Case Study 15: A 2021 Ford Transit Work Van from Belgium

A Portuguese resident was looking for a work van and found a well-priced 2021 Ford Transit in Belgium. Before making the purchase, he contacted us for advice. This was a smart move! We helped him understand the taxes involved and ensured he got the COC document right away, saving time later.

Easy Inspection Process

By the time the customer and his van arrived in Portugal, we had all the paperwork ready for the inspection. The only challenge was booking an appointment, as the inspection station was difficult to reach by phone. However, once scheduled, the inspection went smoothly, as it usually does with newer vehicles.

ISV Payment & Approval

Since the van was only a few years old (2021), the ISV tax was still relatively high—about €1,000, even with a 90% ISV discount. This highlights how expensive it would be to import a regular car of that size without tax reductions.

The customer opted to pay the ISV directly to the authorities. While this method is completely fine, it does cause a small delay. In this case, it took a few days for the payment to process. The customer was slightly impatient, but after we explained the reason, he understood.

Once the payment was confirmed, the van was approved within a few days. Despite the ISV being relatively high for a work van, the price difference between Belgium and Portugal made the import a worthwhile investment.

Key Takeaways

• Contact us before buying abroad. Knowing the tax implications in advance can help you avoid high costs.
• Get the COC document immediately. This small step saves time and avoids delays during registration.
• Direct ISV payment may cause a short delay. But it’s a good option, especially if the ISV is high.
• Even with an ISV of €1,000, importing can be worth it. A lower vehicle price abroad can still result in significant savings.