Importing a car from the Netherlands to Portugal (2026): hybrids, EVs and ISV
The Netherlands has plenty of used plug-in hybrids and electric cars, and every car's technical data is public by plate. Here is the ISV you pay, what to check and what it costs to bring the car.
Short answer
Importing a used car from the Netherlands pays off mainly with plug-in hybrids and electric cars. A 2021 BMW 330e pays about 528 € of ISV in Portugal if it meets the plug-in hybrid conditions, against 2 114 € without them; a Tesla Model 3 pays no ISV. Add transport (TugaCarro reference: about 1 100 €) and registration (about 350 €). Count on 2 to 6 weeks after the car arrives.
Why so many cars come from the Netherlands
We have been bringing cars from the Netherlands to Portugal since 2022. With Germany and Belgium, it is one of the three markets we work with.
ISV on Dutch cars: 2026 examples
Cars registered in another EU country get the ISV age reduction (10% to 80%). Our engine's figures on 14 November 2026, first registered in June of the year shown.
| Car | Type | ISV in Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| BMW 330e, 2021 | Plug-in hybrid | 528 € |
| Mercedes E 300 de, 2020 | Diesel plug-in hybrid | 410 € |
| Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid, 2021 | Ordinary hybrid | 1 806 € |
| Tesla Model 3, 2021 | Electric | 0 € |
| BMW 330e, 2021, if it fails the plug-in conditions | No hybrid reduction | 2 114 € |
Plug-in hybrids pay 25% of the ISV with an electric range of at least 50 km and official CO₂ below 50 g/km (80 g/km if Euro 6e-bis). Ordinary hybrids get no reduction. Check both values in the car's papers.
Read the full rule in ISV on plug-in hybrids.
Send us the Dutch plate and we do the numbers
What we check before you buy
In @TugaCarroBot, on Dutch listings, the ISV button estimates the tax from the plate.
Example: a Dutch plug-in on the road in Portugal
2021 BMW 330e, 1 998 cc, 38 g/km WLTP, meeting the plug-in conditions. The purchase price is left out: use the one in the listing you are looking at.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| ISV (25% as a plug-in, 52% age reduction) | 528 € |
| Transport from the Netherlands (reference) | 1 100 € |
| Registration and title (reference) | 350 € |
| Costs on top of the car price | 1 978 € |
| Annual IUC after registration | 221.38 € |
A worked example, not an offer. VAT: a used car over 6 months old and over 6 000 km pays no VAT in Portugal.
Typical mistakes with Dutch cars
- Counting on the 25% ISV for a plug-in with under 50 km of range or CO₂ above the limit: the ISV can quadruple.
- Treating an ordinary hybrid as a plug-in: it gets no reduction at all.
- Using the CO₂ from the listing instead of the official one.
- Buying a lease car without confirming the seller can sell it free of charges.
- Buying a car 6 months old or less, or with 6 000 km or less: it pays 23% VAT in Portugal.
Send us the Dutch plate and we do the numbers
What we do for you
We find and check the car in the Netherlands, arrange transport and handle registration up to Portuguese plates. Before the deposit you get the ISV, IUC and on-the-road cost in writing. See also registering an imported car.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth importing a car from the Netherlands?
Mainly for plug-in hybrids and electric cars, where the Portuguese ISV is low or zero, and for cars over 5 years old.
Always compare the on-the-road cost with equivalent listings in Portugal.
How much does it cost to bring a car from the Netherlands to Portugal?
Transport is about 1 100 € (TugaCarro reference) and registration about 350 €, plus the ISV, which depends on the car: a 2021 BMW 330e pays about 528 €, a Tesla Model 3 nothing.
How much ISV does a Dutch plug-in hybrid pay?
25% of the normal ISV, with an electric range of at least 50 km and official CO₂ below 50 g/km (80 g/km if Euro 6e-bis).
Plug-ins first registered in another EU country between 2015 and 2020 only need 25 km of range. Otherwise it pays the full ISV.
Does a used car from the Netherlands 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% in Portugal.
Can I see a Dutch car's data before buying?
Yes.
The public RDW register shows by plate the technical data and first registration date, and NAP says whether the mileage is consistent.
How long does it take?
Usually 2 to 6 weeks after the car arrives in Portugal (TugaCarro estimate), plus the transport time.
Read next
Send us the Dutch plate and we do the numbers
2026 tables, with the plug-in hybrid rule.