Import a Car to Portugal: How to do it Legally

Portugal has a robust public transportation system that makes it relatively easy to navigate throughout the country. However, to reach wayward places or if you live in a small town, you might consider buying a car. But for many, that’s more difficult than it sounds.

Through various taxes and stamp duties, Portugal is the fourth most expensive country in the world to own a vehicle. That’s why many prospective drivers might import a car to Portugal from abroad or neighboring EU countries.

In this article, we’ll take a look at how to legally import a vehicle into the country, how much it costs and how to register it.

You’ll also find out more about:

• Why would you import a car to Portugal?
• Benefits of importing a vehicle to Portugal
• Required documents for vehicle imports
• Import a car to Portugal: Step-by-step guide
• Importing costs and time frame
• Options for importing a car to Portugal
• Ports served in the US and Portugal
• Cleaning your vehicle of biosecurity concerns

Why would you import a car to Portugal?

You might consider bringing a car to Portugal from abroad for various reasons. If the specific model you’re after isn’t available or it’s a specialty vehicle, you often have no choice but to procure it internationally.

Another reason is that many believe it’s cheaper than buying a new vehicle in Portugal. The eyewatering showroom price of any car in the country includes a high environmental vehicle tax (ISV) and 23 percent VAT (IVA) on sales.

It doesn’t matter whether you have a Portugal D7 Visa or the Portugal Golden Visa; the environmental tax is based on factors such as engine capacity and emissions. For example, a 1500cc engine with 115 g/km emissions dictates a tax of about €2,200 – and then you still need car insurance.

Benefits of Importing a Vehicle to Portugal

Sharply cut Portugal’s hefty registration tax: New residents who have lived abroad for at least six months and have owned the vehicle for the same period may claim a full ISV (Imposto Sobre Veículos) exemption on one car.

Electric car imports are cheaper: Fully electric vehilces remain exempt from both ISV and the annual road tax (IUC), and plug-in hybrids get a 75 percent ISV discount.

Used cars are more expensive: Portugal is regularly ranked among Europe’s least affordable second-hand markets because a used car depreciates slowly. Importing from a country where prices drop faster often delivers a better-spec car for less money, even after shipping.

Potential business write-offs: If you’ll use the vehicle in a Portuguese company, the VAT deductions on EVs/PHEVs and lower IUC for low-emission cars can turn the import into a real balance-sheet win.

Required Documents for Vehicle Imports

You must have several documents before you can legally bring your vehicle to Portugal. Before the car arrives in the country, ensure that you have:

• Purchase invoice or private‑sale deed
• Original foreign registration document (logbook)
• Manufacturer’s Certificate of Conformity (COC) or an equivalent type‑approval sheet
• Transport CMR/bill of lading (if shipped on a truck or vessel)

At this stage, it will also be beneficial to create a login on the Portugal Tax Authority’s Customs Portal for later.

Import a Car to Portugal: Step-by-Step Guide

The day the car rolls into Portugal, a strict twenty‑working‑day countdown begins. During this window, you must complete both the technical inspection step and lodge the initial customs declaration, so set reminders as soon as the car crosses the border.

Step 1- Obtain technical clearance

First, secure a Portuguese national type‑approval number if the model has never been marketed locally; most cars already have one, but imports from outside Europe often don’t. Next, book an “inspection for registration” (Model 112) at any Category B inspection centre and arrive with your Certificate of Conformity and a pre‑filled Model 9 form.

When the Certificate of Conformity lacks an official CO2 value, the centre will arrange a laboratory emissions test and charge an extra fee.

Step 2 – File the electronic customs declaration (DAV)

Log in to the Customs Portal, upload every document you have collected, and submit the DAV. Customs will generate a DUC payment slip covering Imposto Sobre Veículos (ISV) and, where applicable, VAT or customs duty.

You have ten working days to pay. Once the payment is confirmed, the system automatically assigns your Portuguese registration number.

Step 3 – Obtain a Portuguese registration certificate (DUA)

Take the printed DAV, the inspection reports (Model 9 and Model 112), and the original foreign logbook to your local Portugal Tax Authority’s Customs Portal office. The IMT retains the foreign paperwork and charges a €45 processing fee to issue the definitive Documento Único Automóvel.

Step 4 – Order licence plates and arrange insurance

Most plate shops produce a pair for about €15–20 while you wait. As soon as the plates are screwed on, contact an insurer and switch your policy to a Portuguese one, quoting the new registration number.

Step 5 – Register as the legal owner

Next, you must register yourself as the legal new owner at the registry office, known as the Conservatória do Registo Automóvel. You can handle this online or at the counter by paying the €55 fee.

Complete the filing no later than sixty days after the registration number was issued to avoid late penalties.

Step 6 – Pay the annual road tax (IUC)

As soon as the car appears in your Tax Portal dashboard, pay the first annual road tax (IUC). The system will generate a Multibanco reference, and you must settle the bill within ninety days of the plate’s issuance date. The tax authorities will add hefty interest and fines if the deadline is missed.

Importing Costs and Time Frame

The fixed out-of-pocket items total roughly €195. ISV is the variable cost that changes with age, engine size, and emissions output. However, here is an estimate of all the costs involved:

From the moment the car arrives in Portugal, the process should take about 90 days. Here’s a quick glance at the time frame:

• Day 0–20: technical inspection and DAV filed
• +10 working days: ISV (and any VAT/duty) paid
• By Day 60: ownership registered
• By Day 90: first IUC paid

Options for Importing a Car to Portugal

You can bring a foreign-bought vehicle into Portugal in a few ways, and there are even some tax exemptions on the importation of specific vehicles.

Standard private import from another EU country: Drive or ship the car in, pay the one-off registration tax (ISV) with the new 10-to-80 percent discount, and skip Portuguese VAT if the car is older than six months and has over 6,000 km.

Full customs import from outside the EU: Clear the car through customs, pay import duty (usually 10 percent), Portuguese VAT (23 percent) and ISV.

Change-of-residence exemption: New residents may import one vehicle they have owned for at least six months within twelve months of moving and pay zero ISV, VAT, and duty—only the inspection and paperwork fees.

Temporary admission on foreign plates: Tourists, students, and other non-residents can drive an EU-registered car for up to 183 days in any 12 months without re-registering. However, residents get a strict 60-day cap under a special permit (DIA). No ISV is charged, but the car must leave once the permit expires.

Electric-vehicle import: Battery-electric cars are exempt from both ISV and the annual road tax (IUC). Plug-in hybrids keep a 75 percent ISV discount, but normal customs or VAT rules still apply if the car comes from outside the EU.

Classic-car route: Vehicles over 30 years old may qualify for a greatly reduced ISV (sometimes as low as €0) and an IUC exemption, provided they meet the historic-vehicle criteria.

Diplomatic or consular privilege: Accredited diplomats, consular staff, and international officials can import vehicles tax-free under the Vienna Conventions.

Ports Served in the US and Portugal

Key US load ports that regularly handle roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) or containerised car shipments to Portugal include:

• Port Newark/Elizabeth, New Jersey
• Port of Baltimore, Maryland
• JAXPORT, Jacksonville, Florida
• Port of Brunswick, Georgia
• Charleston, South Carolina;
• Houston and Galveston, Texas
• Los Angeles/Long Beach, California

The primary Portuguese discharge ports for imported vehicles from the US and EU countries include:

• Setúbal
• Leixões (Porto area)
• Lisbon
• Sines

Cleaning Your Vehicle of Biosecurity Concerns

Before a vehicle can clear Portuguese customs, it must be demonstrably free of soil, plant material, insects, or other organic debris that could introduce pests or diseases. Here’s what first-time importers need to know:

Undercarriage and wheel arches: Mud, seed pods, and tiny invertebrates most commonly hide on the chassis, suspension components, and inside the wheel wells.

Engine bay and underbonnet areas: Leaves, grass clips, and even nesting insects can settle under the bonnet.

Interior vacuuming: Although you should avoid drenching the upholstery, thoroughly vacuum carpets, floor mats, and cargo areas to lift trapped seeds or insect eggs.

Doors, bonnet, and boot seals: Dirt accumulates in the rubber seals around doors, the bonnet, and the boot.

Certification and documentation: After cleaning, obtain a signed statement or receipt from the cleaning provider confirming that the vehicle has been washed to a “free-from-soil” standard. Portuguese Customs and the IMT may request this as part of your DAV submission.

Final inspection before shipment: Ideally, schedule a joint inspection with your logistics provider to sign off on the vehicle’s biosecure status. This proactive check helps prevent last-minute holds at the port.

Tips to Consider When Importing a Car into Portugal

Understand the vehicle importation process: Before shipping a used car into Portugal, research the car importation process thoroughly. Whether you’re using RORO shipping, a freight forwarder, or another shipping method, make sure all customs declaration paperwork is prepared in advance.

Gather all the required documentation: Ensure you have all the required documents, including your certificate of conformity, certificate of conformity (CoC), customs certificate, fiscal certificate, and vehicle’s title or ownership proof. Vehicles imported from non‑EU countries often require additional tax clearance form or importing your car VAT and ISV documentation.

Calculate VAT and ISV taxes: When importing into Portugal from European Union or other European countries, you’ll need to pay VAT and ISV taxes. The total import tax Portugal and ISV taxes vary significantly depending on model, engine size, age, and emissions. Use the Portal das Finanças online tools to estimate.

Obtain Portuguese registration: Your car must be registered with Portuguese authorities. Submit a dav form (declaração aduaneira de veículos), apply for a Portuguese license plate, and get a fiscal certificate. The conservatory registration process at IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes) finalizes importation. Providing a residence certificate, tax identification number, and utility bills strengthens your application.

Schedule vehicle inspection: An IMT-approved garage will carry out the mandatory vehicle inspection and issue the Portuguese car inspection certificate or vehicle inspection certificate. These inspections check compliance with environmental standards and emissions, as required in the vehicle inspection VAT and ISV certificate.

Plan post-arrival logistics: Don’t forget transportation costs, registration fees, import duties, and annual imposto único de circulação (imposto unico de circulacao). The registration fee paid annually is due once your car is registered. Also, arrange for valid car insurance before driving on Portuguese roads.

Time your vehicle import carefully: You typically have 60 days (sometimes 90 days) to register a car to Portugal after relocating or buying in Portugal. If you’re only in Portugal temporarily (e.g., 6 months), check whether you can use your current license plate and insurance. Note: eligibility rules differ for EU vs non‑EU countries, so don’t assume it’s the same.

Confirm your legal requirements: Make sure you meet legal requirements such as driver’s license (Portuguese or EU), valid car insurance, and tax payments cleared through Portal das Finanças. The tax department (Finanças) may require additional documento unico de cobranca or the IMT form.

Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal

If you're considering making the move to Portugal, it's essential to be informed about the various visa and residency options available. The Golden Visa Portugal program is an attractive option for many, offering residency to investors and their families. For those eyeing retirement in this beautiful country, the Portugal D7 Visa is tailored for you. Digital nomads can take advantage of both short and long-stay options with the Digital Nomad Visa (D8). 

For the entrepreneurial spirit, Portugal offers the Entrepreneurship/startup Visa (D2) - Start-up Visa (open company) tailored for those looking to establish their businesses in the country. Those with specialized skills can explore the Work visa for highly qualified employees (D3). Additionally, if you have Portuguese ancestry, you might be eligible for Citizenship by descent. 

However, moving to a new country isn't just about visas. If you're thinking of buying property, our guide on Buying Property in Portugal can offer invaluable insights. Dive deeper into the immigration process with our comprehensive Portugal immigration guide. For Americans specifically looking to relocate, we have curated information on Americans moving to Portugal. Lastly, one can't forget the importance of the NIF (Tax Identification Number), a crucial step in any relocation process. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Importing a Car to Portugal

How long do I have to file the DAV after the car arrives?

You must submit the electronic Declaração Aduaneira de Veículo within 20 working days of the vehicle’s physical entry; missing the window brings customs fines and possible seizure.

What paperwork do I need to start the import?

Scan the purchase invoice or sale declaration, the foreign registration certificate, the Certificate of Conformity (or Portuguese type-approval), and any CMR/shipping note; attach these to the DAV and show them at inspection. It’s also a good idea to take out some form of car insurance.

How is ISV calculated on a used EU car in 2025?

Registration tax combines engine size and CO2, then applies an age discount (10 %–80 %) to both parts under the 2025 rules, slashing the bill for cars older than one year. Use the official simulator for an exact figure.

Who can claim an ISV exemption when moving to Portugal?

If you lived abroad for at least six months and owned the vehicle that long, you may import one car within 12 months of transferring residence without paying ISV, VAT or customs duty.

Do I owe Portuguese VAT on an EU import?

VAT is only due if the vehicle is “new” — less than six months old or under 6,000 km. Used EU cars already paid VAT in another member state are not re-taxed.

Are electric cars still tax-free?

Yes. Fully electric vehicles pay neither ISV nor the annual road tax (IUC), while plug-in hybrids enjoy a 75 % ISV rebate; the incentives apply equally to imported cars. However, car insurance might be more.

Can I drive on a foreign license plate during the process?

A Portuguese resident may use a foreign license plate only until the 20-day DAV deadline; driving without Portuguese registration risks heavy fines and impoundment.

How much does the mandatory inspection cost?

The one-off registration inspection (Model 112) at a Category B centre costs about €120 and must be completed before you lodge the DAV.

Can I import a right-hand-drive car?

It is legal, but you must modify headlights and instrumentation, pass an individual inspection, and pay higher fees; most advisers warn that RHD legalisation is rarely worth the cost unless the car is collectible.

What happens if I miss a deadline?

Late DAV submission triggers a customs fine, and driving an unregistered import after the 20-day limit can lead to a steeper fine and vehicle seizure until the declaration is produced within two working days.