Import Cars from China to Portugal
Portugal's vehicle market has real, growing space for Chinese brands, with MG and BYD both building genuine momentum. Importing directly from China's domestic market offers a further price advantage, with freight from $5,610 USD and 32–45 days transit to Lisbon or Porto.
At DriveSino, we handle the entire export process from China to Portugal — vehicle sourcing, multi-point inspection, export documentation, shipping, and EU homologation support.
Why Import from China to Portugal?
- Price advantage: direct import from China's domestic market offers a further price advantage even against Portugal's existing official Chinese-brand dealer networks
- Wide model range: MG, BYD, Chery, and Geely offer sedans, SUVs, and EVs beyond what's currently distributed officially in Portugal
- Left-hand drive standard: Portugal drives on the right, matching the LHD configuration Chinese manufacturers produce as standard
- Wholesale options for dealers: DriveSino offers competitive bulk pricing for Portuguese dealers and fleets
Shipping from China to Portugal
2 ports serving Portugal
Freight from $5,610 USD
DriveSino ships vehicles from major Chinese export ports to Portugal's main ports:
| Port | Freight (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Lisbon (Setúbal) | $5,610 | 32–44 days |
| Leixões (Porto) | $5,692 | 33–45 days |
* Rates are estimates and vary by season and cargo type.
Import Duties & Taxes for Portugal
EU import duties and taxes apply to Portugal. Current rates for vehicles from China:
- EU import duty: 10% of CIF value for passenger vehicles from China (standard MFN rate)
- Additional EV tariff: Chinese EVs may face additional tariffs under the EU's anti-subsidy investigation — currently up to 17-36% on top of the standard 10% duty
- VAT: 23% in Portugal (IVA) on CIF value + import duty
- Vehicle tax (ISV): Portugal applies a separate emissions-based vehicle tax on registration, on top of VAT
- Total estimated taxes: approximately 33–54% plus ISV, depending on EV tariff status and emissions bracket
Estimate Your Total Landed Cost
Based on a $15,000 vehicle — browse our inventory for exact pricing on a specific car.
Estimate only. Import duties and customs costs vary by destination country. Contact us for a precise quote for your specific destination.
Required Documents & Compliance
Provided by DriveSino (Export Side)
DriveSino provides all export-side documentation for shipping from China to Portugal:
- Certificate of Origin — Proves vehicle was manufactured in China
- Bill of Lading — Shipping document from the carrier
- Commercial Invoice — Transaction value and vehicle details
- Export Customs Declaration — Filed with Chinese customs
- Vehicle Title/Certificate — Proof of ownership
EU import requirements include EU type approval or individual approval, CE marking for certain components, and compliance with EU emission standards. DriveSino offers full EU homologation support for an additional fee.
Import-Side Requirements
Import requirements vary by country. DriveSino advises on Portugal-specific regulations and can connect you with trusted customs agents at the destination port.
Ask about PortugalUnderstanding export documentation is key to a smooth import. Visit our Knowledge Hub for detailed explanations:
How to Import a Car from China to Portugal
- Browse inventory: explore our selection of export-ready vehicles from China — all with real photos and inspection reports
- Request a quote: contact us via WhatsApp or email with your preferred vehicle and confirm delivery to Portugal
- Confirm and pay: a sales contract is issued. Payment by international bank transfer
- Export documentation: we prepare all Chinese export documents
- Shipping: your vehicle ships to Lisbon or Porto via RoRo or container
- Transit & tracking: 32–45 days sea transit. We provide Bill of Lading and regular tracking updates
- Customs clearance & homologation: we support your EU customs clearance and homologation with full documentation
- Delivery: after clearance, arrange delivery anywhere in Portugal
Tips for Importing to Portugal
- Check current EU anti-subsidy tariff status for Chinese EVs before committing to an electric model
- Confirm Portugal's ISV vehicle tax bracket for your specific vehicle before ordering
- Factor in total landed cost: vehicle price + shipping + insurance + duty + VAT + ISV + homologation
- Use the DriveSino cost calculator on each listing for an instant estimate
Related reading
EU Tariffs on Chinese EVs ExplainedImporting Cars from China to Portugal — FAQ
How long does it take to ship a car from China to Portugal?
Sea transit from China to Portugal takes 32–45 days depending on port (Lisbon or Porto).
How much does it cost to import a car from China to Portugal?
Total cost includes: vehicle price (FOB China), shipping freight from $5,610 USD, 10% EU import duty, possible additional EV tariff, 23% Portuguese VAT, and ISV vehicle tax. Use our cost calculator for an instant estimate.
Do I need EU type approval to register a Chinese car in Portugal?
Yes. The vehicle needs EU type approval or individual approval to be registered. DriveSino offers homologation support for vehicles that don't already have it.
How do I pay for a car imported from China to Portugal?
DriveSino accepts payment via international bank transfer (T/T). A formal sales contract is provided before any payment.
Knowledge Hub
Detailed answers to common questions about importing cars from China
Ready to Import a Car to Portugal?
Contact us for a personalized quote. We handle vehicle sourcing, export documentation, shipping, and delivery.