The minimum age to rent a car in Portugal is 18, but most rental companies require you to be at least 21 with one year of driving experience. Drivers under 25 usually pay a young driver surcharge, which ranges from €5 to €25 per day. Some car categories have even higher age restrictions.
🚦 Minimum Age to Rent a Car in Portugal
While 18 is the legal driving age, most rental companies require:
- ✅ Minimum age: 21
- ✅ License held for 1–2 years
- ❌ Under 21 usually only allowed by local providers with higher fees
🧠 Always check the terms of the specific company before booking — not all allow young drivers.
💸 What Is the Young Driver Fee?
A young driver fee is a daily charge applied to renters under a certain age, usually 25. It’s added on top of your base rental cost.
| Age Group | Daily Fee Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 18–20 | €20–€35 | Very few providers accept |
| 21–24 | €5–€20 | Common surcharge |
| 25+ | €0 | No age-based fee applied |
📌 The younger you are, the higher the insurance risk — and the higher the cost.
🏆 Comparison of Major Rental Companies – Age Requirements
| Company | Minimum Age | Young Driver Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centauro | 21 | €7–€9/day | No luxury cars under 25 |
| Guerin | 19 | €6–€14/day | Good for younger travelers |
| Sixt | 21 (18 for select) | €9–€20/day | Certain car classes restricted |
| Enterprise | 21 | €12–€18/day | Must hold license for 1 year |
| Europcar | 21 | €10–€25/day | Additional driver also charged |
| Drive on Holidays | 21 | €0–€10/day | Best for budget-conscious drivers |
✅ Guerin and Drive on Holidays are often the best picks for 19–21 year olds.
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
🧾 Required Documents for Young Drivers
Whether you’re 21 or 31, here’s what you’ll need:
- ✅ Valid driver’s license (in Roman script)
- ✅ Passport or national ID
- ✅ Credit or debit card (in your name)
- 📄 Optional: International Driving Permit if license isn’t in English
🧠 Drivers under 25 may also be required to purchase full insurance or leave a larger deposit.
🚘 Car Types Restricted by Age
Some vehicle categories have higher age limits:
| Car Category | Minimum Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Economy / Compact | 18–21 | Widely available |
| SUV / Minivan | 23–25 | Some may allow at 21 with surcharge |
| Luxury / Premium | 25–30 | Often restricted regardless of fee |
📌 Even if you pay the young driver surcharge, you may not be eligible for premium models.
🛡️ Insurance & Deposit Rules for Younger Drivers
- 💳 Expect higher deposit holds: €900–€1500
- 🛡️ May be required to take full insurance
- 🧾 Some providers won’t accept third-party insurance if you’re under 25
✅ If you want to rent with a debit card, full insurance is usually mandatory for under 25.
✅ Summary – Renting a Car Under 25 in Portugal
- ✔️ Minimum age: 21 for most brands (some allow 18–19)
- 💰 Young driver fees apply if under 25
- 📄 License must be held for 1+ year
- 🛑 Luxury and SUV rentals usually not available under 25
- 🛡️ Consider full insurance to reduce stress and deposit
- 🚗 Book early — not all fleets have young driver-friendly options
🔗 Compare Rentals for Drivers Under 25
- Filter companies by minimum age
- Compare young driver fees side-by-side
- Find low deposit or no deposit options
- See who accepts debit cards or offers full insurance
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I rent a car in Portugal at 18 years old?
A: Only a few providers allow this, and expect high surcharges and limited car options.
Q: What’s the minimum age to rent a car at Lisbon Airport?
A: Usually 21. Some local agencies allow 19 with a young driver fee.
Q: Can I rent a luxury car if I’m under 25?
A: No — most rental agencies restrict premium cars to drivers 25+.
