IMT online exchange or IMT counter: Which Is Better in Portugal? (2026)
The short answer
The online portal is now the only way to start a licence exchange and saves 10% (EUR 27 vs 30). The counter visit survives only as the final step to surrender the foreign licence and capture biometrics.
Row by row
Fees verified August 2026 against each provider's published data
| Criterion | IMT online exchange | IMT counter |
|---|---|---|
| Entry channel | portal is the only entryWins | |
| Fee | 10% discountWins | |
| Steps | counter only for surrender/biometricsWins | |
| Medical handling | electronic atestado in bothTie | electronic atestado in bothTie |
| Error recovery | human review at intakeWins |
So which one
Pick IMT online exchange if
- Always, it is the mandated entry channel with the discount.
Pick IMT counter if
- Only when IMT emails you to appear, or your file is stuck without portal feedback.
Other comparisons
6 more pairsHow we compared these two
The criteria are fixed
Every comparison on this site uses the same 5 rows in the same order, so two pages can be read against each other. We do not add a row because one side happens to win it.
A win is a stated threshold
A row is won on the published number or capability, not on judgement. Ties are declared rather than broken. Figures come from provider price lists and official sources.
How we get paid
Both links earn a commission at the same rate, so the winner of a row is never the higher-paying one. Fees come from each provider's own published price list, not a comparison feed.
Sources: provider price lists and official data, accessed August 2026. Next review: November 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, IMT online exchange or IMT counter?
The online portal is now the only way to start a licence exchange and saves 10% (EUR 27 vs 30). The counter visit survives only as the final step to surrender the foreign licence and capture biometrics.
When should I pick IMT online exchange?
Always, it is the mandated entry channel with the discount.
When should I pick IMT counter?
Only when IMT emails you to appear, or your file is stuck without portal feedback.