Documents needed to register an imported car in Portugal
The complete list, by type of customer. Get it right first time and the process never stalls.
Private individual
| Document | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Foreign registration document (all parts) | Identifies the car and the previous owner |
| Cartão de Cidadão (Portuguese ID card) or residence permit (título de residência), with NIF | Identifies the new owner |
| Invoice or sale and purchase contract | Proves the purchase and its date |
| Certificate of conformity (COC) | Type approval at the IMT |
| CMR, if the car arrived by lorry | Proves the date it entered Portugal |
Company
The same vehicle documents, plus the company's certidão permanente (registry certificate), its NIPC (company tax number) and ID for the director who signs. See company-owned cars.
Moving to Portugal (ISV exemption)
- Cartão de Cidadão (Portuguese ID card).
- Official residence certificate from the country where you lived (or a consular deregistration certificate), with the start and end dates of your residence.
- Proof of everyday life from the last 6 months: rent receipts, water or electricity bills or payslips.
- Proof of ownership or financial lease in your name for at least 6 months before moving. If financed, send the agreement and ownership documents for assessment.
- Registration document and, if you have it, the COC.
What we prepare
The registration application (Modelo 9), the powers of attorney for the IMT and the application for the livrete. You just sign. Signature certification is free of charge.
How to send them
Clear photos or PDFs, by WhatsApp or email. The originals come in later, after registration, at our office or by post.
Frequently asked questions
The German registration document has two parts. Do I need both?
Yes. In Germany, the Zulassungsbescheinigung has Part I and Part II, and both are needed.
Does the invoice need to show the VIN?
It should. An invoice showing the chassis number (VIN) avoids requests for clarification.
Can I send photos taken on my phone?
Yes, as long as every field is legible. The originals are handed in later.
Related guides
- How to register an imported car
- Documents required
- How long it takes
- How much it costs
- How ISV is calculated
- VAT: new or used car
- Type approval and certificate of conformity
- Inspeção tipo B
- DAV: the vehicle customs declaration
- After registration: plates, ownership and livrete
- Electric and hybrid cars
- Company-owned cars
- Imported motorbikes
- Moving to Portugal and ISV exemption
- Mistakes that delay registration
Have a car to register?
Send us the car's details. We will tell you what is missing, what it costs and when you will have Portuguese plates.