Question 1

How is a used car transferred to a new owner in Portugal?

Accepted Answer

The change of ownership is registered at the Registo Automóvel, online or at a registry office, on a request signed by buyer and seller. Until it is registered, the seller remains the owner on record and is liable for the IUC.

Question 2

Who pays the IUC, and when?

Accepted Answer

The IUC is due every year from whoever is the registered owner, in the month the car was first registered. Cars registered from July 2007 pay according to engine size and CO2 emissions; fully electric cars are exempt.

Question 3

How often does a car need an IPO inspection?

Accepted Answer

A passenger car has its first IPO four years after first registration, then every two years until it is eight, and every year after that. Check the date of the last inspection before buying, since a car with an expired IPO cannot legally be driven.

Question 4

Is there tax on a car imported from another EU country?

Accepted Answer

Yes: a used car brought into Portugal pays ISV before it gets Portuguese plates, calculated on engine size and CO2 emissions with a reduction for the car's age. Fully electric cars are exempt from ISV.

Question 5

Is it better to buy a new or a used car in Portugal?

Accepted Answer

A used car a few years old costs less, because a car loses most of its value in its first years. A new one pays off when the full factory warranty and choosing the version and equipment matter, at the brand's list price; for a used car, a dealer gives the legal warranty a private seller does not.

Used cars in Portugal

Mercedes-Benz C 220 BlueTEC Avantgarde

Renault Clio

Peugeot 2008 e-HDi FAP 92 ETG6 STOP & START Allure

VW Polo

Renault Grand Scénic

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB Distinctive

Dacia Sandero 1.0 ECO-G Stepway Expression Bi-Fuel

Renault Rafale 1.2 Hyper Hybrid E-Tech 4x4 Esprit Alpine

Renault Captur 1.0 TCe Techno Bi-Fuel

Dacia Jogger 1.2 ECO-G Expression 7L