Tuesday 26 October 2010

Importing a car into Portugal: Part 4

Hello again.

Okay, let’s continue. You have the required paperwork for the car; just a few things you need to be aware of upfront.

Road Tax or Imposto Único de Circulação) is paid annually, during the month in which the vehicle was registered, on-line at your local tax office – the Loja do Cidadão. This tax is payable in respect of all vehicles, regardless of whether or not they are in use. Proof of payment is made by showing the receipt issued by the relevant authority.

The amount of tax paid is different for vehicles registered before and after July 2007. Owners of cars registered before July 2007 pay an amount of tax directly related to the age of the vehicle and its cubic capacity. The tax on vehicles registered after July 2007 will also take into account the vehicle's CO2 emissions and the power of the engine.

Insurance. All vehicles must have at least third party insurance cover. The insurance company will provide an insurance stamp for display in the lower right-hand corner of the vehicle’s windscreen, at the time the policy is issued.

These documents, as well as the driver’s ID and licence, should be carried at all times and shown to the authorities on request.

MOT Testing and Certificates
MOT testing is compulsory in Portugal for all vehicles over four years old. Cars aged between 4-7 years must be tested every two years and thereafter every year. The test (Insepecção Periódica Obrigatória – IPO) must be carried out at an approved garage. The garage is required to request the vehicle’s ownership documents (Titulo de Registo de Propriedade and Livrete or the more recent Certificado de Matrícula) and the owner’s taxpayer’s identification card (cartão de contribuinte) before carrying out the test.

A stamp confirming that the vehicle has passed the test should be displayed below the insurance stamp, in the lower right-hand corner of the vehicle’s windscreen.

Registration is recorded at both the local customs office and the IMTT. The Portuguese authorities may ask for documents other than those listed below. It's advisable to first check on forms and documents required. The application should be made to your nearest Customs office. This application should be submitted with:

  • A fiscal certificate or tax clearance form issued by customs. In some instances, there are customs and tax charges payable – this will depend on the model, power, age and mileage of the vehicle
  • Original receipt of purchase showing taxes paid
  • A Certificate of Compliance (Form Model 9) issued by the IMTT confirming that the vehicle has undergone an inspection
  • A certificate of Homologacão from the vehicle manufacturer or certified representative in Portugal to identify that the vehicle is of a recognised type in Portugal or the EU
  • A Copy of the foreign vehicle registration certificate
  • A Certificate of conformity, called a COC (Certificado de Conformidade)
  • A certificate of roadworthiness

The technical inspection or Inspecção Periódica Obrigatória should be made at an IMTT approved garage. This checks vehicle identification, brakes, tyres, emissions, noise levels, lights, steering, windscreen and wipers, and chassis (inside and out) condition.

Believe it or not, there’s more. I’ll complete the document list next week…that way it doesn’t look so totally overwhelming! Bye until next time, all best wishes – and keep warm!

Carol.
http://www.portugalbuyingguide.com/

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