![This customer has family living in Portugal and wanted to have a car available for use while visiting. Fortunately, that’s entirely possible—you don’t have to live in Portugal to own a car here. All you need is a NIF number (Portuguese tax number) and a valid address in Portugal where mail can be sent. This […]](https://carimportportugal.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/100/VW-Fox.jpg)
This customer has family living in Portugal and wanted to have a car available for use while visiting. Fortunately, that’s entirely possible—you don’t have to live in Portugal to own a car here. All you need is a NIF number (Portuguese tax number) and a valid address in Portugal where mail can be sent. This can be a relative’s address, as in this case.
Since the customer wasn’t moving to Portugal, tax-free import wasn’t an option. However, because the car—a 2009 Volkswagen Fox—was small and fuel-efficient, the ISV (vehicle tax) was quite low. In fact, the total tax was under €400, making it a very manageable cost.
Even if a tax-free import had been possible, it wouldn’t have been the better route. Importing with taxes is simpler, faster, and comes with a lower service fee, so it made more sense in this case anyway.
COC and Inspection
The customer reached out to us well before bringing the car to Portugal, which allowed her to request the Certificate of Conformity (COC) in advance. Since we already had the COC on hand, we were able to book the inspection during the week she was in Portugal.
The car passed inspection without any issues.
Customs Application
The customs process went smoothly and everything was completed within about a week. No delays or complications.
Address Correction
Before we moved on to registration, the customer realized she had accidentally given us the wrong address—it was actually her neighbor’s. While not a major issue, it’s a good reminder of how important it is to double-check personal information. In this case, we caught the mistake in time and were able to update the address before registration.
Key Takeaways
- You don’t need to live in Portugal to own a car here. This is useful for people who frequently visit or have family in the country.
- Reach out to us before bringing your car. Early contact helps prevent mistakes and ensures you have time to gather all necessary documents.
- Double-check the information you provide, especially your address. If your car registration is sent to the wrong place, it can create unnecessary hassle.
