Importing a car into Portugal: Part 2

Hi there – all well with you?

Last week I discussed the temporary admission of motor vehicles into Portugal – I will now move on to the process of bringing your car into Portugal on a permanent basis.

Permanent Importation of Motor Vehicles
You may be able to import your motor vehicle tax-free if you are transferring your residence to Portugal from another EU member state or from a third country, provided that:

• You are over 18
• You have been resident in the country from where you are transferring for a minimum period of 12 months, consecutive or otherwise
• You have held a valid driver’s licence in that country for a minimum of 12 months
• You are transferring your normal place of residence to Portugal
• Your vehicle was purchased fully-tax paid in the country of your former residence and you can prove this
• You owned the vehicle in the country of your former residence for at least 12 months prior to transferring your residence to Portugal, from the date of issue of the vehicle registration document, or from the date on which the leasing contract was signed, as appropriate
  

If the above do not apply to you then you may well need to pay tax. This can be a very expensive business – be warned. The tax has gone up substantially in the past few years. There is a lot of pressure being applied to the Portuguese Government, including The EU itself, to stop the ISV tax but it seems that they are still charging it.

Having said that, remember that the regulations change all the time so you should always check with your local Portuguese Customs Office once the time draws near.

In order to import a vehicle and to register it in Portugal, you should submit an application within six months of the date on which you transfer your residence to Portugal.

Next time I am going to discuss where you go to register your car and what documents you will need – and there are plenty! There always are, aren’t there?

I have a busy little time ahead: that’s the sheer beauty of London! I am off to hear a talk with my son by the rather contentious author James Ellroy and I’m taking in The Apprentice at the Riverside Studios near my home – this with Sirallun…Sir Alan Sugar to those uninitiated! What makes you think I find difficult men interesting…at a distance I hasten to add?

We’ll talk next week – have loads of fun until then.

All the best,

Carol
http://www.portugalbuyingguide.com/