How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Portugal from the UK? (2026 Guide)
Quick Answer: Shipping a car from the UK to Portugal starts from £863 via RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) to the Port of Setúbal, near Lisbon. Transit takes approximately 3 days from the UK departure port. As a non-EU exporter post-Brexit, your vehicle will also face Portuguese import duty (typically 10%) and IVA at 23%, calculated on its CIF value. Sailings operate around four times per month.
Prices correct as of 2026. Costs vary by vehicle size, method, and departure point. Get a personalised quote from ShipCars.
What Is the Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Portugal?
Here is a clear 2026 cost breakdown for shipping a standard small car from the UK to the Port of Setúbal via RoRo:
| Cost Element | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| RoRo shipping (UK port → Setúbal) | From £863 |
| Container shipping (sole-use, FCL) | Available — request a quote |
| Marine insurance | Recommended — speak to ShipCars |
| Portuguese import duty | Typically 10% of CIF value |
| Portuguese IVA (VAT) | 23% of CIF value + duty |
| IMT registration + local agent fees | Payable locally in Portugal |
Important: The RoRo quote from ShipCars covers UK port handling, ocean freight, and your Bill of Lading. Portuguese import taxes, customs agent fees, and registration costs are payable separately on arrival.
Does the Shipping Method Affect the Cost?
Yes — significantly. ShipCars offers two main methods for the UK–Portugal route:
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- Most cost-effective method — starts from £863 for a standard small car
- Your vehicle is driven on and off the vessel
- No personal effects permitted inside the vehicle
- Ideal for running, standard-sized passenger cars
Container Shipping
- Higher cost but greater protection — recommended for classic, luxury, electric, or hybrid vehicles
- Full Container Load (FCL) gives your car sole use of a 20ft or 40ft container
- A limited quantity of personal effects may be permitted inside a container, subject to a full declared inventory submitted to Portuguese customs (AT)
- Contact ShipCars for a tailored container quote
Not sure which method suits you? Read our full guide: RoRo vs Container Car Shipping — Which Is Right for You?
How Much Is Import Duty and IVA When Shipping a Car to Portugal?
Since Brexit, the UK is treated as a non-EU third country by Portuguese customs. This means your vehicle is subject to:
- Customs duty: typically 10% for standard passenger cars, applied to the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight combined)
- IVA (Imposto sobre o Valor Acrescentado): Portugal’s equivalent of VAT, charged at 23%, calculated on the vehicle’s CIF value plus the customs duty amount
- IMT registration fees: payable to the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes once the car passes its IPO inspection
- Despachante oficial (licensed customs agent) fees: strongly recommended; they handle the customs declaration, duty payment, and IMT coordination at Setúbal
Verify current rates before shipping at the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority: portaldasfinancas.gov.pt. Tax rates are subject to change. This information is accurate as of 2026 based on publicly available Portuguese customs schedules.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car to Portugal?
Transit from a UK departure port to the Port of Setúbal takes approximately 3 days by sea.
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| UK collection to UK port | 1–3 working days (depends on your location) |
| Sea freight (UK → Setúbal) | Approx. 3 days |
| Portuguese customs clearance | 3–7 working days (with a licensed agent) |
| Total — booking to cleared | Approx. 2–3 weeks |
Sailings depart approximately 4 times per month. The next available departure depends on your booking date.
Which Port Does My Car Arrive at in Portugal?
ShipCars primarily uses the Port of Setúbal, located approximately 40 km south of Lisbon. Setúbal is the main RoRo terminal for central and southern Portugal and is well-positioned for deliveries to Lisbon, the Alentejo, and the Algarve.
If your destination is northern Portugal — Porto, Braga, or the Douro Valley — the Port of Leixões (10 km north-west of Porto) may be a more practical discharge point. Contact ShipCars to check availability on the northern route.
What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Car to Portugal?
Prepare the following before your vehicle departs:
UK side (before shipping):
- Original V5C logbook
- Copy of passport
- Commercial invoice or proof of purchase/vehicle value
- Notify the DVLA of permanent export (return the V5C/2 section)
Portuguese customs (on arrival):
- Original Bill of Lading (supplied by ShipCars)
- Original V5C
- Commercial invoice
- Certificate of marine insurance
- Copy of passport
- NIF — Número de Identificação Fiscal (your Portuguese tax number)
ShipCars handles your UK-side documentation. A licensed Portuguese customs agent (despachante oficial) is strongly recommended for the arrival process. ShipCars can advise on reputable agents at Setúbal.
For a full step-by-step, see our Customs Clearance Guide.
How Does Ship Cars Ltd Ltd Help You Ship a Car to Portugal?
Ship Cars Ltd is a UK-based international vehicle shipping company with years of experience moving cars, classic vehicles, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles from the UK to destinations worldwide — including Portugal.
Here is what ShipCars handles for you:
- Free, no-obligation quote — get a clear, fixed-price quote for the UK leg of your shipment
- UK collection — your vehicle can be collected from anywhere in the UK via trade-plate-insured driven service, transporter, or recovery
- Ocean freight booking — ShipCars secures your space on a reliable carrier to Setúbal or Leixões
- Documentation — Bill of Lading, export paperwork, and customs declaration support
- Expert guidance — the team advises on method choice (RoRo vs container), timing, and what to expect at the destination port
- Post-departure support — tracking and liaison until your vehicle is discharged
Ready to move? Get your free Portugal car shipping quote now →
Prefer to talk? Call 01495 320540 or mobile 07513 898320
Email: info@shipcars.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping Costs to Portugal 2026
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Portugal?
RoRo shipping from the UK to Portugal starts from £863 for a standard small car to the Port of Setúbal (UK port to Portugal port only). Portuguese import duty (typically 10%), IVA at 23%, IMT registration fees, and local customs agent charges are all payable separately on arrival. Container shipping is available for higher-value vehicles — contact ShipCars for a personalised quote.
What import taxes do I pay when shipping a car to Portugal from the UK?
Post-Brexit, UK vehicles are treated as non-EU imports in Portugal. You will pay customs duty of approximately 10% plus IVA at 23%, both calculated on the vehicle’s CIF value. IMT registration fees and a licensed customs agent (despachante oficial) fee also apply. Verify current rates at portaldasfinancas.gov.pt before shipping.
How long does car shipping to Portugal take from the UK?
The sea voyage from the UK to the Port of Setúbal takes approximately 3 days. Including UK collection, customs clearance at Setúbal, and IMT registration, allow 2–3 weeks from booking to having your vehicle cleared and available in Portugal. Sailings operate roughly 4 times per month.
Is RoRo or container shipping better for my car to Portugal?
RoRo is the most cost-effective option (from £863) and is suitable for standard running passenger cars. Container shipping costs more but offers greater protection — it is recommended for classic, luxury, electric, or non-running vehicles. Personal effects can only be shipped inside a container, not a RoRo vehicle. Speak to ShipCars if you’re unsure which method suits your vehicle.
Can I put personal belongings inside my car when shipping to Portugal?
No — not via RoRo. Portuguese customs rules require the vehicle to be empty of personal goods on RoRo shipments. Container shipping allows a limited quantity of personal effects, subject to a fully declared inventory submitted to Portuguese customs (AT). Items inside an undeclared or incorrectly declared container can be seized or attract additional duties. Always confirm with ShipCars before loading anything.
Do I need a Portuguese customs agent to import my car?
Yes, for permanent imports. A licensed despachante oficial (Portuguese customs agent) is strongly recommended. They manage the customs declaration, duty and IVA payments, and coordinate with the IMT for vehicle registration at the Port of Setúbal. ShipCars can advise on reputable agents as part of your booking.
