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How to Import a Car to Portugal
A practical guide for car dealers sourcing EU vehicles
Portugal has a strong used car market in Europe. Demand for used vehicles is high, and sourcing stock from other EU countries is a smart way to grow your business as a car dealer.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to get started with the import process — from documents and taxes to registration.
Who this guide is for
- Car dealers buying vehicles from other EU countries and registering them in Portugal
- Fleet buyers and remarketing teams building a repeatable import process
- Sales and account managers who help clients navigate the import process
Who this guide is not for
- Private buyers importing a single vehicle for personal use
- Businesses importing exclusively from non-EU markets
This guide gives you practical information only, not legal or tax advice. Before making any decisions, always check with an accountant, a specialized import agency, and/or relevant Portuguese authorities.
Main import process in steps
Table of contents
- Detailed import guide
- • Before you start: should you use a specialized import agency?
- 0 Vehicle selection and preliminary checks
- 1 Prepare all necessary documents
- 2 Arrange transport
- 3 Technical inspection
- 4 CoC homologation at the IMT
- 5 Submit the DAV and pay ISV
- 6 Complete registration
- 7 Pay IUC after registration
- Planning and reference
- Costs to estimate before you buy
- Suggested process timeline
- Variations table
- Advantages of working with eCarsTrade
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- Glossary
- Useful contacts and resources
Should you use a specialized import agency?
Importing a vehicle into Portugal involves several administrative steps. As a car dealer, you can either manage the process yourself or work with a specialized import agency.
A 'despachante' is a specialized import agency that handles the administrative part of the import process on your behalf — including inspection coordination, homologation, DAV submission, and registration.
When to use a 'despachante'
If you want to save time and reduce operational complexity, especially if you import vehicles regularly or manage multiple cars at once.
When to do it yourself
If you want to control every step and optimize costs, and you are familiar with the process.
You can search for certified professionals through Ordem dos Despachantes Oficiais or work with local agencies that specialize in vehicle imports.
Vehicle selection and preliminary checks
A few simple checks before you buy can save you a lot of time and money. This is the right moment to catch any issues.
Vehicle condition
Study the photos and description carefully before making a decision. Check for visible damage, signs of wear, and anything that looks unclear or incomplete. If something is not well documented, ask for more information before you buy.
VIN check
Run a VIN check before you buy. It confirms the vehicle history — previous ownership, mileage, accident records, and whether the VIN matches the registration document.
VAT deductible or margin car
Check how VAT is applied to the vehicle. A VAT deductible car means you declare the VAT yourself in Portugal. A margin car means VAT is included in the price and cannot be recovered. This affects your cost calculation.
Certificate of Conformity
Check whether the CoC is available before you buy. If not, you have a few options: contact the manufacturer directly, order it through a platform like EuroCOC, or work with a local registration specialist in Portugal.
Emissions data
Check the CO2 figure in the vehicle documents and confirm whether it uses the NEDC or WLTP emission values. ISV is calculated using these values. An incorrect or missing figure will affect your tax estimate.
Transport
Decide how the vehicle will be transported and include the price in your calculations. You can hire a truck transport company, use eCarsTrade Delivery, or transport the car yourself with temporary transit plates.
Prepare all necessary documents
Good document management is the foundation of a smooth import. Set up these folders for each vehicle from the start.
- Purchase invoiceMust show the full purchase price, VAT treatment, and the seller's legal details.
- Payment confirmation (optional)Proof that payment was made.
- Original registration documentsOriginal vehicle registration document from the country of origin.
- Certificate of Conformity (CoC)Confirms the vehicle meets EU standards. Issued by the manufacturer or a service like EuroCOC.
- IMT Model 9 formThe form you fill out and bring to the IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes) together with the CoC and original registration papers.
- Model 112 inspection certificateYou will get this certificate after the mandatory inspection of your imported vehicle.
- Customs declaration (DAV)When your car arrives in Portugal, you need to fill out a customs form.
- DUC payment reference and ISV payment proofDocumento Único de Cobrança (DUC) is needed to pay the ISV tax.
- DUA — Documento Único AutomóvelThe Portuguese registration document. It's what the dealer receives at the end of the registration process and what they need for resale.
Sort it out before the vehicle arrives in Portugal. You have three options:
- Contact the manufacturer — ask if they can provide the CoC, either for free or for a fee.
- Order it online — platforms like EuroCOC can provide it for most common makes and models.
- Use an import specialist — agencies in Portugal that deal with car import can get the CoC on your behalf as part of the legalization process.
Arrange transport
Start planning transport right after the purchase, before the vehicle is officially ready for pick-up.
Hire a truck transport company
The best option when importing multiple vehicles. The carrier takes responsibility for the vehicle during transport and picks the vehicles up with an official CMR.
Important checks:
- Confirm the insurance policy of the transport company
- Make sure they work with an official CMR
- Check the car thoroughly when it arrives and note any discrepancies on your copy of the CMR
Self-pickup with temporary transit plates
You or an associate drives the vehicle to Portugal with temporary transit plates obtained in the country of pick-up (in case of eCarsTrade — Belgium). This works for single vehicles but requires more coordination and time.
Important checks:
- Portuguese dealers can only use Belgian temporary transit plates for self-pickup if purchasing through eCarsTrade
- Getting temporary transit plates adds a few extra days to the pick-up process
- Coordinate the pick-up process with your Account manager
eCarsTrade Delivery Service
Available for all vehicles purchased on the platform
- Transport coordinated with trusted logistics partners across Europe
- Delivery directly to your parking lot (has to be accessible by truck)
- Average delivery time: 10 business days
- Easily upload signed CMR to receive your car documents
Technical inspection
Once the vehicle arrives in Portugal, it must be inspected at a Category B technical inspection centre before you can proceed with homologation or customs. This is a mandatory step for all imported vehicles.
- Original registration papers from the country of origin
- Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
- IMT Model 9 form — completed before arriving at the inspection centre
After a successful inspection, you get the Model 112 inspection certificate, which confirms that the vehicle passed the required inspection for the import process. You need this document for the next steps — homologation and the DAV submission.
CoC homologation at IMT
After the inspection, you need to have the CoC homologated by the IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes). This step confirms that the vehicle's technical data in the CoC matches the physical car.
- IMT Model 9 form — completed
- Original registration papers from the country of origin
- Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
CoC homologation is free
There is no fee charged by the IMT for the homologation process itself.
You receive a national homologation number (número de homologação nacional)
For the DAV submission, you may need this national homologation record issued by the IMT, depending on the case.
Submit the DAV declaration and pay the ISV tax
Once you have the required technical data, you need to fill out the DAV declaration (Declaração Aduaneira de Veículos).
Submit online (Portal das Finanças)
The DAV must be submitted online through the Portal das Finanças.
- Submit the DAV digitally through your tax account
- Receive the ISV assessment
- Generate the DUC payment reference
- Use the DUC payment reference to pay the ISV tax
At this stage, you must also handle the VAT payment according to the VAT scheme that applies to the vehicle.
- Purchase invoice
- Model 112 inspection certificate
- Foreign registration documents from the country of origin
- Homologation documentation such as the national homologation number or Model 9, where applicable
- CoC unless the IMT homologation record already contains the data needed for ISV calculation
- CO2 measurement document from an authorized technical centre when that data is not in the CoC
- Proof of transport to Portugal and payment receipt if the vehicle did not arrive by road
ISV = (rate per cc x engine capacity) + (rate per g/km x CO2 emissions) - reductions
Check the CO2 emissions and engine capacity before you buy. For a more accurate tax estimate, use an ISV calculator before pricing the vehicle for resale.
Complete registration
After paying the ISV, you can complete the registration through the Automóvel Online portal or in person at a Registry Office.
- DAV declaration
- ISV payment proof
- Model 112 inspection certificate
- IMT homologation documentation, such as Model 9 and/or the national homologation declaration, depending on the case
- Original registration documents
You receive the DUA (Documento Único Automóvel), which is the official Portuguese registration document. The vehicle is now registered and you can begin resale preparations.
Pay IUC after registration
After the vehicle is registered in Portugal, you have to pay the IUC tax (Imposto Único de Circulação), which is the annual road tax. Some vehicles, such as fully electric ones, may be exempt.
- First payment — due shortly after registration
- Annual payment — paid every year after that
First payment (after import)
The first IUC payment is due within 30 days after the legal deadline for registration.
In practice, you will usually pay IUC shortly after completing registration and receiving Portuguese license plates.
Annual payment
IUC is paid every year. The deadline is typically linked to the vehicle’s registration date (license plate month). However, under the new IUC payment system planned for 2027, payment will no longer depend on the vehicle’s registration month.
Electric vehicles
Fully electric vehicles are exempt from IUC.
A new IUC payment system has been approved and is planned for 2027. Under that system, IUC will be due by whoever owns the vehicle on 1 January and paid in April, with instalments possible depending on the amount due.
Always confirm the applicable deadline in Portal das Finanças, as transitional rules may apply.
IUC = base rate + CO2 component
Use an IUC calculator to estimate the cost before pricing the vehicle.
Costs to estimate before you buy
Before you place a bid, estimate the full cost of the vehicle. This helps you avoid deals that look profitable but are not. Divide your costs into three parts:
Buying and logistics
- Purchase price (check the VAT scheme under which the car is sold)
- Commission and administrative fees
- Transport cost*
- Any potential additional transport insurance
- Cost of travel and accommodation if transporting the car with temporary transit plates
*For eCarsTrade Delivery — Transport costs depend on the country of origin. For a single vehicle being delivered to Portugal, expect around €650. Shipping multiple vehicles reduces the cost per unit.
Portuguese taxes and registration fees
- ISV — this is the main variable cost. It depends on engine capacity and CO2 emissions. This can range from a few hundred euros to several thousand euros, depending on the vehicle.
- Technical inspection fee — fixed cost per vehicle at a Category B inspection centre. Typically around €80–€120 per vehicle.
- Homologation costs — The IMT homologation itself is free. If the CoC is missing, getting it usually costs €100–€300.
- License plate fee — administrative cost linked to getting Portuguese license plates. Typically around €50–€100.
- Registration fees — costs related to issuing the DUA. Usually around €50–€100.
Getting the car ready for sale
- Fixing any potential damage
- Holding cost — the cost of capital while the vehicle is not yet ready for sale
The formula to use before every bid:
Example: You buy a car on eCarsTrade for €10,000 and aim to make a €2,000 margin. Your base selling price is €12,000. On top of that, you need to add 23% VAT (depending on the VAT scheme of the car), plus transport and import costs. This total becomes your final selling price to the customer.
Suggested process timeline
A typical import takes around 4–6 weeks when all required documents are available.
- Check vehicle condition and history (VIN)
- Confirm VAT scheme (deductible or margin)
- Verify that the CoC is available or can be obtained
- Check CO2 emissions data for ISV estimation
- Estimate transport and import costs
- Confirm purchase and receive invoice
- Get car documents from seller if available at this point
- Organise all documents (commercial, vehicle, tax)
- Arrange transport
- Vehicle in transit
- Resolve missing documents, such as the CoC if not yet available
- Prepare documents for inspection
- Vehicle arrives in Portugal
- Request car documents from eCarsTrade
- Technical inspection at Category B centre
- Receive Model 112 inspection certificate
- Complete CoC homologation at IMT
- Receive national homologation number
- Submit DAV declaration to the tax authority
- Receive DUC payment reference and pay the ISV tax
- Start registration process
- License plates assigned
- Receive DUA (Portuguese registration document)
- Check IUC in Portal das Finanças and pay if due
- Prepare vehicle for sale
Important legal deadlines
Variations table
| Vehicle type | What to check before buying | What can affect cost or timing |
|---|---|---|
| Standard petrol or diesel | Check CoC availability, engine capacity, CO2 data, VAT scheme, and vehicle condition. | Standard process. ISV depends mainly on engine size and emissions. |
| Hybrid | Check that the hybrid classification is clearly stated in the documents and that emissions data is complete. | Tax calculation depends on correct technical data. Missing or incorrect data can affect the ISV estimate. |
| Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) | Check battery-related technical data, CO2 emissions, and correct classification as a plug-in hybrid. | Incorrect classification or incomplete data can change the ISV amount and delay the process. |
| Electric vehicle (EV) | Check that the vehicle is correctly identified as fully electric and that the CoC is available. | The full import process still applies, but fully electric vehicles are exempt from IUC. |
| Vehicle without CoC | Confirm before buying how the CoC will be obtained (manufacturer, online provider, or local specialist). | Extra cost and possible delay before inspection and homologation can be completed. |
| Missing or unclear emissions data | Check whether the CO2 value is clearly stated and whether it uses NEDC or WLTP. | ISV estimate may be incorrect until the correct data is confirmed, which can affect margin. |
| Margin car | Check that the invoice clearly states the margin scheme. | VAT is already included in the purchase price and cannot be recovered. |
| VAT-deductible / reverse charge car | Check that the VAT treatment is clearly stated on the invoice. | VAT is not paid to the seller, but must be declared in Portugal through the VAT return. |
Advantages of working with eCarsTrade
A platform built to reduce friction for professional car dealers:
Built for professional car dealers
The platform is designed for car dealers, not private buyers. This means clearer processes, relevant stock, and fewer distractions.
No membership fees
Access the platform and start buying without any subscription or upfront cost.
Transparent fees
Know your total cost before you bid. Fixed commissions help you calculate your margin with no surprises.
Delivery across Europe
Request vehicle delivery directly to your business address. Save time and simplify logistics after purchase.
Multilingual support
Get help in 10+ languages, so you can communicate easily with your Account manager and buy vehicles without language barriers.
Consistent supply
Browse vehicles from leasing companies, rental firms, and car dealerships, with more than 18,000 vehicles available every week.
How eCarsTrade makes things easier for you
Frequently asked questions
Yes. For vehicles imported from another EU country, the DAV (Declaração Aduaneira de Veículos) is required before registration.
The full process usually takes around 4 to 6 weeks, depending on inspection availability, document processing, and registration timelines.
You can only use the vehicle under the conditions allowed during the import process. In most cases, the car must be registered and have Portuguese license plates and insurance before it can be used normally on public roads. Always confirm the current rules with the relevant authorities or your import specialist.
ISV must be paid after submitting the DAV. Once the tax is calculated, you receive a payment reference (DUC) and must pay within the deadline shown.
After registration, check your Portal das Finanças account for the IUC amount and payment deadline. For imported vehicles, the first payment may follow a different timeline, and annual payments are based on the applicable rules. Always confirm the exact deadline shown in the portal before paying.
Not always. The CoC is required if the necessary technical data is not already available through the IMT homologation records.
You will typically need the DAV, proof of ISV payment, inspection certificate (Model 112), and IMT homologation documentation. Requirements may vary depending on the vehicle.
Yes, but the process can be time-consuming and complex. Many dealers choose to work with specialized import agencies to save time and avoid mistakes.
Conclusion
Importing cars into Portugal can be a highly profitable strategy for car dealers.
With the right preparation, you can plan your costs, organise your documents, and move through each stage with confidence.
With eCarsTrade, you can access a wide selection of vehicles and simplify the buying process, while having access to thousands of vehicles from all over Europe.
Key takeaways
- Make sure the CoC is available before the vehicle arrives in Portugal to avoid delays in inspection and homologation.
- Estimate the ISV tax and total costs in advance so you understand the full investment and expected margin.
- Follow the correct process order: inspection → homologation → DAV → ISV → registration.
- Respect all legal deadlines for DAV submission, ISV payment, registration, and IUC.
- Plan each step in advance to move the vehicle to sale as quickly as possible.
Glossary
- DAV (Declaração Aduaneira de Veículos)
- Vehicle customs declaration submitted to the Portuguese tax authority as part of the import process.
- ISV (Imposto Sobre Veículos)
- One-time vehicle tax paid during import and registration.
- IUC (Imposto Único de Circulação)
- Annual road tax paid after registration. Payment timing depends on the applicable tax rules and payment calendar.
- DUC (Documento Único de Cobrança)
- Payment reference used to pay taxes such as ISV.
- DUA (Documento Único Automóvel)
- Official Portuguese vehicle registration document.
- CoC (Certificate of Conformity)
- Document from the manufacturer confirming the vehicle meets EU standards.
- IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes)
- Portuguese authority responsible for vehicle homologation and technical matters.
- IRN
- Portuguese authority responsible for vehicle registration and ownership records.
- Category B inspection centre
- Technical inspection centre where imported vehicles must be checked before registration.
- Model 112 certificate
- Certificate issued after inspection confirming the vehicle passed the required checks.
- National homologation number
- Number issued by IMT after homologation. In some cases, it can be used for DAV submission instead of the CoC data.
- Homologation
- Process of confirming that the vehicle meets Portuguese requirements for registration.
- NEDC / WLTP
- Emission standards used to measure CO2 emissions, which affect the ISV amount.
Useful contacts and resources (Portugal)
- ATImport Tax Regularization Service (ISV/DAV)gov.pt — official service for vehicle import tax
- IMTImported Vehicle Plate Assignmentgov.pt — request license plates for imported vehicles
- IRNVehicle Registration (Automovel Online)gov.pt — online vehicle registration service
- ATIUC Payment Servicegov.pt — annual road tax payment
- GOV Portugal Government Portal portugal.gov.pt — official government portal with services, news, and policy updates
- ATISV Calculation Guidance and Simulatorportaldasfinancas.gov.pt — ISV FAQ and calculator links
- IMTHomologation Consultationimt-ip.pt — check homologation records and requirements
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