Legalization of imported cars
Imported your car yourself? We handle the whole legalization process, from start to Portuguese plates.
Choose how to handle the legalization
Just want to estimate the ISV? Use our ISV calculator.
Imported car legalization in Portugal
Updated on .Source:Applying for license plates for an imported vehicle (gov.pt / IMT, in Portuguese); Portuguese Vehicle Tax Code (CISV), Law 22-A/2007 (consolidated text from the Tax Authority, in Portuguese).
Legalizing an imported car means giving it Portuguese license plates: assessing and paying the ISV, getting the vehicle type-approved (with the Certificate of Conformity, COC), passing the inspection for license plate assignment and registering ownership. ComfyLand handles the whole process with the IMT, the Tax Authority and the Vehicle Registry Office, and keeps you informed at every stage.
What the service includes
- Handling all the paperwork with the IMT and the Tax Authority.
- Booking the required appointments, including the inspection for license plate assignment.
- Follow-up until your Portuguese plates are issued, with online case tracking.
What it costs
- ComfyLand fees for the advisory service: €159.90, VAT included.
- IMT fee (public fee): €45 with national type approval; €165 when type approval has to be created.
- Ownership registration at the Vehicle Registry Office (public fee): €65 (optional).
- License plates supplied by ComfyLand: €12.50 each (optional).
- ISV: a tax paid separately to the Tax Authority, because it depends on the vehicle — you can estimate it with the ISV calculator.
Our fees, not public fees. ComfyLand's prices are the fees for our advisory service. Official charges (IMT, Vehicle Registry Office and the ISV assessed by the Tax Authority) are set by the public authorities and are always shown separately.
You send the documents through the website and, if anything is missing, the team lets you know. During the process you can see which stage it is at on the Case status page. The car needs car insurance from the time it is on foreign plates — we can arrange it at the same time.
Legalization FAQs
See the frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to legalize an imported car in Portugal?
- ComfyLand's legalization service costs €159.90, VAT included, and covers handling all the paperwork with the IMT and the Tax Authority, booking the required appointments and following the case until you get Portuguese plates. On top of that come the IMT fee (€45 with national type approval, €165 without it), ownership registration at the Vehicle Registry Office (€65, optional) and license plates (€12.50 each, optional). The ISV is paid separately, because it depends on the vehicle.
- Is the ISV included in the legalization price?
- No. The ISV (Portuguese vehicle tax) is assessed separately, because it depends on the engine size, CO₂ emissions, fuel and age of the vehicle. You can estimate it with the ISV calculator on our website before going ahead with the process. Estimate the ISV →
- How long does it take to legalize an imported car?
- The Vehicle Customs Declaration (DAV) is issued within one to two days of receiving your documents. The whole process, until it is completed at the IMT, takes about three weeks. Check the case status →
- What documents do I need to legalize my car?
- You always need the complete registration certificate from the country of origin, the owner's ID document, the transport document (CMR) or valid insurance, and proof of payment for the transport. Depending on the case, you also add the Certificate of Conformity (COC), IMT Form 9 (Modelo 9), the inspection for license plate assignment, the bill of sale and the Single Vehicle Document (DUA). You can attach everything in the form on our website, and the team will let you know if anything is missing.
- Do you legalize vehicles coming from outside the European Union?
- Yes. The difference lies in the tax reduction for years of use: for used vehicles coming from the European Union or the European Economic Area, the reduction applies to the engine-size component and also to the environmental component; for vehicles from outside, it applies only to the engine-size component.
- How do I track my legalization case?
- On the Case status page of our website you can see which stage your legalization is at. Individuals enter their first name, last name and the vehicle's VIN; companies enter their company name and the VIN. On that page you can also send any documents the team has asked for. Check the case status →
- Do I need to go to the IMT or the Tax Office?
- No. ComfyLand handles the paperwork with the IMT and the Tax Authority and books the required appointments. All you need to do is send the vehicle and owner documents and be available for the inspection once it is scheduled.