With effect from 31 December 2020, the Brexit transition period between the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) ended and the regime for the recognition and exchange of driving licences provided for driving licences issued by Member States of the EU or EEA is no longer applicable.

Considering the high number of UK citizens residing in Portugal, a bilateral agreement for the recognition and exchange of driving licences between Portugal and the UK is under negotiation.

While this negotiation is taking place, the Portuguese Government approved the Decree-Law No. 25-B/2021, of 30 March, establishing a transitional regime for the recognition and exchange of UK driving licences under which:
— Driving licences issued by the UK, provided they are valid, are recognized in Portugal in the same terms as any driving licence issued by a Member State of the EU;
— UK citizens can exchange their UK licences for a Portuguese driving licence with no need to carry out a driving test.

This Decree-Law applies to the driving licence exchange processes pending on the date on which this law becomes effective (1 April 2021).

Natacha Branquinho