Importing a Car: What You Need to Know

Whether due to more competitive prices, a wider range of models, or the desire to begin a new chapter in new country, importing foreign vehicles to Portugal has become increasingly attractive. However, just as with exchanging a foreign driving licence for a Portuguese one, legalisation involves several steps.

If you are not familiar with the process, you risk getting lost in administrative complications or overlooking what you are paying for. Here is a comprehensive guide on what to consider when importing vehicles while living in Portugal.

Before the Purchase

Once you have chosen a car, the research begins: which countries are the most cost-effective for importation? Remember that each country has its own associated importation costs, so it is time to do the maths. When searching, it is essential to bear in mind a few key points.

• Online Dearlerships

Look primarily for well-reputed and trustworthy dearlerships.

• Vehicle information

Before making the purchase, gather as much information as possible regarding the car’s condition, age, and mileage. To verify accident history, ownership records, or exterior condition (if you are considering a used vehicle), enter the VIN (vehicle identification number) online.

• Vehicle Exterior

Pay attention to signs of external corrosion, particularly if the car originates from countries with heavy snowfall. Vehicles in such conditions may present issues with bodywork, paint, and even internal mechanical components.

• Expenses

Before committing to the purchase, calculate not only the importation costs but also the expenses related to travelling to collect the car in the country of origin. If you prefer, you can hire an intermediary to handle this process but remember to account for their fees as well.

Purchase and transport to Portugal

When you buy your new car, do not forget to register it with the former owner while still in the country of purchanse. To transport your car to Portugal, you can either hire a transport company (the further the distance, the higher the cost) or drive the vehicle yourself. In the latter case, be sure to include tolls and fuel expenses. If you choose this option, you will need a temporary licence plate and short-term insurance. ACP members can rely on the club’s support in these procedures, avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy.

After the Purchase: Legalisation in Portugal

Once in Portugal, the vehicle must be legalised: 

1. Check the documentation
   Ensure you have the registration certificate, or, in the case of a private purchase, the bill of sale signed by the previous owner. In both cases, it is essential to hold a copy of the seller’s ID and the European Certificate of Conformity (COC).
   
   
2. Book the periodic inspection 
   As soon as the vehicle arrives in Portugal, and with the COC correctly completed, head to an inspection centre. This will verify that the documents are consistent with the car’s technical specifications. You will also need to fill out the IMT's standard Form 9. ACP provides support at each stage of this process.
   
   
3. Apply for homologation of the European Certificate 
   The IMT (Instituto de Mobilidade e Transporte) can convert the European homologation into a national one.
   
   
4. Request the Customs Vehicle Declaration (DAV)
   After homologation, submit the COC, the registration documents, and the completed Form 9 to the Portuguese Tax Authority (Portal das Finanças) to obtain the Customs Declaration for Vehicle (DAV) and pay the Vehicle Tax (ISV). Important: you have only 20 days from the vehicle’s entry into Portugal to complete this step.
   
   
5. Apply for the Licence Plate 
   AThe temporary plate used to bring the vehicle to Portugal must be replaced. After paying the ISV, you will receive your new number plate, which allows you to circulate for 60 days when accompanied by the DAV.
   
   
6. Pay the annual Road Tax (IUC) 
   This must be paid within 90 days of receiving the licence plate. The tax is settled through the Portuguese Tax Authority.
   
   
7. Take out an insurance 
   The temporary insurance used to transport the car is no longer valid. You must now subscribe to a permanent motor insurance policy as soon as you receive the new number plate.
   
   
8. Submit documentation to the IMT 
   Return to the IMT to pay the registration fee and deliver the customs documents.
   
   
9. Register the vehicle 
   With the Single Vehicle Document and insurance policy, you can now register the car at the Conservatória do Registo Automóvel (CRA). Once registered, you have 60 days to legally drive it in Portugal.

How much does it cost to import a car?

Even though the car may be purchased at a lower price abroad than in Portugal, it is crucial to calculate the additional costs. Fees and taxes vary from country to country, but there are other expenses to consider:

• Registration of the Vehicle: costs depend on the documentation you hold. With the COC, the registration fee is €45. Without it, an individual homologation costs €165.
• Change of Ownership: registering the car at the Conservatória do Registo Automóvel costs €55. A subsequent change of ownership costs €65.
• Type B Inspection: this inspection incurs a fee of €91.48.
• Vehicle Tax (ISV): this one-off tax is calculated based on engine size, fuel type, and CO2 emissions. You can estimate the amount payable on ACP’s website.
• Note: if the COC or technical homologation shows particle emissions equal to or above 0.001 g/km, an additional fee of €500 is applied to all diesel vehicles.
• Annual Road Tax (IUC): this tax is paid every year and depends on engine size, date of first registration, and pollutant emissions.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): in Portugal, VAT is not applied when importing used cars. However, to qualify, the vehicle must, at the time of purchase, be more than six months old and be over 6,000 kilometres.