Importing and legalising a car in Portugal
Brought your car, or planning to? We handle the whole legalisation, from the tax calculation to Portuguese plates and registration in your name. You know how much you'll pay before you start.
The car has arrived. The Portuguese plates haven't.
Car bought in the European Union
A vehicle bought in another EU country that needs a Portuguese registration, the local plates.
Car from outside the EU
A vehicle from a country outside the European Union, with customs clearance and technical approval.
Moving your residence
You moved to Portugal and want to legalise the car you already had. In some cases, the move entitles you to a tax exemption.
Inheritance or transfer
A vehicle inherited or passed on from another owner that needs to be regularised.
One person handles everything. You don't chase anything.
ISV simulation
We calculate the tax before you go ahead. No surprises at the end.
Inspection and approval
Type B inspection and certificate of conformity (COC) or technical approval at IMT, when needed.
Customs clearance
We submit the DAV and handle payment of the ISV at customs, which is part of Finanças, the Portuguese Tax Authority.
Registration and document
Application for Portuguese plates and issue of the car's single document at IMT.
Ownership registration
The car registered in your name, with legal certainty.
IUC and insurance
Guidance on the annual tax and insurance, so you drive away within the law.
From imported car to Portuguese plates, in 5 steps
- 01
1. Assessment and ISV simulation
We look at the car and the documents and calculate the ISV. You know how much you'll pay before going further.
- 02
2. Inspection and technical documents
We handle the type B inspection and the certificate of conformity or approval at IMT.
- 03
3. Customs clearance and ISV
We submit the DAV and pay the ISV at customs.
- 04
4. Registration at IMT
We apply for the Portuguese plates and the car's registration document.
- 05
5. Ownership, IUC and insurance
We complete the ownership registration and guide you on IUC and insurance. Car ready for the road.
The ISV amount changes from car to car
The ISV depends on engine size, CO₂ emissions and the car's age. That's why we always start with a simulation. If you've moved country, we also check whether your case qualifies for an exemption.
What people ask before they start.
How long does it take to legalise a car in Portugal?
It depends on the type of car and where it came from. A car from the European Union is usually simpler than one from outside. In the assessment, we give you a realistic estimate for your case.
How is ISV calculated on an imported car?
ISV takes into account engine size, CO₂ emissions and the car's age. As the calculation has several rules, we run the simulation with your vehicle's details before you decide.
Do I pay ISV on my car if I move to Portugal?
Not always. The law provides an exemption for people transferring their residence to Portugal, with requirements on how long you've owned the car and a deadline to apply. We check whether your case fits.
Is it worth bringing a car from outside the EU to Portugal?
It depends on the car and your situation. A car from outside the EU goes through customs clearance and needs technical approval, which weighs on the total. Before shipping the car, run the simulation with us.
Can I drive the car while it doesn't have Portuguese plates?
While the car doesn't have a Portuguese registration, there are rules to follow. We explain what you can and can't do to drive within the law.
Do I need to go to IMT in person to legalise the car?
In most cases, we handle it for you. The car just needs to be available for inspection. When your presence is needed, we tell you what and where.
What documents do I need to legalise an imported car?
In general: the ownership document from the country of origin, certificate of conformity or technical sheet, purchase invoice or contract, ID and NIF (your Portuguese tax number), proof of address in Portugal and cancellation of the registration in the country of origin. We confirm the exact list for your case.
After legalisation, do I have to pay IUC?
Yes. With Portuguese plates, the car pays IUC, the annual vehicle tax, every year. We explain when and how to pay it.
We're with you the whole way.
Driving licence exchange
Exchange your foreign driving licence for a Portuguese one at IMT, without the back and forth.
Learn moreNIF in Portugal
Get your NIF, the Portuguese tax number, here or from abroad, with people who know the way at Finanças.
Learn moreResidence permit
Your AIMA application, documents, appointments and follow-up until your residence card arrives.
Learn moreThere's always a way.
One process. One person in charge. No surprises.
Talk to us and get your ISV simulation and the full plan for Portuguese plates. The initial consultation costs 80 €, deducted if you go ahead with the service.