Is Cocaine legal in Portugal?

Legal status

Decriminalized (administrative offence) up to a 10-day supply — NOT legalized; the substance remains illegal and is confiscated

Consequences if caught

CRITICAL: decriminalized is NOT legalized. Personal use, acquisition or possession up to a 10-DAY SUPPLY is an ADMINISTRATIVE offence (not criminal, no criminal record), but the substance remains illegal and IS confiscated; the case is referred to the Commission for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction (CDT), which may issue a warning, a suspension (first-time non-dependent users), a €25–150 fine, or a treatment referral. The 10-day personal threshold (Portaria 94/96) is 2 g for cocaine. Above the 10-day threshold, or with trafficking indicators, the case is criminal under Decree-Law 15/93 (Art 21): trafficking up to 12 years, with lesser tiers of 1–5 years. New psychoactive substances (NPS) are controlled separately under Decree-Law 54/2013 (administrative fines up to €45,000).

If prescribed or medical

Carrying a prescribed medicine within the 10-day personal threshold with a valid prescription is lawful; for controlled medicines carry a Schengen certificate (see documentation).

Documentation

For Schengen travel carry a Schengen certificate for controlled medicines plus the original packaging and prescription. Carrying a prescribed medicine within the 10-day personal threshold with a valid prescription is lawful.

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Portugal’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.