→ Import route
Importing a car from Portugal into France
Compare dealer asking prices like for like in both countries, read the registration taxes and steps, and estimate the cost with the free calculator.
In short
On 3 Nov 2026, the comparison Portugal → France matched 9 models by registration year, mileage band and fuel. The median model's dealer asking price was 7% higher in Portugal than in France, with 22% of models still listed lower in the origin country. The calculator estimates the total cost of registering the car in France, including registration tax (CO₂ malus, weight malus and carte grise), VAT where due and fees.
Like-for-like asking prices: Portugal and France
Each model is compared using only the registration years, mileage bands and fuels listed in both countries, with the same weights on both sides. A negative figure means a lower asking price in the origin country, before transport and import taxes.
Differences compare matched cars. Destination medians include all listed cars of each model.
Models with lower asking prices in Portugal
| Model | Matched difference | Destination median |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen T-Roc | −15% | €24,800 |
| Peugeot 2008 | −1% | €16,000 |
Models with higher asking prices in Portugal
| Model | Matched difference | Destination median |
|---|---|---|
| Citroën C3 | +18% | €10,000 |
| Nissan Juke | +17% | €18,000 |
| Peugeot 3008 | +16% | €21,000 |
| Renault Clio | +11% | €16,000 |
| Peugeot 208 | +7% | €12,700 |
| Dacia Spring | +4% | €12,000 |
| Opel Corsa | +4% | €13,300 |
Estimate the cost of importing a car from Portugal into France
Enter the asking price and the car's details to see the taxes with their legal basis and clearly labelled estimates.
Registration taxes in France
Malus CO₂ and malus au poids; carte grise (taxe régionale)
France charges a used import the CO₂ malus of the year it was first registered (anywhere): the grid of that year, NEDC for cars first registered from 2015 to February 2020, WLTP after; nothing for cars first registered before 2015. The amount is then reduced by the car's age in months (3% in the first months, 43% from the 61st month, 100% from the 181st). Cars first registered from 2022 also pay the weight malus on their mass in running order above that year's threshold, with the same age reduction; together the two cannot exceed that year's maximum malus. Electric cars pay neither.
Then comes the carte grise: the regional tax (fiscal horsepower × the region's rate, €42 to €68.95 per CV in 2026, half rate from ten years), €11 fixed tax and €2.76 delivery. Fiscal horsepower for a car first registered in France is computed from its power in kW.
Official sources
The steps
- Check the listing's asking price against comparable cars, the mileage history and whether the car is sold under the margin scheme or with VAT shown separately.
- Get the registration certificate, including all parts issued by the country, the Certificate of Conformity (CoC), the invoice or contract, and the service records from the seller.
- Arrange a car transporter, or drive the car on temporary or export plates with insurance valid for the trip. The calculator includes a transport estimate you can change.
- Register the car in France: pay any registration tax and fees due, complete any required inspection and get local plates.
Questions about this route
Is it cheaper to buy a used car in Portugal than in France?
On 3 Nov 2026, 22% of 9 models compared like for like had lower dealer asking prices in Portugal than in France, although the median model was listed 7% higher. Transport and registration costs come on top.
What taxes do I pay to register a car from Portugal in France?
Registration tax for this destination: CO₂ malus, weight malus and carte grise. France charges a used import the CO₂ malus of the year it was first registered (anywhere): the grid of that year, NEDC for cars first registered from 2015 to February 2020, WLTP after; nothing for cars first registered before 2015. The amount is then reduced by the car's age in months (3% in the first months, 43% from the 61st month, 100% from the 181st). Cars first registered from 2022 also pay the weight malus on their mass in running order above that year's threshold, with the same age reduction; together the two cannot exceed that year's maximum malus. Electric cars pay neither.
Do I pay VAT again when I import a used car from Portugal into France?
A car that is used for VAT purposes, bought from a dealer under the margin scheme or from a private seller in another EU country, carries no VAT again in France. If VAT is shown separately, a VAT-registered buyer can buy without the VAT charged in Portugal and account for VAT at the destination. For a used car under normal VAT rules, a private buyer collecting it abroad generally pays the seller-country VAT. Seller-arranged delivery can change the VAT treatment; confirm the invoice and delivery arrangements. A car first used six months ago or less, or driven 6,000 km or less, is a new means of transport for VAT and is taxed at 20% in the destination country, whoever buys it.
How do I bring the car from Portugal into France?
Use a car transporter, or drive the car on temporary or export plates with insurance valid for the trip. Keep the registration certificate, Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and invoice for registration at the destination.