Buying a Vehicle Abroad

The total cost of importing a vehicle into Portugal typically ranges from €1,200 for basic EU logistics up to €30,000+ for high-displacement non-EU vehicles, depending on ISV registration tax, 23% VAT, customs duties, and transport.

Car insurance in Portugal is not inherently more expensive simply because a vehicle is imported. Portuguese insurance underwriters assess premiums based on vehicle power, current market replacement value, driver profile, and chosen coverage levels rather than the vehicle’s country of origin. Before we delve deeper into why, at times, insurance on imported vehicles is more expensive and how to avoid it, let's quickly clarify some common myths.