How do you import a car from Japan to Portugal, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Portugal charges 0% customs duty on Japanese cars under the EU-Japan agreement, 23% VAT and ISV vehicle tax, modelled here at 2–78% by engine size, about 47% of CIF for a 1.5-litre petrol car. ISV is charged at the full rate on cars shipped direct from Japan; the age reduction applies only to cars previously registered in the EU.
Car import duty calculator for Portugal
Portugal has no EU-wide age cap on private car imports, and both left- and right-hand drive vehicles can be registered, so Japanese domestic stock is fully accessible to Portuguese buyers. Under the EU-Japan EPA, import duty on a Japan-origin car is 0% with valid origin proof, and 23% Portuguese VAT (IVA) applies on the imported value.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Portugal?
- Steering
- Right- and left-hand drive
- Age limit
- No age cap, but ISV is charged at the FULL rate for cars imported direct from Japan — the 10-80% age-of-use ISV reduction applies only to cars with a prior EU registration.
- Inspection
- Customs declaration (DAV), IMT homologation/inspection (Modelo 9), ISV settlement, then registration.
- Permits
- EU-Japan EPA origin proof for 0% duty; ISV declaration via Portal das Finanças.
- Special rules
- Transfer-of-residence exemption can waive ISV for people moving to Portugal with their car. Classics (30+ years) have reduced-tax routes.
- Entry ports
- Santander/Leixões proxy
How do you import a car from Japan to Portugal, step by step?
Check the import rules
No age cap, but ISV is charged at the FULL rate for cars imported direct from Japan — the 10-80% age-of-use ISV reduction applies only to cars with a prior EU registration. Portugal accepts both left- and right-hand-drive vehicles, subject to its registration checks.
Obtain the import permit
EU-Japan EPA origin proof for 0% duty; ISV declaration via Portal das Finanças.
Buy the car and obtain the export certificate
After purchase in Japan the car's registration is cancelled and an export certificate is issued. An English translation of it is needed for customs and registration in Portugal.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Portugal: Customs declaration (DAV), IMT homologation/inspection (Modelo 9), ISV settlement, then registration.
Ship to Santander/Leixões proxy
Cars from Japan arrive at Santander/Leixões proxy. Sea transit is about 38–48 days. The shipping line issues the bill of lading, which customs needs for the entry.
Lodge the customs entry and pay the taxes
A licensed clearing agent lodges the import declaration with the invoice, bill of lading and export certificate. Customs assesses Import duty, VAT and ISV; the rates are in the duty table on this page.
Register the car
After customs release and payment of port charges, the car is registered and plated by Portugal's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Portugal charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty (EU-Japan EPA) | 0% | CIF value |
| VAT (IVA 23%) | 23% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
| ISV (vehicle tax, estimated from engine size) | 2%–78% by engine size | CIF value |
Import duty (EU-Japan EPA)
Rate: 0%. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT (IVA 23%)
Rate: 23%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
ISV (vehicle tax, estimated from engine size)
Rate: 2% up to 1,000 cc; 13% up to 1,300 cc; 24% up to 1,600 cc; 40% up to 2,000 cc; 60% up to 2,500 cc; 78% above 2,500 cc. Charged on: CIF value.
Under the EU-Japan EPA, import duty on a Japan-origin car is 0% when valid origin documentation is accepted at customs; without it, standard TARIC/MFN duty can apply instead. On top of duty comes 23% Portuguese IVA (VAT) on the imported value. Portugal also applies an Imposto Sobre Veículos (ISV) registration tax based on the car's engine displacement and CO2 emissions at the time of first registration — this is separate from import duty and can add meaningfully to the total cost.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Portugal?
Worked examples are not shown for this market. Use the calculator below with your own car.
How long does shipping take, and which ports?
| Port | Method | Transit (days) | Freight from (sedan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santander/Leixões proxy | RoRo or container | 38–48 | US$1,550 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in Portugal?
- Models and prices
Honda Fit
A compact, fuel-efficient hatchback with hybrid options — low running costs and a practical cabin for everyday Portuguese driving.
- Models and prices
Mazda Demio
Refined interior and a small engine that keeps the ISV registration tax modest — a popular choice in southern European markets.
- Models and prices
Suzuki Swift
Light, economical and easy to resell — a safe pick for buyers wanting to keep total ownership cost under control.
- Models and prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
Dependable compact sedan from Japan's domestic market — reliable, well-maintained examples available and easy to service in Portugal.
- Models and prices
Daihatsu Mira
Tiny kei car with minimal fuel and tax costs — best for urban use where parking and running cost matter most.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Portugal?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | lisbon | US$150 | US$190 | 1 |
| Porto | lisbon | US$290 | US$360 | 2 |
| Faro | lisbon | US$260 | US$320 | 2 |
| Braga | lisbon | US$320 | US$400 | 2 |
| Coimbra | lisbon | US$240 | US$300 | 2 |
How do you avoid scams when buying a car from Japan?
- Check that the exporter is a registered Japanese company: look up its corporate number and address, and prefer members of the Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association.
- Ask for the original auction sheet and, after purchase, the export certificate. Both name the chassis number, which should match the invoice.
- Pay only to a company bank account in the exporter's name, never to a personal account or a money-transfer agent.
AVON INTERNATIONAL company and licence details are on the About page, and the JUMVEA member list is public. JUMVEA (exporters association) · About AVON INTERNATIONAL · Is buying a car from Japan safe?
Frequently asked questions
- Is there an age limit to import a car from Japan to Portugal?
- No — there is no EU-wide age cap for private imports. The car must clear customs and pass conformity, roadworthiness and local registration requirements, including the ISV registration tax.
- Do I pay import duty on a Japanese car in Portugal?
- Under the EU-Japan EPA, duty is 0% with valid Japan-origin proof. You also pay 23% IVA (VAT) on the imported value, plus the ISV registration tax based on engine displacement and CO2.
- Can a right-hand-drive Japanese car be registered in Portugal?
- Yes. Portugal accepts both left- and right-hand drive for private imports, so right-hand-drive Japanese cars can be registered once they pass conformity and roadworthiness checks.
Sources
- Portal das Finanças — ISV simulator — checked 15 October 2026
- ACP — ISV on imported vehicles — checked 15 October 2026
- European Commission — EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement — checked 15 October 2026
Car import duty calculator for Portugal
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Estimate only. Duties are assessed by customs on arrival, freight rates move, and rules change. Check current figures before you buy.