Bringing a car to Portugal isn’t always straightforward — but it doesn’t have to be stressful either. Having gone through the process myself, I’ve learned that success depends on understanding which import route applies to your case, planning ahead, and, if you’re smart, getting the right help.

This article is your complete guide — whether you’re moving to Portugal and bringing your own car, or already living here and buying one from abroad.

Two Main Routes to Importing a Car in Portugal

1. 📦 Importing Through Residency (Change of Residence)

If you’re moving to Portugal permanently and want to bring your personal vehicle with you, you may qualify for tax exemptions, including VAT and ISV (Vehicle Tax).

✅ To benefit from this route:

• You must own the vehicle for over 12 months before your move.

• The car must be registered in your name in your previous country.

• You must apply within 6 months of becoming a Portuguese resident.

• You must have lived outside Portugal for at least 12 consecutive months.

This path is ideal for people relocating from abroad who want to keep their trusted vehicle — and avoid high import taxes.

💡 Pro Tip: You can also import motorcycles through this route under the same conditions.

2. 🚗 Standard Import (EU Vehicle Purchase)

Already living in Portugal and want to buy a car in Germany, France, or another EU country?

You can do that — but to avoid VAT (23%), your vehicle must:

• Be at least 6 months old

• Have over 6,000 kilometers on the odometer

If either condition is not met, VAT will apply in Portugal, even if it was paid abroad.

This was my case. I already lived in Portugal but couldn’t find the car I wanted locally — so I bought it in Germany and had it brought over.

My Experience: Importing with Faotir 🚚

I didn’t want to tackle the bureaucratic maze on my own — so I turned to Faotir in Faro, one of the Algarve’s best import specialists. They handled everything from inspection scheduling to final registration.

🔧 Cost: Around €800 total for their fees

🕒 Timeframe: My car was imported and legal in just 5 days

📞 Tip: Contact Faotir before buying or shipping your vehicle. They’ll guide you on what to check for — especially for warranty and paperwork.

💡 Bonus Tip: Confirm that any warranty from abroad is valid in Portugal. Not all manufacturers honor it.

Why It’s Worth Getting Professional Help

Yes, you can go the DIY route. It involves:

• Visiting the IMT

• Filling out model 9 forms

• Getting a Certificado de Conformidade (COC)

• Scheduling technical inspections

• Filling a DAV (import declaration) online

• Paying ISV/IUC/VAT and creating plates

• Registering your car and getting DUA documentation

But the process is time-consuming, and errors can be costly. If your Portuguese isn’t fluent or you’re unsure about paperwork, a specialist saves you time, stress, and possible penalties.

You can also explore services offered by ACP (Automóvel Club de Portugal) — but in my experience, Faotir was faster, more precise, and more efficient.

Estimated Costs of DIY Importing 🚘

🧾 Use this ISV simulator to estimate your tax: Simulador ISV (PT only )

What You’ll Need 🗂️

• Vehicle documents from origin country (logbook, registration)

• Proof of purchase

• COC or homologation number (ask the seller or manufacturer)

• Inspection (Centro de Inspeção)

• DAV from the customs portal

• Tax payment receipts

• Model 9 form submitted to IMT

• Final registration at the Conservatória

• Portuguese insurance

• IUC tax payment

Is It Worth It?

✅ Absolutely — if:

• You want a specific model not sold in Portugal ( Confirm if the vehicle has a European Homologation certificate)

• You’re relocating and want to bring your trusted vehicle

• You’re buying a luxury car or motorcycle at a better price abroad

⛔ Be cautious — import taxes can be substantial if exemptions don’t apply. Always confirm conditions, especially if buying a new or nearly-new car in the EU.

Buying Property in Portugal? Let’s Talk! 🏡

If you’re moving to Portugal and importing your car, chances are you’re also considering buying a home. At Immo Lusitania, we help you find and buy real estate with confidence, offering full support — including relocation, legal steps, and property visits.

🔗 Browse featured properties in Portugal

🔗 Our services for buyers

🔗 Get in touch to start your relocation journey

FAQs: Importing a Vehicle to Portugal

What’s the difference between the residency route and standard import?

• The residency route is tax-exempt (if conditions are met) and applies to those moving to Portugal.

• The standard import route applies if you already live in Portugal and buy a vehicle abroad.

Can I import a motorcycle the same way?

Yes — the same rules for age, mileage, and VAT apply to motorcycles.

How long does the process take?

If done correctly and with expert help, it can be done in under a week. On your own, expect 2–4 weeks or more.

Do I always need a COC (Certificate of Conformity)?

Only if the car hasn’t already been homologated in Portugal. Ask your seller if the vehicle comes with one or request it online.

Can I drive the car in Portugal while waiting?

Only if it still has valid foreign plates and insurance. Otherwise, the car must be towed to the inspection.

Final Thoughts 🚘🇵🇹

Importing a car to Portugal can feel daunting, but with the right guidance — or better yet, a trusted partner like Faotir — the process becomes smooth and surprisingly quick.

Whether you’re bringing your beloved vehicle from abroad or shopping for a dream ride in the EU, the key is preparation, smart timing, and understanding the tax conditions.

✉️ Need help with buying property, settling in Portugal, or finding local experts?

Contact us at ferdi@immolusitania.ch or use our contact form.

📞 Schedule a free discovery call or message us via WhatsApp anytime!