all the steps to take in the bureaucratic maze

The solution to buying your dream car can often be to turn to the international market, which usually has more attractive prices. But then another path begins, which is to legalize the vehicle in Portugal. And then you have to do a lot of math.

Master the bureaucracy of legalizing your car
Buying a car abroad can be a good deal, from finding superior models to much lower prices. But, of course, there is another side to this whole process that can overshadow the realization of the dream of owning a certain vehicle. There is a whole bureaucratic and even lengthy process to legalize a car in Portugal that must be respected.
Furthermore, it is a process that raises even more doubts because there is no fixed value for all cars, as the costs of legalizing the car in question depend on the date of first registration, engine capacity (cm3), type of fuel and CO₂ emissions.

Therefore, we detail the steps to follow to legalize an imported vehicle, guiding you through the Portuguese bureaucratic maze. 

  Required documentation: Before starting the legalization process, it is important to gather all the required documentation. These documents are essential for all the following steps.


Certificate of registration country of origin (proof that the car is registered in the country it comes from).
Purchase invoice or purchase and sale agreementwhich proves the acquisition of the vehicle.
Certificate of Conformity (COC)which certifies that the car complies with all European standards.
Personal identification document (Citizen Card or Passport) of the owner.
Proof of address in Portugal (for example, a utility bill or a declaration of residence).
Technical inspection certificate (if the car is more than 4 years old), to ensure that the vehicle is in roadworthy condition.


If the vehicle is imported from outside the European Union, it will also be necessary to present customs clearance documents and payment of customs duties.

  Request for Approval: O Certificate of Conformity (COC) is essential, but in some cases it may not be sufficient, especially for cars imported from outside the European Union. In these cases, it will be necessary to submit the vehicle to an individual homologation process at the Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT). The homologation aims to ensure that the vehicle complies with all environmental and safety standards in force in Portugal. After approval, a homologation certificate will be issued.


  Technical Inspection (IPO): For vehicles over 4 years old, it is mandatory to carry out a Mandatory Periodic Inspection (IPO), even if the car has recently undergone an inspection in the country of origin. This inspection can be carried out at any authorized inspection center and aims to check the mechanical and safety condition of the vehicle.


  Payment of Vehicle Tax (ISV): Vehicle Tax (ISV) is one of the main expenses associated with legalizing an imported car. The amount to be paid depends on several factors, including:


Displacement of the vehicle.
CO₂ emissions.
Year of manufacture (older cars may benefit from reductions or exemptions).


To calculate the ISV, you can use online simulators provided by the Tax and Customs Authority (AT). After the calculation, payment can be made to the AT. 

  VAT Payment: If the vehicle comes from a European Union country and is considered a new car (less than 6 months old or with less than 6,000 km), it is mandatory to pay Value Added Tax (VAT). VAT will be calculated based on the purchase value of the vehicle and must be paid to the AT.


  Request for Portuguese registration: Once taxes have been settled and homologation approved, the next step is to register the car in Portugal and obtain a Portuguese license plate. This registration is done with the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT), where the Single Vehicle Document (DUA), also known as a booklet, which proves the vehicle's registration in the country.

To apply for registration, you must present:

Certificate of Conformity or Certificate of Approval.
Proof of payment of ISV.
Technical Inspection Certificate.
Personal documents and proof of address.

The IMT then issues the new registration plate, which must be placed on the vehicle in accordance with legal standards.

  Car insurance: In order to drive on Portuguese roads, it is mandatory to take out car insurance. This insurance must be valid in Portugal and cover, at a minimum, mandatory civil liability.


  Payment of Single Circulation Tax (IUC): After registration and assignment of the license plate, the vehicle owner will have to pay the Single Circulation Tax (IUC). The amount of this tax is calculated based on the engine capacity and CO₂ emissions, as well as the date of registration of the vehicle. The IUC must be paid annually, through the Tax Authority portal.


  Placing the license plate and final inspection: Once all the steps have been completed, the car will finally be legal to drive in Portugal. The owner must ensure that the license plate is correctly placed and in accordance with the regulations. If the vehicle was imported from outside the EU, a final inspection by customs authorities may also be required.

As you can easily see, legalizing an imported car in Portugal involves several bureaucratic steps, from approval to paying taxes and obtaining a license plate.
When importing a vehicle, it is essential to be aware of the different taxes, especially ISV and IUC, which can represent significant costs.