→ Import route
Importing a car from France into Portugal
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 France → Portugal matched 9 models by registration year, mileage band and fuel. The median model's dealer asking price was 7% lower in France than in Portugal, with 78% of models listed lower in the origin country. The calculator estimates the total cost of registering the car in Portugal, including registration tax (ISV), VAT where due and fees.
Like-for-like asking prices: France and Portugal
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 France
| Model | Matched difference | Destination median |
|---|---|---|
| Citroën C3 | −15% | €12,500 |
| Nissan Juke | −14% | €19,000 |
| Peugeot 3008 | −14% | €19,900 |
| Renault Clio | −10% | €13,900 |
| Peugeot 208 | −7% | €14,400 |
| Dacia Spring | −4% | €12,800 |
| Opel Corsa | −4% | €13,100 |
Models with higher asking prices in France
| Model | Matched difference | Destination median |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen T-Roc | +17% | €23,500 |
| Peugeot 2008 | +1% | €17,900 |
Estimate the cost of importing a car from France into Portugal
Enter the asking price and the car's details to see the taxes with their legal basis and clearly labelled estimates.
Registration taxes in Portugal
ISV (Imposto sobre Veículos)
Portugal charges ISV once, on the customs vehicle declaration (DAV): an engine-size and a CO2 component, reduced for age by Tabela D (counted to the DAV deadline), with lower rates for plug-in hybrids (art. 8.º). Exclusively electric cars pay none.
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 Portugal: 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 France than in Portugal?
On 3 Nov 2026, 78% of 9 models compared like for like had lower dealer asking prices in France than in Portugal, with the median model listed 7% lower. Transport and registration costs come on top.
What taxes do I pay to register a car from France in Portugal?
Registration tax for this destination: ISV. Portugal charges ISV once, on the customs vehicle declaration (DAV): an engine-size and a CO2 component, reduced for age by Tabela D (counted to the DAV deadline), with lower rates for plug-in hybrids (art. 8.º). Exclusively electric cars pay none.
Do I pay VAT again when I import a used car from France into Portugal?
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 Portugal. If VAT is shown separately, a VAT-registered buyer can buy without the VAT charged in France 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 23% in the destination country, whoever buys it.
How do I bring the car from France into Portugal?
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.