CHANGING YOUR DRIVING LICENCE

Exchanging Your Driving Licence

If you move to Portugal, you may need to register or exchange your driving licence depending on the country where it was issued. The rules vary for European Union licences, UK licences and licences issued by other countries, so it is important to understand the requirements before you become a resident.

Portugal has agreements with many countries that make the exchange process straightforward, provided you meet the necessary conditions. (Gov.pt)

EU Driving Licences

If your driving licence was issued by an EU or EEA country, you can normally continue driving in Portugal until your licence expires. If you become a resident in Portugal, you should register your address with the Portuguese Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT) within 60 days of moving. (Gov.pt)

UK Driving Licences

UK driving licences are recognised in Portugal under current agreements. Depending on your circumstances and residency status, you may need to exchange your licence for a Portuguese licence after becoming a resident. Checking the latest IMT guidance before you move is recommended. (Gov.pt)

Required Documents

The documents required will depend on your individual circumstances, but they commonly include proof of identity, proof of Portuguese residence, your current driving licence and, in some cases, a medical certificate. Additional documents may be required for licences issued outside the European Union. (Gov.pt)

Applying Through IMT

Driving licence exchanges are handled by the Portuguese Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT). Applications can usually be started online before attending an IMT office to complete the process and provide any required documents. (Gov.pt)

Medical Requirements

Some licence categories require a medical examination or psychological assessment before a Portuguese driving licence can be issued. The requirements depend on the type of vehicle you are licensed to drive and your individual circumstances. (Gov.pt)

Processing Time

Processing times can vary depending on the number of applications and individual circumstances. It is advisable to begin the process as soon as possible after becoming a resident to avoid unnecessary delays. (Gov.pt)

Need More Information?

If you're relocating to Portugal, we're happy to guide you through the relocation process and point you towards the latest official information, helping make your move as simple and stress-free as possible.in Portugal.

Guide to Supermarkets in Portugal

Shopping for groceries in Portugal is simple, convenient and affordable, Whether you are relocating permanently, buying a holiday home or investing in property, you will find a wide range of supermarkets offering everything from fresh local produce to international brands. Many stores also provide bakeries, cafes, loyalty cards and home delivery services, making everyday shopping easy for residents and visitors alike.

woman in white coat holding green shopping cart

Popular Supermarkets in Portugal

Portugal offers an excellent range of supermarkets to suit every budget and lifestyle. Whether you are shopping for everyday essentials, premium groceries or international brands, you will find modern stores throughout the country. Most supermarkets offer fresh fruit and vegetables, bakery products, quality meat and fish, household goods, loyalty cards and convenient home delivery services in many areas.

Continente is Portugal’s largest supermarket chain and one of the country’s favourite places to shop. It offers a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bakery products, groceries and household essentials. Larger stores also sell clothing, electrical items and homeware. The Continente Card gives shoppers access to regular discounts, vouchers and special offers.

Pingo Doce

Pingo Doce is one of Portugal's best-known supermarket chains and is popular for its fresh food, quality products and excellent value. Many stores are located in town and city centres, making them convenient for everyday shopping. Customers will find fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bakery products, dairy items and a wide selection of Portuguese and international groceries.

Many Pingo Doce stores also have an in-store café or restaurant serving freshly prepared meals at affordable prices. Regular promotions and a loyalty card help shoppers save even more, making Pingo Doce a favourite choice for both locals and visitors..

Mercadona

Continente

Mercadona is one of the fastest-growing supermarket chain in Portugal that has earned a strong reputation for quality, fresh produce and excellent customer service. Originally from Spain, Mercadona offers a carefully selected range of groceries, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bakery products and household essentials at competitive prices.

One of its biggest attractions is its own-brand products, which are well known for their quality and value. Stores are clean, modern and easy to navigate, with a focus on providing a pleasant shopping experience. Although Mercadona currently has fewer stores than some of Portugal's larger supermarket chains, it continues to expand across the country and has become a favourite with many residents and newcomers.

Lidl

Lidl is one of Portugal's most popular discount supermarkets, offering excellent value without compromising on quality. The stores provide a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bakery products, dairy items and everyday groceries at competitive prices.

Lidl is especially well known for its freshly baked bread and pastries, weekly special offers and seasonal products. Shoppers can also find household goods, kitchen equipment, gardening items, clothing and electrical products during its popular promotional events. With modern stores, efficient service and excellent value for money, Lidl has become a favourite choice for both Portuguese families and international residents.

Aldi

Aldi has become an increasingly popular supermarket in Portugal, offering high-quality products at affordable prices. The stores are known for their simple layout, efficient shopping experience and excellent value on everyday groceries.

Customers can choose from a wide selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, bakery items and frozen foods, along with household essentials and carefully selected international products. Aldi is also well known for its weekly special buys, which include homeware, gardening equipment, kitchen accessories and seasonal items. Its focus on quality, value and convenience has made Aldi a popular choice for both local residents and people relocating to Portugal.

Auchan

Auchan is one of Portugal's largest hypermarket chains, offering an extensive range of products under one roof. Customers can shop for fresh fruit and vegetables, quality meat and seafood, bakery products, groceries, clothing, electronics, homeware and household essentials, making it a convenient destination for both daily shopping and larger purchases.

Many Auchan stores also include cafés, pharmacies, petrol stations and other useful services. The supermarket is well known for its competitive prices, regular promotions and wide selection of Portuguese and international products. With spacious stores and a strong focus on customer choice, Auchan is a popular shopping destination for families and visitors throughout Portugal.

Intermarché is a well-established supermarket chain in Portugal, with many stores serving both towns and rural communities. It offers a wide selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, quality meat, fish, bakery products, groceries and household essentials at competitive prices.

Many Intermarché stores also include a butcher, fish counter and bakery, allowing customers to buy fresh local produce. Some larger stores have petrol stations and additional services, making them a convenient place for everyday shopping. With regular promotions, friendly service and a focus on quality and value, Intermarché is a popular choice for both Portuguese families and people living in Portugal.

Intermarché

E.Leclerc

E.Leclerc is a popular French supermarket and hypermarket chain with a growing presence across Portugal. It offers a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, quality meat and seafood, bakery products, groceries, household goods and everyday essentials at competitive prices.

Many E.Leclerc stores also feature clothing, homeware, electrical products and petrol stations, making them a convenient one-stop shopping destination. Customers appreciate the supermarket for its value, fresh local produce and regular special offers. With spacious stores and an excellent selection of both Portuguese and international products, E.Leclerc is a favourite choice for many families and residents throughout Portugal.

Minipreço

Minipreço is a well-known convenience supermarket chain in Portugal, offering affordable everyday groceries in easily accessible neighbourhood locations. Its smaller stores make it ideal for quick shopping trips, whether you need fresh produce, bread, dairy products, meat, frozen foods or household essentials.

Customers appreciate Minipreço for its competitive prices, regular promotions and convenient locations, particularly in towns and residential areas. While the stores are generally smaller than the major hypermarkets, they provide a good selection of everyday products, making them a popular choice for both local residents and visitors across Portugal.

Froiz

Froiz is a well-established supermarket chain in Portugal, particularly popular in the north and central regions of the country. It offers a good selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bakery products, dairy items, groceries and household essentials.

Froiz stores are known for their friendly service, quality fresh produce and convenient neighbourhood locations. Many branches are smaller than the large hypermarkets, making them ideal for regular local shopping. With competitive prices and a strong focus on everyday essentials, Froiz is a trusted choice for families, residents and visitors in Portugal.