Car Import Assistance (ISV, Customs, IMT)
ISV, customs clearance and IMT registration — handled for you, from paperwork to plates.
Legalising an imported vehicle in Portugal involves three things: the ISV (Imposto Sobre Veículos) vehicle tax, the customs declaration (DAV) and registration with the IMT. We coordinate all three on your behalf so your car ends up Portuguese-registered and road-legal. To estimate the ISV before you commit, use our free ISV import calculator (/tools/isv-import-calculator/).
Who this is for
- People relocating to Portugal who want to bring their own vehicle
- Owners of an EU or non-EU car who need it registered and plated in Portugal
- Anyone who wants the DAV deadline, ISV and IMT registration managed for them
- Those who would rather not deal with Finanças and the IMT in Portuguese
What you provide
- Your vehicle registration document and proof of ownership
- The Certificate of Conformity (COC) where your vehicle has one
- Your NIF and proof of residence in Portugal
- Transport or entry documents showing when the vehicle arrived in Portugal
What you receive
- A Portuguese-registered, road-legal vehicle with number plates
- The DAV customs declaration submitted and the ISV assessed and settled
- IMT registration and your Portuguese vehicle document (DUA)
From order to done
1. Share your vehicle details
Send us the registration document, ownership proof and your NIF so we can review the case and estimate the ISV.
2. We handle customs (DAV) and ISV
We prepare and submit the DAV to the customs authority within the deadline and manage the ISV assessment and payment.
3. We register with the IMT
Once customs and the ISV are settled, we handle the IMT registration and your DUA vehicle document.
4. You receive your plates
We confirm your car is Portuguese-registered and road-legal, with number plates issued.
Timeline: The DAV is due within 20 working days of the vehicle entering Portugal and IMT registration within 60 days; in practice the full legalisation usually takes around 4–6 weeks, depending on inspection availability.
Included in the price
- Review of your vehicle and documents
- Preparation and submission of the DAV customs declaration
- Handling the ISV assessment and payment on your behalf
- IMT registration and issue of the Portuguese vehicle document (DUA)
Not included
- The state taxes themselves — the ISV amount is paid separately and depends entirely on your vehicle (engine, CO₂, age)
- The annual road tax (IUC), payable each year to Finanças
- Any customs duty or VAT on a non-EU vehicle, and the technical inspection (IPO) fee
- Transport or shipping of the vehicle to Portugal
Not sure this is the right service? Tell us your situation and we’ll point you to the right one. This is information and facilitation, not a guarantee of any immigration or tax outcome.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the ISV I will pay?
The ISV depends on your car’s engine size, CO₂ emissions and age, so it varies widely. Our fee does not include it — estimate yours first with our free ISV import calculator (/tools/isv-import-calculator/), then confirm against the official simulator.
Can I claim the transfer-of-residence ISV exemption?
Yes. If you are moving your residence to Portugal and meet the conditions (such as prior ownership and residence abroad), we assess and lodge the transfer-of-residence ISV exemption on your behalf.
Do you handle non-EU vehicles?
Yes — we handle both EU and non-EU vehicles. A non-EU car may additionally need a Certificate of Conformity (COC) or individual approval (homologação), and customs duty or VAT can apply; we manage this as part of the process.
What exactly do I end up with?
A Portuguese-registered, road-legal vehicle with number plates and the DUA vehicle document. From there you pay the annual IUC road tax and keep the car insured and inspected.