Cost to import a car from Japan to Portugal

Rates & rules last reviewed

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. Vehicles arrive via Lisbon, and our licensed team handles the full journey — from auction sourcing in Japan to customs clearance, conformity checks and delivery to Porto, Faro, Braga, Coimbra or wherever you need the car. When you import a car from Japan to Portugal, the process is straightforward when handled end-to-end with the right documentation.

Main ports
  • Santander/Leixões proxy
Import age rule
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.
Steering
both
Duties & taxes
Portugal charges 23% IVA on the import value plus ISV (Imposto Sobre Veículos), a cc + CO2 registration tax that is the decisive cost for anything but the smallest cars. Because the ISV age reduction only applies to cars previously registered in the EU, a Japan-direct import pays FULL ISV: negligible for a kei car, roughly 13% of CIF for a 1.3L, and 60-80% for a large petrol SUV whose CO2 component explodes above 145 g/km. Our team confirms the exact ISV with the Portal Aduaneiro simulator before quoting.

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Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to Portugal

  1. Choose the car you want

    Tell us your budget and needs. Portugal has no age limit and accepts right-hand drive, so we shortlist to your preferences and confirm the car can meet Portuguese conformity and emissions requirements.

  2. We source it from Japan's auctions

    With our licensed USS auction access, we find the right car, read the auction sheet and grade, and confirm the real condition before you commit any funds.

  3. Pre-shipment origin documentation

    We prepare the Japan-origin proof and export paperwork to claim the 0% EPA duty rate at Portuguese customs.

  4. Ocean shipping to Lisbon

    The car sails to Lisbon. We provide the sailing schedule and tracking once the vessel is confirmed.

  5. Customs, IVA and conformity

    Our team files the customs declaration, pays 23% IVA, and manages conformity and roadworthiness checks at the port.

  6. Registration and delivery to your city

    We complete Portuguese registration formalities and deliver the car to Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Braga, Coimbra or your location.

Import duties & taxes in Portugal explained

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. Because the exact charges depend on your specific car's engine and emissions, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Portugal

  • Honda Fit

    A compact, fuel-efficient hatchback with hybrid options — low running costs and a practical cabin for everyday Portuguese driving.

    See prices

  • Mazda Demio

    Refined interior and a small engine that keeps the ISV registration tax modest — a popular choice in southern European markets.

    See prices

  • Suzuki Swift

    Light, economical and easy to resell — a safe pick for buyers wanting to keep total ownership cost under control.

    See prices

  • Toyota Corolla Axio

    Dependable compact sedan from Japan's domestic market — reliable, well-maintained examples available and easy to service in Portugal.

    See prices

  • Daihatsu Mira

    Tiny kei car with minimal fuel and tax costs — best for urban use where parking and running cost matter most.

    See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Portugal

  • Lisbon — You are at the port, so inland delivery for a sedan runs only about $150.
  • Coimbra — Delivery from Lisbon to Coimbra adds roughly $240 for a sedan.
  • Faro — Delivery from Lisbon to Faro adds roughly $260 for a sedan.
  • Porto — Delivery from Lisbon to Porto adds roughly $290 for a sedan.
  • Braga — Delivery from Lisbon to Braga adds roughly $320 for a sedan.

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 — our team confirms the exact figure before you commit.
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, which our team manages.

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