Do I need a licence to fish in Portugal?
Who needs a sea fishing licence, what to carry and what to expect if you’re checked in mainland Portugal.
Yes, in most cases. If you’re planning to cast a line from the coast, fish from a boat or go spearfishing in mainland Portugal, arrange the appropriate recreational fishing licence before you start. This guide explains the exceptions, what to have with you and what happens if you’re checked.
Checked against official guidance on 2 Oct 2026
Who needs a licence?
The requirement applies to residents and visitors alike. A short holiday or a single afternoon of fishing does not create an exemption. DGRM lists three exceptions:
- Children under 16, when accompanied by a licence holder.
- Hand gathering without any capture tools (apanha lúdica).
- Non-residents taking part in international sport-fishing championships, with proof of registration.
These exemptions concern the licence only: restrictions on species, catches and places still apply. See DGRM’s licence rules.
What counts as recreational sea fishing?
Recreational fishing is fishing for leisure, sport or tourism, without commercial or scientific purposes. Releasing your catch does not by itself exempt you from licensing, and recreational catches cannot be sold. See the legal definition and rules.
This guide covers mainland sea fishing. Freshwater fishing uses a separate system, and Madeira and the Azores have their own rules. For rivers and estuaries, check the jurisdiction of your exact fishing spot. Our sea vs freshwater guide explains the boundary and where to apply.
Which licence fits your trip?
| Your activity | Licence type |
|---|---|
| Fishing from land or rocks | Apeada — shore fishing |
| Line fishing from a boat, plus shore fishing | Embarcada — boat fishing |
| Spearfishing | Pesca submarina — underwater fishing |
| Shore, boat and underwater fishing | Pesca lúdica geral — all types |
Choose the type that covers everything you plan to do. A shore licence does not cover a boat trip, and a boat licence does not cover spearfishing. See DGRM’s licence types.
On a charter, ask the operator how your licence will be arranged before departure. Don’t assume the booking includes it. You can also choose your mainland sea licence here; check the type and validity dates before fishing.
What to carry, and can you show it on your phone?
Bring the passport or ID used for your licence and keep your licence details handy. Check that the recorded identification number is correct: inspectors use it to look up your licence.
DGRM says a paper licence is no longer required: the licence exists as a database record. Keeping the issued PDF or licence details on your phone is useful, but a screenshot does not replace a valid record. See DGRM’s guidance on paperless licences and identification.
- Save your details offline before heading to the water, where reception may be poor.
- Check the name, identification number, licence type and start and end dates.
- Keep your phone charged; an optional printed backup can make the details easier to retrieve.
Who checks licences?
DGRM coordinates fisheries enforcement, with checks involving the maritime authorities and GNR, among other competent services. Inspectors may check your fishing activity as well as your licence. The enforcement framework is set out in Articles 13–13-A.
Have your identification and licence details ready, and follow the inspecting officer’s instructions. Before your trip, read the catch limits and minimum sizes and local restrictions and protected areas.
Fishing without a licence and other fines
For an individual, fishing without the required licence carries a statutory fine range of €200–€2,000. Other examples under Article 14 include:
| Offence | Fine range |
|---|---|
| Exceeding catch limits or retaining prohibited species | €200–€2,000 |
| Fishing in areas or periods closed for conservation | €200–€2,000 |
| Keeping fish below the minimum size or weight | €100–€1,000 |
| Fishing in places closed for safety or maritime traffic | €100–€1,000 |
These are legal ranges, not fixed tickets. The circumstances affect the penalty; negligence and attempts have reduced ranges. Additional sanctions can include loss of catches or equipment and licence suspension. See Articles 14–15 of the recreational fishing law.
Before you cast
Confirm your licence is valid for today’s activity, take your identification, save your licence details and check the rules for your spot and catch. If you’re going underwater, read our spearfishing guide too. The official sources linked above were checked on 2 October 2026.