Chapter 20 of 21

Driving & Transport

License, tolls, fuel & traffic

Driving & Transport

Driver's License, Toll, Fuel & Traffic

This chapter is for informational purposes only. Always consult a professional.

Sources: imt-ip.pt | infraestruturasdeportugal.pt

Driver's License

EU license: valid until expiration date. Renew via IMT
Non-EU: valid 185 days, then exchange required
Renewal: up to 60: at expiration date. 60-70: every 5 years. 70+: every 2 years

Speed Limits & Rules

Zone	Limit
Built-up area	50 km/h
National roads	90 km/h
Highways	120 km/h

Alcohol: 0.5 g/L (0.2 for beginners). • Handheld mobile phone: prohibited.
Seatbelt on all seats. • Child seat <12 years/135cm.

Vest In The Cabin

In Portugal, the safety vest must be inside the car (NOT in the trunk). Put it on before you exit the vehicle in case of breakdown. Fine: EUR 60-300. GNR enforces.

Toll Roads

Via Verde — Electronic transponder. Recommended for residents
EASYtoll — Linked to credit card. For visitors
Electronic highways without barriers: no payment method = fines

Fuel

Fuel	Price (estimate 2026)
Petrol 95	~€1.55–€1.75/L
Diesel	~€1.40–€1.60/L
LPG	~€0.70–€0.85/L

Supermarket gas stations (Pingo Doce, Continente) are 5-10 cents cheaper per liter.

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Glossary

NISS (Social Security Number)
The Portuguese social security number. You need your NISS if you plan to work in Portugal or start as a freelancer. It is also required for access to certain social benefits and allowances.
SEF/AIMA (Immigration Service)
The former Portuguese immigration service SEF was replaced by AIMA in 2023 (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum). AIMA handles residence permits, visa applications and all immigration matters. Wait times can be long, so start your application early.
IRS (Personal Income Tax)
Portuguese personal income tax. The IRS return is filed annually between April and June. Rates range from 14.5% to 48% depending on income. Tax residents must declare their worldwide income.
ISV (Vehicle Registration Tax)
Tax when registering or importing a vehicle in Portugal. The ISV amount can be substantial, especially for older or polluting vehicles. EU citizens who relocate may be eligible for exemption under certain conditions.
CPCV (Promissory Purchase Agreement)
The preliminary purchase contract when buying property in Portugal. Upon signing you typically pay a 10-20% deposit (sinal). If the buyer withdraws, they lose the deposit; if the seller withdraws, they must repay double the amount.
Certidão de Teor (Property Registry Extract)
An extract from the Portuguese property registry at the Conservatória. The Certidão de Teor shows who owns a property and whether there are mortgages or liens on it. Always check before purchasing a property.
Junta de Freguesia (Parish Council)
The local administrative body at neighborhood level, comparable to a Dutch district council. At the Junta de Freguesia you can request an Atestado de Residência (proof of residence) among other things. It is often your first point of contact for local matters.
Conservatória (Registry Office)
The Portuguese registry office for property and civil status. At the Conservatória, property transfers, marriages and births are registered. For property purchases, registration at the Conservatória do Registo Predial is mandatory.
Título de Residência (Residence Permit)
The Portuguese residence permit card, comparable to a Dutch residence permit. After approval of your visa application, you receive a Título de Residência allowing you to legally live and work in Portugal.
Multibanco
The Portuguese payment network and ATM system. Multibanco is not only used for cash withdrawals, but also for paying bills, taxes and even concert tickets. It is an essential part of daily life in Portugal.