Driving in Portugal: What Expats Need to Know Before Getting on the Road

Thinking about driving in Portugal or getting a car once you move? Whether you're planning your move, newly arrived, or have been living here for a while, understanding how driving and car ownership works in Portugal can make a big difference to your day-to-day life. Many expats are surprised by how different things can be, from toll roads and paperwork to licence rules, taxes, and the real cost of owning a car. It’s not difficult once you understand it, but it’s not always obvious either. In this webinar, we walk through the practical side of driving in Portugal, including how to get legally on the road, whether it makes sense to buy, import or lease a vehicle, and what to expect in terms of costs, insurance, and ongoing responsibilities. Our aim is to give you clear, reliable information so you can avoid common mistakes and feel more confident making the right decisions for your situation. 📌 CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 04:42 Do you need a car in Portugal? 06:33 Driving in Portugal 07:42 Cost of cars in Portugal 08:34 Importing your vehicle to Portugal 10:30 Buying a vehicle in Portugal 14:14 Leasing & Financing vehicles 17:00 Fuel costs 20:15 Driving Licence 23:38 Road tax 25:17 Insurance 27:32 Vehicle safety certificate (Inspeção Periódica Obrigatória - IPO) 28:34 What to do if you have an accident 30:14 Additional key information 35:05 Expert advice & personal guidance for buying a car in Portugal 36:34 Useful contacts for insurance, buying or importing vehicles 🔗 USEFUL CONTACTS 🚘 Contacts for assistance with vehicles in Portugal 🟢 Roriz Car - Vehicle search, sourcing and personal advice and assistance for buying used and new cars in Portugal - https://expatsportugal.com/services/ 🟢 ACP Automóvel Clube de Portugal - help with paperwork for exchanging your licence, importing your car. Insurance, fuel discounts, leisure discounts, healthcare, golf, and much much more. Premium Members receive a 25% discount off their first year’s annual membership fee Community Members receive a 15% discount off their first year’s annual membership fee - https://expatsportugal.com/business-d... 🟢 Global International Relocation - Shipping your goods including vehicles to Portugal and worldwide. Assistance with the full process. 5% discount for Premium Members - https://expatsportugal.com/business-d... 🟢 Spartan FX - For money exchange and transfer to purchase a vehicle - https://expatsportugal.com/business-d... 🟢 Winsurance - For all options & cost for vehicle insurance - https://expatsportugal.com/business-d... 🟢 Zest Car Hire - https://expatsportugal.com/business-d... #DrivingInPortugal #MovingToPortugal #LivingInPortugal #PortugalExpat #CarOwnership #ExpatLife #PortugalTips