If you are planning to buy or import a vehicle in Portugal, there are specific procedures and paperwork that you need to follow. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in buying or importing a car in Portugal and the paperwork required for selling a car in the country.
Buying a New or Used Car in Portugal
The process of buying a car in Portugal is relatively simple, and both new and used cars are readily available in the market. However, if you are a foreign national, you need to keep certain things in mind.
Find a Dealer
The first step is to find a reliable dealer who sells new or used cars. You can use online platforms like Standvirtual and AutoSapo to search for dealers and private sellers.
Inspection
Once you have identified the car you want to buy, it’s essential to inspect the car thoroughly. You can hire a mechanic or a car inspection service to inspect the vehicle and provide you with a report on its condition.
Payment and Insurance
If you are happy with the car’s condition, you can proceed with the payment. In Portugal, it’s common to pay for the car using cash or a bank transfer. It’s essential to have insurance before driving the car, and you can purchase it from any insurance company in Portugal.
Registration
Once you have paid for the car, you need to register it with the Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT). You will need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of ownership
- Valid identification
- Proof of insurance
- Technical inspection certificate
The registration process usually takes one or two days, and once your car is registered, you will receive a registration certificate.
Taxes and Duties
If you are importing a car from another country, you may need to pay import duties and taxes. You can find more information on import taxes and duties on the Portuguese Customs website.
Importing a Vehicle in Portugal
If you are planning to import a car into Portugal, you need to follow specific procedures and obtain the necessary paperwork. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to import a car into Portugal.
Check if Your Car is Eligible for Import
Before importing a car into Portugal, you need to check if the car is eligible for import. You can do this by checking the Portuguese Customs website. If your car is not eligible for import, you will need to obtain a permit from the Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT).
Obtain the Necessary Paperwork
You will need to obtain the following paperwork before importing a car into Portugal:
- Bill of Lading or Delivery Order
- Customs declaration
- Technical inspection certificate
- Valid identification
- Proof of insurance
Transport Your Car to Portugal
You can transport your car to Portugal by sea, air, or road. It’s essential to ensure that the transport company is reliable and has experience in transporting cars.
Pay Import Taxes and Duties
If you are importing a car into Portugal, you may need to pay import duties and taxes. You can find more information on import taxes and duties on the Portuguese Customs website.
Register Your Car with the Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT)
Once your car has arrived in Portugal, you need to register it with the Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT). You will need to provide the following documents:
- Bill of Lading or Delivery Order
- Customs declaration
- Technical inspection certificate
- Valid identification
- Proof of insurance
The registration process usually takes one or two days, and once your car is registered, you will receive a registration certificate.
Get Your Car Inspected
Before you can drive your car in Portugal, you need to get it inspected by an IMT-approved inspection center. The inspection includes checking the car’s brakes, steering, suspension, lights, emissions, and safety features. If your car passes the inspection, you will receive a technical inspection certificate.
Relevant Government Departments and Contact Details
Here are the contact details of the relevant government departments in Portugal that you may need to contact when importing a car:
- Portuguese Customs: You can find information on import taxes and duties on the Portuguese Customs website. You can also contact them through their website or by phone at +351 217 943 000.
- Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT): The IMT is responsible for vehicle registration and inspection in Portugal. You can find more information on their website or contact them by phone at +351 210 040 500.
Selling a Car in Portugal
If you want to sell a car in Portugal, you need to follow certain procedures and obtain the necessary paperwork. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sell a car in Portugal.
Cancel Your Car Insurance
Before selling your car, you need to cancel your car insurance. You can do this by contacting your insurance company and providing them with the necessary information.
Obtain a Sales Agreement
You need to obtain a sales agreement, which is a legal document that transfers ownership from you to the buyer. You can download a template online or ask your lawyer to draft one for you.
Transfer Ownership
To transfer ownership, you need to provide the following documents to the buyer:
- Sales agreement
- Vehicle registration certificate
- Technical inspection certificate
- Valid identification
- Proof of ownership
Once the buyer has the necessary documents, they can register the car in their name.
Buying or importing a vehicle in Portugal may seem overwhelming, especially if you are a foreign national. However, by following the procedures and obtaining the necessary paperwork, you can easily buy or import a car and sell it when the time comes. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the relevant government departments for assistance.