Buying a Car in Portugal as a Foreigner

You can buy a car in Portugal with a Portuguese tax number. But Portugal’s vehicle tax makes used cars relatively expensive, and registering in your name ties you to Portugal. Here are your options.

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Can a foreigner buy a car in Portugal?

Yes, with a NIF. Every car purchase in Portugal is recorded in the vehicle register (registo automóvel) in the buyer's name, and that requires a Portuguese tax number (NIF). Non-residents can get a NIF from the tax authority (Autoridade Tributária), usually with a fiscal representative.

The ownership registration is filed with the IRN, online (Automóvel Online) or at a registry office, often by the dealer. The car's documents are the Documento Único Automóvel or, for newer cars, the Certificado de Matrícula.

Why cars cost more in Portugal

Portugal charges a one-off vehicle tax (ISV) on every car registered there, based on engine size and CO2 emissions, plus an annual circulation tax (IUC). The ISV is built into the price of every Portuguese car, so comparable used cars are often noticeably dearer than in Germany.

That is why many part-year residents buy elsewhere in Europe and bring the car to Portugal on its foreign registration. See the cheapest countries to buy a car in Europe and our mobile.de guide.

Where to find cars in Portugal and what to check

  • Standvirtual, OLX and AutoScout24 carry most dealer and private listings.
  • Ask for the vehicle's registration certificate and check the owner and any registered liens (penhoras or loans) with a registry certificate.
  • Ask for the latest IPO inspection report and service history.
  • Make sure the IUC for the current year is paid.

Driving it as a non-resident: German registration

A car bought in Portugal can be registered in Germany through CarTurf: you buy as the owner and our German partner CarTurf UG becomes the registered Halter. Registration takes 1–5 business days once we have the documents. Customers contract with CarTurf Global FZCO (Dubai). Our German partner CarTurf UG (haftungsbeschränkt) is the registered Halter. For plans and prices, see Pricing.

On German plates you can then use the car in Portugal as a non-resident for up to 6 months in any 12, and anywhere else in Europe. See register a car in Portugal for the exact rules.

Insurance, delivery and sourcing

Insurance is with AXA and comes with the CarTurf registration; there is no stand-alone temporary insurance. AXA's Schutzbrief (assistance abroad) is included, and ADAC cover can be added for €149/year. Default cover is for drivers aged 23+; drivers aged 18–22 (minimum 18) pay a higher premium. A no-claims discount from a foreign insurer does not carry over; one from a previous German policy does. Premium ranges are on Pricing.

Car delivery: €0.75/km base calculation, plus route-specific costs depending on distance, multiple countries, overnight stays and return travel. We don't arrange shipping to the USA, but we can recommend shipping partners.

Not found the right car locally? We can buy for you at trade-only dealer auctions (autobid.de, AUTO1.com, CarOnSale, OPENLANE, BCA and Ayvens Carmarket and others) for €750 + 4% of the net vehicle price; auction fees and delivery passed through at cost. See German car auctions.

Your options as a non-resident

OptionWhat it means
Buy in Portugal, keep Portuguese registration Needs a NIF; car stays in the Portuguese register in your name; ISV is in the price; annual IUC
Buy in Portugal, register in Germany Buy as owner, German plates via CarTurf in 1–5 business days; up to 6 of 12 months in Portugal
Buy elsewhere in Europe, register in Germany Often cheaper cars; German plates; up to 6 of 12 months in Portugal

Portuguese rules: gov.pt, IRN, IMT, Autoridade Tributária. CarTurf prices: [Pricing](/pricing).

Living in Portugal full-time?

If Portugal is your residence, a Portuguese-registered car is the right choice and the 6-month limit does not apply to it. CarTurf is for people whose main home is elsewhere.

Buying a car for Portugal? Get German plates

We register it in Germany in 1–5 business days once the documents are in.

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FAQ

Buying a car in Portugal FAQ

Yes. You need a Portuguese tax number (NIF), because the purchase is recorded in the vehicle register in the buyer’s name.

Yes, from the Portuguese tax authority, usually with a fiscal representative.

Portugal’s one-off vehicle tax (ISV), based on engine size and CO2, is built into the price of every Portuguese-registered car.

Yes. You buy as the owner and we register it through our German partner in 1–5 business days once we have the documents.

As a non-resident, up to 6 months, consecutive or not, in any 12-month period.

Standvirtual, OLX and AutoScout24 carry most listings, plus franchise dealers.

We deliver within Europe: €0.75/km base calculation, plus route-specific costs depending on distance, multiple countries, overnight stays and return travel. We don’t ship to the USA but can recommend shipping partners.