Importing a car from France to Portugal (2026): ISV, papers and costs
France has plenty of French diesel and petrol cars and is a day's drive away. Here is the ISV you pay, what to check in a French listing and what registration costs.
Short answer
A used car from France pays the ISV in Portugal with the age reduction, like any EU car, and pays no VAT if it is over 6 months old and over 6 000 km. A 2020 Peugeot 3008 1.5 BlueHDi pays about 1 028 € of ISV; a 2019 Audi A3 1.5 TFSI about 793 €. Add transport and about 350 € of registration.
ISV on cars bought in France (2026)
Our engine's figures on 14 November 2026, first registered in June of the year shown.
| Car | ISV in Portugal | IUC per year |
|---|---|---|
| Peugeot 3008 1.5 BlueHDi, 2020 | 1 028 € | 158.29 € |
| Audi A3 1.5 TFSI, 2019 | 793 € | 148.22 € |
| Toyota Yaris 1.5 Hybrid, 2020 | 753 € | 148.22 € |
| VW Polo 1.0 TSI, 2020 | 100 € (minimum) | 111.46 € |
Small engines land near the 100 € minimum; there the gain from importing comes only from the car price. With bigger engines and older cars the age reduction weighs more.
What to check on a French car
Send the French listing and we do the numbers
Example: a diesel SUV from France
Peugeot 3008 1.5 BlueHDi, June 2020, 1 499 cc, 120 g/km WLTP. The purchase price is left out: use the one in the listing.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| ISV (60% reduction for 6 years of age) | 1 028 € |
| Registration and title (TugaCarro reference) | 350 € |
| Transport | depends on the city and the method |
| Annual IUC after registration | 158.29 € |
A worked example, not an offer. Compare the total with the same car in Portuguese listings.
Bringing the car from France
Two ways: on a truck, or driven on temporary plates with insurance valid for the trip. Driving saves on transport but adds mileage, tolls and the risk of the trip. See the numbers in transporting a car to Portugal.
Typical mistakes
- Paying before seeing the administrative status certificate.
- Working out the ISV with the CO₂ from the listing instead of the papers.
- Buying a car 6 months old or less, or with 6 000 km or less: it pays 23% VAT in Portugal.
- Forgetting the 500 € surcharge on pre-Euro 6 diesels.
See the full process in registering an imported car.
Send the French listing and we do the numbers
What we do for you
We work out the French car's numbers before the deposit (ISV, IUC and on-the-road cost) 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
Is it worth importing a car from France?
It can be for cars over 5 years old and bigger engines, where the ISV age reduction counts.
For small city cars the ISV is already low and the gain comes only from the price. Compare the on-the-road cost with Portuguese listings.
How much ISV does a used car from France pay?
It depends on engine size, CO₂ and age: a 2020 Peugeot 3008 1.5 BlueHDi pays about 1 028 €, a 2019 Audi A3 1.5 TFSI about 793 € (2026 tables).
Does a used French 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%.
How do I know whether a French car has debts or liens?
Ask the seller for the official administrative status certificate, which shows liens and objections to sale.
Without it, do not pay.
Can I drive the car from France?
Yes, on temporary plates with insurance valid for the trip.
Add fuel, tolls and the risk of the trip before comparing with a truck.
How long does registration take?
Usually 2 to 6 weeks after the car arrives in Portugal (TugaCarro estimate).
Read next
Send the French listing and we do the numbers
2026 tables, free.