Chapter 10 of 21

Importing a Car

ISV, registration & driving on foreign plates

Importing a Car

ISV, registration & driving with foreign plates

This chapter is for informational purposes only. Always consult a professional.

Sources: at.gov.pt | imt-ip.pt | portaldasfinancas.gov.pt

Bringing a Car to Portugal

You can bring your car, but the process is complex and can be expensive due to ISV (Imposto Sobre Veículos — one-time vehicle tax).

ISV Exemption (Mudança de Residência)

You can get ISV exemption if:

Car has been in your possession and use for 12+ months before moving
You lived in the previous country for 12+ months
Application is made within 12 months after establishing residence
Car may not be sold/rented for 12 months after import

ISV Can Be Higher Than the Car’s Value

ISV is calculated based on engine capacity and CO2 emissions. An older diesel can cost EUR 5,000-20,000+ Calculate the ISV BEFORE you decide to import using the simulator at portaldasfinancas.gov.pt. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy a car in Portugal.

ISV Indication

Engine Type	ISV Indication
Small petrol (1.0L)	€500–€2,000
Medium petrol (1.4-1.6L)	€2,000–€5,000
Large petrol (2.0L+)	€5,000–€15,000
Small diesel (1.5L)	€3,000–€6,000
Large diesel (2.0L+)	€8,000–€20,000+
Electric	€0 (exempt)

Step-by-Step: Importing a Car

Step	Action	Where
1	Calculate ISV via simulator	portaldasfinancas.gov.pt
2	Fill in DAV (Declaração Aduaneira de Veículo)	Financas online
3	Pay ISV (or apply for exemption)	Financas
4	Have inspection (IPO) performed	Accredited inspection station
5	Apply for Portuguese registration	IMT (online or office)
6	Take out car insurance (PT)	Insurer
7	Pay IUC (road tax)	Financas portal

Buying a Car in Portugal

Sometimes it is more advantageous to sell your car and buy one in Portugal:
• Standvirtual.com — Largest car marketplace in Portugal
• Autoscout24.pt — European comparison site
• OLX — Private sales
• Dealers — Higher price but warranty
• Prices — Used cars are 10-20% more expensive than in NL
• Note: check mileage via the registration document (DUA)

Driving with Foreign Plates

AS A RESIDENT THIS IS ILLEGAL. Non-residents may drive with foreign plates for 183 days/year. Once you are a resident: Portuguese registration is mandatory. Fines: €500–€2,500+ plus confiscation. GNR actively enforces this.

Common Mistakes

Not calculating ISV beforehand — Can be higher than the car’s value. Use the simulator.
Missing the 12-month deadline — You lose the ISV exemption.
Driving with foreign plates as a resident — Illegal. Heavy fines + confiscation.
Selling the car within 12 months — With ISV exemption: repayment of ISV.

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11. Pets & Animals

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Glossary

NISS (Social Security Number)
The Portuguese social security number. You need your NISS if you plan to work in Portugal or start as a freelancer. It is also required for access to certain social benefits and allowances.
SEF/AIMA (Immigration Service)
The former Portuguese immigration service SEF was replaced by AIMA in 2023 (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum). AIMA handles residence permits, visa applications and all immigration matters. Wait times can be long, so start your application early.
IRS (Personal Income Tax)
Portuguese personal income tax. The IRS return is filed annually between April and June. Rates range from 14.5% to 48% depending on income. Tax residents must declare their worldwide income.
ISV (Vehicle Registration Tax)
Tax when registering or importing a vehicle in Portugal. The ISV amount can be substantial, especially for older or polluting vehicles. EU citizens who relocate may be eligible for exemption under certain conditions.
CPCV (Promissory Purchase Agreement)
The preliminary purchase contract when buying property in Portugal. Upon signing you typically pay a 10-20% deposit (sinal). If the buyer withdraws, they lose the deposit; if the seller withdraws, they must repay double the amount.
Certidão de Teor (Property Registry Extract)
An extract from the Portuguese property registry at the Conservatória. The Certidão de Teor shows who owns a property and whether there are mortgages or liens on it. Always check before purchasing a property.
Junta de Freguesia (Parish Council)
The local administrative body at neighborhood level, comparable to a Dutch district council. At the Junta de Freguesia you can request an Atestado de Residência (proof of residence) among other things. It is often your first point of contact for local matters.
Conservatória (Registry Office)
The Portuguese registry office for property and civil status. At the Conservatória, property transfers, marriages and births are registered. For property purchases, registration at the Conservatória do Registo Predial is mandatory.
Título de Residência (Residence Permit)
The Portuguese residence permit card, comparable to a Dutch residence permit. After approval of your visa application, you receive a Título de Residência allowing you to legally live and work in Portugal.
Multibanco
The Portuguese payment network and ATM system. Multibanco is not only used for cash withdrawals, but also for paying bills, taxes and even concert tickets. It is an essential part of daily life in Portugal.