Moving to Portugal for Work: Can I Drive My German-Registered Car?

(And is my German Licence Valid?)

Thinking about relocating to Portugal for work and wondering if you can bring your car with you? Good news: yes, you can—and your German driving licence is valid too. But if you become a resident, there are a few important steps to follow.

This guide explains everything you need to know about using your German licence in Portugal, registering your car, road taxes, toll systems, and how to avoid unexpected costs.

1) Is My German Licence Valid in Portugal?

✅ Yes. Germany is part of the EU, and all EU/EEA driving licences are recognised in Portugal. You can drive legally without swapping your licence.

What do I need to do if I become a resident?

If you stay in Portugal long term and become a resident, you’re required to:

• Register your Portuguese address with the IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes)

• Do this within 60 days of becoming a resident

• This process is free and doesn’t involve exchanging your licence

👉 IMT Online – Address Registration

Licences with no expiry date

If your German licence does not have an expiry date, Portuguese rules may require you to exchange it within 2 years of becoming a resident. This is because Portugal requires licences to have a defined validity period.

2) Can I Drive My German-Registered Car in Portugal?

It depends on your residency status and how long you’ll keep the car in the country.

✈️ Short-term stays (non-resident)

If you're temporarily working in Portugal and not becoming a resident, you can drive your German-registered car under the Temporary Admission regime.

• You must declare your car with Portuguese Customs (AT)

• Typically within 30 days of arrival

• This allows you to use your car for up to 183 days per year

👉 AT Portal – Temporary Import

🏡 Becoming a resident?

If you become a resident and keep your car in Portugal, you need to:

• Legalise the vehicle (matriculate it with Portuguese plates)

• OR remove the car from Portugal

This involves a vehicle inspection, payment of applicable taxes, and registering it with the IMT.

3) What Taxes Will I Pay?

When you legalise your vehicle, two main taxes apply:

ISV – Vehicle Tax (Imposto Sobre Veículos)

A one-time tax paid when a foreign vehicle is registered in Portugal.

IUC – Road Tax (Imposto Único de Circulação)

An annual tax paid to keep your car on the road in Portugal.

👉 Learn more at impostosobreveiculos.info

4) Can I Get an ISV Exemption?

Yes—if you're moving your residence to Portugal, you may qualify for a tax exemption on the ISV.

Conditions:

• You must have lived outside Portugal for at least 6 months

• You must have owned and used the car for at least 6 months before the move

• You must apply within 12 months of becoming a resident in Portugal

• You cannot sell the car for 12 months after registration in Portugal

👉 Governo de Portugal – Vehicle Import

5) How Do I Legalise My German Car? (Step-by-Step)

If you become a resident and want to keep your car in Portugal:

1. Book a Type B Technical Inspection (IPO)

Go to a certified inspection centre to obtain the Model 112 certificate. You’ll need:

• Vehicle documents (e.g. Certificate of Conformity – COC)

• IMT Model 9 form

2. Submit the DAV (Vehicle Customs Declaration)

Do this online via the Portuguese Tax Authority (Finanças) portal.

• This step triggers the ISV tax or exemption process

👉 DAV – Declaração Aduaneira de Veículo

3. Register the car with IMT

Once tax/exemption is resolved:

• IMT will issue the Portuguese registration and licence plates

• You'll receive the DUA (Single Vehicle Document)

• Your car will now appear in the IUC annual tax portal

💡 Tip: Apply for ISV exemption early, and prepare documents proving residence and vehicle use. Full guidelines are on the ePortugal portal.

6) What About Tolls? (If My Car Has Foreign Plates)

Portugal has a mix of electronic-only and traditional toll roads. If your car still has German plates:

✅ Via Verde Visitors

Pay all tolls without an onboard device. Ideal for tourists and short stays.
👉 Via Verde for Visitors

✅ EasyToll or TollCard

Official options for electronic-only motorways. Link your licence plate to a card or buy prepaid toll credit.

👉 Portugal Tolls

7) Is My German Car Insurance Valid in Portugal?

Yes. As long as your insurance is issued in an EU country, it covers third-party liability across the EU—including Portugal.

You don’t need a “green card” inside the EU, but it’s a good idea to carry your policy documents.

Quick Scenarios

📍 I'm relocating for a long-term job

• ✅ Register your Portuguese address with IMT (within 60 days)

• ✅ Legalise your car (or apply for ISV exemption if eligible)

• ✅ Plan to pay IUC annually

📍 I'm coming for a short assignment

• ✅ Use temporary admission rules (declare the car with customs)

• ✅ Use Via Verde Visitors or TollCard

• ✅ Don’t forget: apply within 30 days of arrival

Final Checklist ✅

• ✔️ German licence valid — just register your address with IMT within 60 days

• ✔️ Temporary stay? Declare car with Customs

• ✔️ Becoming resident? Legalise the vehicle or remove it

• ✔️ ISV exemption available for new residents (apply within 12 months)

• ✔️ Use Via Verde or TollCard to pay Portuguese tolls

• ✔️ EU insurance is valid across Portugal

Need help landing the job and the move?

At CityJobOffers, we connect jobseekers with top employers in Portugal—often with relocation support included. Whether you’re moving from Germany or anywhere else in the EU, we’re here to help you settle in smoothly.

Your next adventure in Portugal starts here. 🚗🇵🇹💼