Sea vs freshwater fishing licences in Portugal
Which licence you need, where to buy it, and how the rules differ for sea and freshwater fishing in mainland Portugal.
In mainland Portugal, recreational fishing generally requires a licence, whether you live here or are visiting. Choose it by where and how you’ll fish: sea and freshwater licences are separate. This guide covers recreational fishing, not commercial fishing.
Checked against official guidance on 1 Oct 2026
What counts as sea fishing
DGRM issues sea fishing licences for mainland Portugal’s coast and waters under maritime jurisdiction. Choose the type that matches your activity:
- On foot (apeada): fishing from the shore, rocks or a pier.
- On boat (embarcada): fishing from a boat; also covers fishing on foot.
- Underwater (submarina): spearfishing.
- All types (geral): shore, boat and underwater fishing.
Sea licences can be daily, monthly or annual; All types has no daily option. Mainland licences do not cover Madeira or the Azores, which have separate systems. See DGRM’s licence guidance.
What counts as freshwater fishing
ICNF handles fishing in inland rivers, lakes and reservoirs outside maritime jurisdiction. A sea licence does not cover these waters.
Residents normally choose an annual national or regional licence. Visitors who do not live in Portugal need a non-resident licence, available for 7 days, 30 days or a calendar year. Some managed fishing zones also require a local permit. Check ICNF’s fishing information for the area you plan to visit.
Estuaries and river mouths
A river location does not automatically mean a freshwater licence. Estuaries and some river stretches fall under maritime jurisdiction and use DGRM licences. Check the exact spot on DGRM’s jurisdiction maps, rather than judging by the water’s salinity. If your trip crosses into ICNF waters, you’ll need the relevant freshwater licence too.
Where to buy your licence
- Sea fishing: foreigners can apply through the BMar portal with payment by bank transfer, or visit a DGRM or regional fisheries counter. See DGRM’s list of licence offices. The Multibanco sea-licence option is for Portuguese citizens with Portuguese bank cards.
- Freshwater fishing: non-resident visitors should contact an ICNF office to arrange their licence. Eligible residents can also obtain general freshwater licences at Multibanco. Confirm requirements and opening hours before travelling, and bring your passport or ID.
You can buy your mainland sea fishing licence through us without a NIF or Portuguese bank account. Use our price calculator to see the total for your licence type, duration and group, including our service fee, before ordering.
We don’t currently offer freshwater licences. Want us to add them? Drop us a note in the contact form below.
Before fishing, check local restrictions, protected areas, seasons and catch limits: a licence does not override them. Under-16s can fish without a general recreational licence when accompanied by a licensed adult; check any extra rules for managed fishing zones. Keep your ID and licence details available. See DGRM’s FAQs and the freshwater fishing rules.