What happened without any press releases or official announcements affects every resident permit holder who drives in Portugal. Since 8 June, Decree-Law 114/2026 has been in force, and it contains a little-noticed provision that changes the rules: the validity of Portuguese driving licences issued to non-EU citizens is now tied to the validity of their residence permit (Art. 16, paragraphs 9–10). New licences are marked with restriction code 794.

What this means in practice:
🔸 New licences are now issued with an expiry date that matches the expiry date of your residence permit. No more 15-year validity — your licence will expire when your residence card does.

🔸 The transitional rules also apply to previously issued licences. Yes, even if you received yours two years ago and it says it is valid “until 2040.” Those older cards do not display code 794, but your immigration status can still be checked separately. The date printed on the licence is no longer a guarantee.

🔸 There is some good news: your licence remains valid as long as your residence permit is valid or is in the renewal process. An expired residence card does not automatically invalidate your driving licence if your renewal application has already been submitted. However, you may need to prove this during a roadside check, so carry proof that your renewal application has been filed.

🔸 The law came into force the day after it was published, with no transition period. How these rules will be applied to licences issued before the law took effect is still unclear. As usual.

One day you’re driving as normal, and the next you discover that the rules changed a month ago. Don’t let this news pass your friends by — share it with anyone who drives in Portugal.