Who Can Benefit
Portuguese citizens, older than 18 years of age, holders of valid driver’s licenses, who have been residing abroad for over 12 months, and are returning to Portugal.
Professors working under exchange programs and Foreign Service officials working for the Portuguese Government.
Citizens of other European Union countries, older than 18, holders of valid driver’s licenses, who have been residing abroad for over 24 months, and who are transferring their residency to Portugal.

Exceptions: Citizens of non-European Union countries transferring residency to Portugal, or Portuguese citizens who have lost Portuguese nationality by voluntarily acquiring another citizenship before 1981, are not exempt. Students, interns, or individuals who are executing specific duration functions for a limit two years period.

General Information
The Consulate must issue an importation certificate to be submitted to the customs in Portugal. The automobile must be imported at the time the applicant is transferring his/her residence to Portugal.

The following documents must be submitted:

· Original Title as proof that vehicle has been in applicant’s possession for over 12 months prior to being imported into Portugal.
· Vehicle registration issued by the local Motor Vehicle Department.
· Proof of continuous residence during the last 1 year, such as letters from employer, income tax receipts, visa, rent bills, utilities, etc;
· Valid driver’s license issued at least in the last 12 months(either US or Portuguese)

Legalization of the Vehicle in Portugal
The request for duty free entry must be presented to the Customs authorities in Portugal within 12 months from the date vehicle arrived in Portugal. The vehicle must be legalized in Portugal within 180 days from the date of arrival. Failure to follow these regulations will result in the applicant being ordered to pay the customs fees.

The vehicle cannot be sold,  lent, leased or otherwise transferred to another person within the first 12 months of importation, and may be driven only by the owner, or his/her spouse or children.

Consular Fees
Certificate of Importation — US$114.35
Certificate of Residency — US$ 34.31
Certificate of authenticity of US driver’s license (*) — US$  34.31

(*) For applicants who do not possess a valid Portuguese drivers license
Fees subject to change due to variations in the exchange rate Euro/Dollar.
All fees payable in cash, money order or certified check. Personal checks are not accepted