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

Now that you have your new car, don't forget to always carry the purchase invoice with you if you bought it from a dealership. If the purchase was made from a private individual, you must carry the sales declaration with you, with the seller's and vehicle's identification details. 

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, go to an inspection centre so that the vehicle's documents can be checked to ensure they match its characteristics. Don't forget that at this point you will need to fill in the standard IMT form 9, accompanied by the COC. But don't worry: with ACP, you can count on support at every stage of the 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, without paying interest.
   
   
5. Apply for the Licence Plate 
   Return to the IMT to pay the registration fee and do not forget to present the documentation you requested at customs.
   
   
6. Take out an insurance 
   Now you need to take out car insurance as soon as you have the new registration number.
   
   
7. Register the vehicle
   You must go to the Vehicle Registration Office to register the licence plate in your name.
   
   
8. Pay the Single Circulation Tax
   Finally, after registration, you only have to pay the IUC (Single Circulation Tax) at the Tax Office.

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. 
• 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.
  It is important to note that an additional €500 is added to the total amount of tax due for light diesel vehicles, unless the COC or, in its absence, the technical approvals, state that particle emissions are less than 0.001g/km.
• 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): it is important that the vehicle has been registered for more than six months and has clocked up more than 6,000 kilometres at the time of purchase, so that VAT is not charged on the import of used cars.