Are you moving to Portugal and dreaming of exploring its scenic coastal roads with your own vehicle? Importing your car to Portugal could be a smart decision.
There are many aspects to consider, such as taxes, required documents, and whether the process differs for vehicles from non-EU countries.
This detailed guide will tell you everything you need to know about the process, the costs and what to look out for.
Why Importing a Car to Portugal Can Be Beneficial
While Portugal offers relatively low living costs, car prices are often higher compared to other European countries. Bringing your current car might be financially advantageous, even compared to buying a used car in Portugal.
Moving to Portugal: Car Transport, Driving or Shipping?
If you’re coming from Europe, driving your car might be more affordable and an exciting adventure. Consider fuel costs, possible overnight stays, and meals.
Shipping Costs as a Guide:
- Within Europe: approximately €1,000 to €1,500
- e.g. from the USA: €2,500 to €4,000
Basic Information on Car Importation
Before bringing your vehicle to Portugal, you should know:
- Vehicles from EU countries are easier to import than those from non-EU countries.
- You have 20 working days to start the registration process once your vehicle arrives in Portugal.
- Costs and bureaucracy can be significant, especially for non-EU vehicles.
Key Taxes for Vehicle Importation
Two main taxes may apply when importing your vehicle to Portugal:
- ISV (Imposto Sobre Veículos) – a one-time registration tax, depending on the vehicle, age, engine size, fuel type, and CO2 emissions. Note: For vehicles from outside the EU, an additional 23% VAT and 10% of the current market value (plus VAT) are added.
- VAT (IVA): Currently 23% on the Portuguese mainland for vehicles from non-EU countries or new vehicles.
Note: Pure electric vehicles are currently 100% exempt from ISV.
Good News: Possible Tax Exemption!
Not everyone has to pay these taxes. You might be exempt if you:
- are a Portuguese citizen who has lived abroad for at least 6 months.
- as a non-Portuguese, meet certain conditions (e.g., have owned the vehicle for at least 6 months and have a residence abroad).
Important: Even if exempt, you must pay the annual road tax (IUC – Imposto Único de Circulação).
Requirements for Tax Exemption (Import as part of your move)
If relocating to Portugal, you may be exempt from ISV, VAT, and customs duties for importing and legalizing any vehicle type, such as a car, motorcycle, van, or motorhome. This exemption is particularly beneficial for returning emigrants and expatriates but is available to anyone meeting the criteria.
Main conditions for full exemption:
- You must be an adult (at least 18 years old).
- You must relocate your residence to Portugal, including your tax residence.
- You must have lived in the country of origin for at least 6 months before moving.
- The vehicle must have been in your possession for at least 6 months before moving and have more than 6,000 km mileage.
What to Consider:
- If you sell the vehicle within the first 12 months after Portuguese registration, you must pay all initially exempted taxes and may face a fine.
- You can only enjoy the same tax exemption again after 10 years.
- The exemption applies to only one vehicle per person. If registering more than one vehicle in your name, you must pay the applicable taxes.
- This exemption applies to any country of origin, EU or non-EU (Switzerland, USA, UK, Brazil, etc.).
What Basic Documents Are Required for Vehicle Legalisation in Portugal?
Legalising a vehicle in Portugal requires several documents and adherence to specific regulations. Here’s a detailed overview of the necessary documents and steps:
Vehicle Documents
- Purchase contract / receipt: Proof of purchase with details.
- Vehicle registration certificate: Original documents confirming vehicle ownership
- Certificate of Conformity (CoC): Manufacturer’s document certifying the car’s characteristics and compliance with EU legal requirements.
Note: If no CoC is available, e.g., due to vehicle age (CoCs have been issued for M1 class cars since 1996), additional steps are necessary, such as a technical individual inspection with the involvement of the official brand representative in Portugal. - Homologation certificate: Certification that the vehicle is recognized in Portugal and meets the characteristics described in the CoC.
- Technical inspection certificate: Issued by a technical inspection centre (CITV) in Portugal, confirming the vehicle’s technical inspection.
- IMT Form 9: Grants vehicle clearance after inspection.
- Vehicle customs declaration (DAV): Necessary to register the vehicle with customs and calculate the one-time import tax or its exemption (for vehicles imported as part of your move).
- Form 1460.1: Required for ISV tax exemption under vehicle tax legislation.
Personal Documents
- Online access to the Portuguese tax office portal (Portal das Finanças).
- Portuguese tax number (NIF).
- Identity document (ID card or passport).
- Proof of residence in Portugal.
- Certificate of deregistration of residence in the country of origin.
Special Documents for Tax Exemption
If you wish to be exempt from registration taxes (e.g., when relocating to Portugal), you additionally need:
- Proof of vehicle ownership for at least 6 months. This can be evidenced by the registration certificate or a leasing contract.
- Proof of residence change: Official de-registration confirmation from the registration office in the country of origin, documenting the period of stay there (at least 6 months before moving to Portugal).
- Proof of residence in Portugal – provided by the local administration (Junta de Freguesia) with the “Atestado de Residência” and/or the town hall (Câmara Municipal) with the “CRUE” (Certificate of Registration of the Union Citizen).
- Evidence of daily life in the country of origin in the vehicle owner’s name: Proof such as rental agreements, electricity or water bills, pay slips, pension statements, certificates of contributions to health and pension systems, or monthly bank statements for the last 6 months BEFORE deregistration from the country of origin.
- Authorisation to query the tax situation or certificate of balanced tax situation: that you have no tax debts, for example.
Legalisation Process
The legalisation of an imported vehicle in Portugal involves several steps:
Prepare documents
You’ll need a series of documents listed above under Basic Documents for legalisation.
2. Vehicle inspection
Before registering your vehicle, it must undergo a technical inspection at an authorised inspection centre to ensure it meets Portuguese and European safety standards. You will need:
- Registration certificate from the country of origin
- European Certificate of Conformity (CoC) – EU Vehicle
- National homologation number (to be requested from the Portuguese motor vehicle authority IMT)
3. Taxes and fees
- VAT (IVA): Generally, VAT is 23% of the vehicle’s value (for new vehicles) plus an additional 10% for vehicles from non-EU countries.
- Vehicle registration tax (ISV): This tax depends on the type of vehicle, fuel type, engine size, CO2 emissions, and age of the vehicle.
These taxes are due if you do not import the vehicle as part of a residence move to Portugal.
Additionally, the usual fees for various authorities in the registration process, such as the motor vehicle authority (IMT), technical inspection (IPO), registration office (Registo), and licence plate embossing, currently amount to approximately €200.
4. Registration
Melden Sie das Fahrzeug bei der portugiesischen Kraftfahrzeugbehörde (IMT) an. Dazu müssen Sie alle oben genannten Dokumente vorlegen und die entsprechenden Formulare ausfüllen.
5. Registration certificate & vehicle tax (IUC)
Apply for the Portuguese vehicle registration certificate (DUA) at the responsible registration office (Conservatório de Registo) and pay the annual vehicle tax (IUC). The tax amount depends on various factors, including the vehicle’s age, fuel type, and CO2 emissions.
Topic: CoC Document (EU Certificate of Conformity)
What exactly is the CoC document?
The CoC document, also known as the “Certificate of Conformity,” is an official document that confirms a vehicle’s compliance with European standards. It is required to register a vehicle in the EU and contains various technical specifications, such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), vehicle type, dimensions, CO₂ emissions, and pollutant class. The CoC facilitates the import and export of vehicles within the EU and is mandatory for new vehicle registration.
It is provided when purchasing a new vehicle along with other important vehicle documents, such as the inspection booklet and the operating manual. This applies to all car brands. Often, the inconspicuous CoC document remains unused in the glove compartment for years, while the vehicle owner often claims never to have seen it – which is true in most cases. It is mainly needed for import. If the CoC document is missing or has not been handed over, you can request a new one from the manufacturer, which can cost between €100 and €200. Alternatively, agencies also offer to obtain export documents, usually costing around €200. When importing, it is important that the vehicle is in its original condition, as certified in the CoC document. Modifications that are entered in the vehicle registration certificate but deviate from the original condition according to the CoC could lead to problems.
Special Features for Different Vehicle Types
Motorhomes and Trailers
Specific size restrictions apply to the import of motorhomes and trailers to Portugal. Motorhomes may be a maximum of 2.55 metres wide and 12 metres long. Trailers, including the drawbar, may also be a maximum of 2.55 metres wide and 18.75 metres long. If these dimensions are exceeded, a special permit from the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) is required.
Motorcycles
The legalisation process for motorcycles is similar to that for cars, but taxes and fees may be lower.
Tips and Recommendations
- Plan ahead: The entire process can take several weeks or even months. Start preparing early.
- Professional help: Consider support from a customs agent (recommended for vehicles from non-EU countries) or agency, especially if you do not speak the language.
- Documentation: Keep all documents carefully, even after the process is completed.
- Insurance: Take out Portuguese car insurance as soon as the vehicle is registered with the IMT.
- Mind speed limits: Familiarise yourself with the applicable speed limits in Portugal.
- Remember to register or exchange your driver’s licence in a timely manner if you are permanently residing in Portugal.
Note: With a Portuguese driver’s licence, you cannot drive a vehicle with foreign licence plates in Portugal.
Driver’s License Exchange in Portugal
In Portugal, holders of an EU or non-EU driver’s licence who have lived there for more than two years must exchange their licence for a Portuguese one. This is mandatory for licences without an expiration date. Registration with the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) must be done within 60 days of taking up residence in Portugal. A voluntary exchange is possible at any time and is recommended for permanent residents.
For licences with an expiration date, the exchange must be initiated at least six months before expiration. The IMT is responsible for all procedures related to the driver’s licence exchange in Portugal.
Non-EU citizens must follow certain steps when exchanging their driver’s licence in Portugal. The exchange depends on the bilateral agreement between Portugal and the country of origin. For licences from non-EU countries, a theoretical and/or practical driving test may be required, depending on existing agreements. It is important to inform yourself about the specific requirements and necessary documents from local authorities.
Feel free to reach out if you need more details or have any particular questions!
Conclusion
Importing and registering a vehicle in Portugal requires careful preparation and obtaining several documents. It is advisable to inform yourself early about the exact requirements and, if necessary, seek professional help to make the process smooth. With some patience and care, you can soon legally explore the beautiful areas of Portugal with your own vehicle.
Remember that laws and regulations can change. It is always advisable to obtain the latest information from the relevant Portuguese authorities before starting the import process.
Mrs. Fixit, a specialist in vehicle importation in Portugal, is ready to offer you expert guidance and support. With her extensive experience, she ensures a smooth transition for newcomers, providing tailored assistance to meet your specific needs.
