The measure applies to tourists and residents, but imposes a limit of 60 years of age for the driver; rule also applies to Portuguese in Brazil
The reciprocity agreement between Brazil and Portugal has already come into force, which allows Brazilian drivers to use the National Driver’s License (CNH) to drive on Portuguese soil. The measure, which eliminates the need to exchange the document for the local equivalent, benefits both tourists and residents, changing the dynamics of mobility for immigrants in Europe.
The decree establishes that the Brazilian CNH is valid in Portugal until the date of its original expiration. However, the benefit is not unrestricted: the rule applies exclusively to categories A (motorcycles) and B (passenger vehicles).
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To ensure road safety, the traffic authorities of both countries have established technical “filters”. The facility is valid only for drivers up to 60 years of age. In addition, the document presented — whether in physical format or in the digital version, which has the same legal value — must have been issued or renewed less than 15 years ago.
By the principle of diplomatic reciprocity, the same rules are now valid for Portuguese citizens who drive in Brazil, strengthening integration within the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP).
The practical impact of the measure is immediate, especially for the Brazilian community residing in Portugal. Until then, after taking up residence, the driver had a short deadline to request a change of license, facing bureaucracy and high costs. With the change, the wait for appointments at Portuguese traffic agencies is eliminated.
For the tourism sector, the expectation is for a heating up in the vehicle rental market, since the administrative barrier to driving has been removed. The new legislation consolidates Portugal as one of the destinations with the greatest ease of adaptation for Brazilians abroad.
