Importing a car from Spain to Portugal (2026): ISV, checks and costs
Spain is next door and the car can be driven over, but the Portuguese ISV is still due. Here is what it costs, what to check in a Spanish listing and when it pays off.
Short answer
A used car from Spain pays the ISV in Portugal with the age reduction and pays no VAT if it is over 6 months old and over 6 000 km. A 2018 Mercedes C 220 d pays about 2 045 € of ISV; a 2021 Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid about 1 806 €, because ordinary hybrids get no reduction. Transport costs little; registration about 350 €.
ISV on cars bought in Spain (2026)
Our engine's figures on 14 November 2026, first registered in June of the year shown.
| Car | ISV in Portugal | IUC per year |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes C 220 d, 2018 | 2 045 € | 241.50 € |
| VW Golf 2.0 TDI, 2019 | 1 763 € | 241.50 € |
| Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid, 2021 | 1 806 € | 221.38 € |
| Audi A3 1.5 TFSI, 2019 | 793 € | 148.22 € |
The Corolla hybrid pays more than the diesel Golf: an ordinary hybrid gets no ISV reduction, and the car is newer.
What to check on a Spanish car
Send the Spanish listing and we do the numbers
Example: a diesel Mercedes from Spain
Mercedes C 220 d, June 2018, 1 950 cc, 117 g/km NEDC. The purchase price is left out: use the one in the listing.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| ISV (70% reduction for 8 years of age) | 2 045 € |
| Registration and title (TugaCarro reference) | 350 € |
| Trip or transport from Spain | depends on the city |
| Annual IUC after registration | 241.50 € |
A worked example, not an offer. Compare the total with the same car in Portuguese listings.
When buying in Spain pays off
Spain's advantage is distance: transport barely counts. The drawback is that the Portuguese ISV is the same as for a German or Dutch car, and Spanish prices are not always lower. Always compare the on-the-road cost with the Portuguese market; see when importing pays off.
Typical mistakes
- Thinking a car from a neighbouring country pays no ISV: it does, like any EU car.
- Counting on an ISV reduction for an ordinary hybrid.
- Paying without the official vehicle report.
- Working out the ISV with the CO₂ from the listing instead of the papers.
See the full process in registering an imported car.
Send the Spanish listing and we do the numbers
What we do for you
We work out the Spanish car's numbers before the deposit and handle registration in Portugal: declaration, ISV, inspection, plates and title. The cars we bring ourselves come from the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
Frequently asked questions
Does a car bought in Spain pay ISV in Portugal?
Yes.
It pays the Portuguese ISV with the age reduction, like any car registered in another EU country. Only fully electric cars are exempt.
How much ISV does a used car from Spain pay?
It depends on engine size, CO₂ and age: a 2018 Mercedes C 220 d pays about 2 045 €, a 2019 Audi A3 1.5 TFSI about 793 € (2026 tables).
Does a used Spanish car pay VAT in Portugal?
No, if it is over 6 months old and has over 6 000 km.
If it fails either condition, it pays 23%.
Is it worth buying a car in Spain?
It depends on the price: transport is cheap, but the ISV is the same as for any European car.
Compare the on-the-road cost with equivalent Portuguese listings.
How do I know whether a Spanish car has liens?
Ask the seller for the official DGT vehicle report, which shows charges and liens.
Without it, do not pay.
How long does registration take?
Usually 2 to 6 weeks after the car arrives in Portugal (TugaCarro estimate).
Read next
Send the Spanish listing and we do the numbers
2026 tables, free.