China licence Portugal

Driving in Portugal with a China license

Short answer: to drive in Portugal with a China license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your China license.

Bring an IDP

Yes — to drive in Portugal on an China licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your China licence. Portugal expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Convention basisPortugal uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

At the rental deskRequested for licences issued outside the EU/EEA.

CarryCarry BOTH your China national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.

Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25

Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)

FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits

Last verified June 2026Source: Geneva 1949 / Vienna 1968

Get my IDP for Portugal Full Portugal guide

Mainland China is not party to the IDP conventions, so Chinese drivers typically obtain a temporary local licence in the destination country. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Portugal

Electronic tolls (Via Verde) — arrange with your rental car.
Reflective vest and triangle required.
0.05% alcohol limit; 0.02% for new drivers.
Dipped headlights in tunnels.

Common questions

Can I drive in Portugal with a China license?

to drive in Portugal with a China license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your China license. Portugal uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

Is my China driver's license valid in Portugal?

Yes — to drive in Portugal on an China licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your China licence. Portugal expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Portugal?

Yes — to drive in Portugal on an China licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your China licence. Portugal expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Can I rent a car in Portugal with a China license?

Requested for licences issued outside the EU/EEA.

What IDP format does Portugal accept?

Portugal uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Portugal?

An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing China license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the 1949 Geneva / 1968 Vienna format Portugal uses — carried alongside your China license.

Do I still carry my China license?

Carry BOTH your China national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.