Portugal car import
How to Legalize Imported Cars in Portugal
Background information on car imports to Portugal:
! There is an import tax for vehicles registered abroad in Portugal!
General Regulation
Obligation to pay: Persons who import a vehicle with foreign registration into Portugal must in principle pay the import tax ( Imposto sobre Veículos , ISV).
Temporary tax exemption: Vehicles with foreign registration that are in Portugal for a maximum of 6 months during a 12-month period are not subject to import tax
Residence restriction: 185-day rule: Vehicles with foreign license plates may not stay in Portugal for longer than 185 days within a calendar year.
Side note: A ruling by the European Court of Justice found that Portugal's existing tax regime for imported used vehicles violates EU rules on the free movement of goods . However, Portugal has not yet made any changes.
Exemption from motor vehicle import tax when moving to Portugal
Important: The import tax must be distinguished from the annual motor vehicle tax, which is paid to the tax office.
Requirements for the (vehicle import) tax exemption:
Minimum age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Importation of the vehicle: The vehicle must have been imported into Portugal (i.e. legalised and provided with a registration plate) when the vehicle was transferred to Portugal.
Ownership: The applicant must be the owner of the vehicle for at least 6 months prior to the change of residence to Portugal, counting from the issue of the proof of ownership (vehicle registration document/"title certificate") or from the conclusion of the leasing contract.
Tax requirements: The vehicle must have been purchased in the country of origin or a previous country of residence and all required taxes must have been paid there, without taking advantage of tax advantages when importing it into Portugal.
Restriction to one vehicle: Each person can only apply for tax exemption for one vehicle.
The Customs Authority (Alfândega) is responsible for collecting import tax.
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Application for vehicle import tax exemption when moving to Portugal
IMPORTANT: It is always advisable to contact a specialized agent (Despachante) who can provide professional assistance with the import process.
Period for the application:
Within twelve months of moving to Portugal.
Place of application:
The application must be submitted online via the tax authority's portal.
Necessary documents and requirements:
- Customs vehicle declaration (DAV / Declaração Aduaneira de Veículos)
- Form 1460.1 – Inquiries under the Motor Vehicle Tax Legislation (ISV)
- Vehicle registration document/"certificate of ownership" of the vehicle to be legalized
- To re-register the vehicle, the original registration certificates Part I and II are required.
- identity card (or passport + tax card)
- Official certificate of residence from the country of origin stating:
- registration in the population register
Additional required documents for vehicle registration:
Certificate of Conformity (IMT Model 9)
Technical inspection certificate (model 112) issued by a technical inspection body (CITV)
Fixed costs for importing
Costs for re-registration of the license plate, type B inspection and new vehicle registration are fixed. Registering a car costs between €50 and €300 depending on the documents available.
applicable import taxes
- ISV: Tax based on engine capacity, fuel type and CO2 emissions, with progressive discount depending on the age of the vehicle.
- IUC: Annual tax based on engine capacity and emissions, calculated from the date of first entry into service in the country of origin since 2020.
- IVA (Value Added Tax): Only applicable to new vehicles (less than 6 months or less than 6,000 km mileage).
IMT - Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes
The Portuguese registration authority is IMT - Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes