How to register an imported car in Portugal

The full process, exactly as we have handled it every day since 2015.

Short answerGather the documents, get the car type approved by the IMT (Portugal's vehicle authority), pass the inspeção tipo B (the inspection for imported cars), file the DAV (declaração aduaneira de veículo, the vehicle customs declaration) and pay ISV (imposto sobre veículos, the Portuguese vehicle registration tax) within 20 working days of the car entering Portugal, and you receive your Portuguese registration number. Ownership registration and the DUA/livrete (the Portuguese registration certificate) follow. As an official customs broker (despachante oficial), we handle all of it for you.

The steps, one by one

This is how a case runs at Legaliza na Hora, from the first document to the Portuguese registration certificate arriving at your home.

We receive your documents. The registration document from the country of origin, your ID, the purchase invoice and, if the car arrived by lorry, the CMR transport note.
Type approval. With the certificate of conformity (COC), we apply to the IMT for type approval. Without a COC, we request one from the manufacturer or arrange individual type approval.
Modelo 9 and paperwork. We prepare the registration application (Modelo 9) and the powers of attorney. Signature certification is free of charge.
Inspeção tipo B. The car is inspected at an inspection centre, which confirms it matches the documents.
DAV. As an official customs broker, we file the vehicle customs declaration with the Tax and Customs Authority (Autoridade Tributária).
ISV. The tax is assessed and paid. Once payment is confirmed, the case moves on straight away.
The package covers our fee, DAV, the applicable IMT fee and initial ownership registration. Two physical number plates are optional: €35. ISV is paid directly by the customer to the Tax Authority; inspection, a missing COC and transport are separate. The registration certificate is issued later.
Originals to the IMT. We collect the original documents, at our office or by post, and hand them in at the IMT.
Registration and livrete. We apply for ownership registration. The Portuguese registration certificate (certificado de matrícula) is delivered to your address.

Registration within 24 working hours, subject to conditions

Follow the current phase, next step and payment status on your computer or phone. Send documents by WhatsApp or email.

Deadlines you must meet

The DAV must be filed within 20 working days of the car entering Portugal. If the deadline is close, tell us straight away: we will prioritise your case.

How much it costs

Item	Amount
Registration (final price, VAT included)	€329.50
With the transfer of residence exemption	€596
From outside the EU, with customs clearance	€826
ISV	depends on the car, paid to the Tax and Customs Authority
Inspeção tipo B	paid at the inspection centre
Signature certification	free

The package covers our fee, DAV, the applicable IMT fee and initial ownership registration. Two physical number plates are optional: €35. ISV is paid directly by the customer to the Tax Authority; inspection, a missing COC and transport are separate. The registration certificate is issued later.

See the breakdown in how much it costs to register a car and how ISV is calculated.

Special cases

Moving your residence to Portugal: you may not have to pay ISV.
Company-owned cars: company and director documents.
Motorbikes: the same process, with their own ISV rules.
Electric and hybrid cars: ISV exemption or reduction.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive on foreign plates while the car is being registered?

Yes, within the legal deadline and while the process is under way. The DAV must be filed within 20 working days of the car entering Portugal.

Do I need to go to customs or the IMT?

No. As an official customs broker, we deal with customs and the IMT for you. Only the inspeção tipo B requires taking the car to an inspection centre.

The car arrived by lorry. Does anything change?

You need the CMR, the transport consignment note, which proves the date the car entered Portugal.

I bought the car but someone else drove it to Portugal. Is that a problem?

No, but tell us who drove it. The process is the same, with the paperwork adjusted.

When do I receive the Portuguese registration certificate?

After registration, we hand the originals in at the IMT and apply for ownership registration. The livrete is delivered to the owner's address, within the registry office's timescale.

Related guides

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.

Get started Chat on WhatsApp