Portugal is a country full of rich traditions, stunning landscapes, and… some rather unexpected laws! While many regulations make perfect sense, others may surprise you with their unusual nature. If you live in Portugal or are planning to move there, here are 9 bizarre laws that might make you raise an eyebrow (or even laugh). I’m Lisbob, the expat assistant, and today, I’m revealing some of the strangest laws in Portugal that you probably never knew existed!
You Can’t Display a Foreign Flag Alone on Your Balcony 🚩
Planning to show support for your home country by hanging its flag on your balcony? In Portugal, it’s illegal to display a foreign flag by itself. The law states that if you want to hang a non-Portuguese flag, it must be accompanied by a Portuguese flag, and the national flag must always be in the place of honor.
This regulation is meant to protect national identity and sovereignty. So, if you’re getting ready for the World Cup, be sure to check your flag arrangement first!
Bare-Handed Fishing is Strictly Forbidden 🎣
Thinking of channeling your inner survivalist by catching fish with your bare hands? Think again! Catching fish without proper fishing equipment is strictly prohibited in Portugal, even in small rivers or streams.
This law is in place to protect aquatic life and prevent overfishing. So, if you’re eager for fresh fish, better grab a fishing rod—or simply head to the nearest market instead.
Noise Rules Are No Joke 🔊
Love blasting music until late at night? Be careful—Portugal enforces strict noise regulations. Between 11 PM and 7 AM, even loud household appliances like a washing machine could land you in trouble.
Many Portuguese take noise complaints seriously, and the police can fine you or shut down your party if neighbors file a complaint. So, if you’re hosting a gathering at home, warn your neighbors in advance and keep the volume down!
Dogs Are (Usually) Banned from Beaches in Summer 🐕⛱️
All beaches in Portugal are public, but during the summer months, dogs are often prohibited on the sand. If you bring your four-legged friend along, you might get fined by local authorities.
Thankfully, there are designated dog-friendly beaches where your pup is welcome all year round. Always check the signs before settling down with your towel!
Washing Your Car on the Street is Illegal 🚗💦
If you’re planning to wash your car in front of your house, you might want to think twice. Washing cars on public roads is illegal in Portugal, as it prevents pollutants like oil and detergent from flowing into drainage systems.
To stay on the safe side, head to an official car wash where proper waste management is in place.
Wild Mushroom Picking? Only with Permission 🍄
Foraging for wild mushrooms might sound like a great weekend activity, but in Portugal, picking mushrooms without permission is prohibited in protected areas or private land.
This law is designed to preserve ecosystems and prevent resource overexploitation. If you’re eager to collect mushrooms, make sure you’re in an approved area or get the landowner’s permission first.
9 Unbelievable Laws You Didn’t Know Existed in Portugal 🇵🇹
Be Careful Hanging Laundry on Your Balcony 👕
Drying clothes on a balcony is common in Portugal, but in certain historic areas, municipalities ban visible laundry hanging from windows or balconies.
This rule exists to preserve the aesthetic appeal of older neighborhoods. Before stringing up a clothesline, check your local regulations—or invest in an indoor drying rack instead!
Spitting Out Your Chewing Gum Can Get You Fined 🚯
Tossing a piece of gum onto the street might seem harmless, but in Portugal, it can result in a fine.
This regulation is part of a broader effort to keep public spaces clean and reduce maintenance costs. Next time, look for a trash bin—your wallet (and the city cleaners) will thank you!
Fireworks Require Special Authorization 🎆
Dreaming of setting off fireworks for a private celebration? Not so fast. Fireworks are strictly regulated in Portugal, and you’ll need a special permit to use them.
This law is primarily aimed at preventing wildfires, particularly during the summer months when the risk is high. Always check local regulations before lighting the fuse!
These unusual laws add to the unique charm of Portugal, where tradition and modernity coexist. While some of these regulations may seem odd, they often reflect important cultural values and environmental concerns.
So, the next time you’re about to wash your car in the street or wave a foreign flag, remember—it’s always better to check the rules than to risk a fine!
Do you know of any other strange laws in Portugal? Share them in the comments!
Sources for the Laws Mentioned:
1. Flags on Balconies:
• Law No. 150/87 on the use of national symbols in Portugal.
2. Bare-Handed Fishing:
• Decree-Law No. 112/2017 regulating fishing and aquatic resource management.
3. Noise Regulations:
• Noise Pollution Legal Framework – Decree-Law No. 9/2007.
4. Dog Restrictions on Beaches:
• Local Beach Regulations (varies by municipality and port authorities).
5. Car Washing Ban on Public Streets:
• Decree-Law No. 194/2009 on waste management and public space preservation.
6. Wild Mushroom Picking Restrictions:
• Law No. 173/99 protecting forest areas and national parks.
7. Laundry Drying Restrictions:
• Municipal Regulations for the preservation of historic centers (e.g., Lisbon, Porto).
8. Chewing Gum Disposal Law:
• Portuguese Penal Code, Article 262, concerning environmental offenses.
9. Fireworks Regulation:
• Decree-Law No. 124/2006 on wildfire prevention and firework restrictions.
These sources, often derived from national or municipal legislation, can be found on the official Portuguese government website (Diário da República) or through local authorities.
