Portugal Recognizes Brazilian Driver’s Licenses Under New Decree

Overview

• A decree signed on January 7 by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa puts Brazil’s CNH into effect in Portugal for categories A and B.
• Use is permitted only with a valid, unsuspended license, presented in digital or physical form, and for drivers under 60 years old.
• Brazilians living in Portugal may drive with their CNH until it expires, and Portuguese licenses are accepted in Brazil under the same agreement.
• A 2025 ruling by Portugal’s Superior Tribunal de Justiça treats most cases of driving without a valid license as an administrative offense with €300–€1,500 fines, with criminal charges reserved for limited situations.
• Separately in Brazil, automatic CNH renewal begins January 9 for drivers with 12 months free of infractions, using the CNH app or Senatran portal, with capped exam prices and the digital license required.