Bring Your UK Car to Portugal — We Handle the Matriculation
Relocating from the UK and want to keep your car? Under the transfer-of-residence rules you can register it in Portugal without paying ISV — if the conditions are met and the paperwork is done right. We run the entire process for a flat fee, in English, while you drive the car.
€2,500 — complete matriculation service. Official fees and taxes charged by the state (customs, type-B inspection, plates, registration) are paid separately at cost.
Do you qualify for the tax-free import?
The ISV exemption on transfer of residence has strict conditions. All of these must be true:
- You lived in the UK for at least 6 months before moving to Portugal
- The car has been owned and used by you for at least 6 months before the move (V5C in your name)
- You hold (or are completing) Portuguese residency — a residence permit is a hard requirement
- The car enters Portugal within 12 months of your residence transfer
- The process is started within 20 working days of the car entering Portugal — keep proof of entry (ferry ticket, toll or fuel receipt with the plate)
⚠️ You cannot sell the car for 12 months
A car matriculated with the residence-transfer exemption cannot be sold, rented out or lent within 12 months of registration. Break the rule and the full ISV plus taxes become due. Plan for this: if you might sell soon after arriving, importing tax-free is the wrong tool.
Honest note on right-hand drive
RHD cars can be registered in Portugal — but reselling one here later is very hard and the value is low. If your car is RHD and you don't plan to keep it long-term, read the alternative below before shipping it.
What the €2,500 covers
- Assessment of your case before you commit — we tell you honestly if you qualify
- Customs declaration (DAV) and the ISV-exemption dossier
- COC / homologation of the model with IMT
- Booking and accompanying the type-B technical inspection
- IMT paperwork, Portuguese plates and ownership registration
- IUC (road tax) set-up and a checklist for insurance switch-over
Thinking of selling in the UK and buying here instead?
Often the smarter move — especially for RHD cars. We'll help you buy safely in Portugal: a €150 pre-purchase inspection of any car you find, or a €450 turnkey search where we find, inspect and negotiate for you. And if you want a fresh import, we bring cars from Germany with a flat €2,000 fee.
Pre-purchase inspection — €150 Where we inspect (Greater Lisbon) Car import from Germany — €2,000 flat ISV calculator 2026
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my Portuguese residence permit first?
Yes — the exemption is tied to your transfer of residence. We can start preparing the dossier while your permit is being finalised, but the application requires proof of Portuguese residency.
How long does the whole process take?
In practice one to two months from the car entering Portugal, depending on IMT and inspection slots. You can normally keep driving the car on UK plates while the process runs.
What if I don't meet the exemption conditions?
The car can still be imported, but full ISV plus VAT/customs where applicable become due. Use our ISV calculator for an estimate, or send us the car details on WhatsApp — we'll price both scenarios before you decide.
Is the €2,500 really all your fee?
Yes — it's our complete service fee. State charges (customs processing, type-B inspection, plates, registration, IUC) are billed at cost on top; we list them for you upfront so there are no surprises.
Send us your car and move dates
We reply on WhatsApp within ~15 minutes with a yes/no on the exemption and a full cost breakdown.
