver may continue to drive without the immediate need to exchange their licence, if all of the following requirements are met cumulatively:
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- the driving licence is valid;
- no more than 15 years have elapsed since its issue or last renewal;
- the driver is under 60 years of age;
- the minimum legal driving ages required in the host State are respected.
Without prejudice to this simplified regime, the Agreement preserves the possibility of formally exchanging the driving licence, either where required by domestic legislation or at the option of the holder, with recognition of equivalent vehicle categories.
In addition to the clear administrative simplification, the Agreement introduces mechanisms aimed at strengthening road safety, providing for the verification of the authenticity of driving licences, through digital information-sharing platforms or, alternatively, via diplomatic channels.
Active cooperation between the competent authorities of both countries is also предусмотрed, ensuring the reliability of the information exchanged and compliance with applicable personal data protection regulations.
This new regime will have a direct and immediate impact on the lives of thousands of individuals, in particular:
- posted workers and expatriates;
- students participating in international mobility programmes;
- businesspeople and professionals operating in cross-border contexts;
- emigrants and Luso-Brazilian citizens who travel frequently between the two countries.
By facilitating the circulation of drivers, the Agreement contributes to economic, social and cultural development, further strengthening a historic relationship that already benefits from a solid framework under the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Consultation concluded between Portugal and Brazil.
Belzuz Abogados, S.L.P. – Branch in Portugal is an international law firm headquartered in Madrid with offices in Lisbon and Porto, with extensive experience in the recognition of qualifications, assisting Brazilian citizens in the processes for recognising their driving licences in Portugal.