Car Shipping from the UK to Portugal

Ship Cars Ltd ships vehicles from the UK to Portugal by RoRo and container, arriving at the Port of Setúbal near Lisbon. RoRo starts from £863 for a standard car, with a 6-day transit time. As a non-EU exporter post-Brexit, UK vehicles are subject to Portuguese IVA (23%) and import duty (typically 10%) on arrival. Sailings depart approximately four times per month.

Shipping a Car to Setúbal, Portugal: Your Complete Guide

Shipping your vehicle to Setúbal, Portugal, connects you to a major industrial port and a beautiful coastal region just south of Lisbon. As a key logistics hub for central Portugal, the Port of Setúbal offers efficient access for individuals moving to the Silver Coast, Alentejo region, or for businesses importing commercial vehicles. Understanding the straightforward EU import process ensures a smooth arrival for your car.

Why Ship a Vehicle to Setúbal?

Vehicles are shipped for a range of purposes, including commercial trade and resale of both classic and modern cars. UK expatriates and returning residents frequency ship their cars due to their sentimental importance. Tourist or individuals planning long-term holidays choose to ship their vehicles to explore their destination without the hassle of rental cars.

Your Shipping Options: RORO vs. Container

 At Ship Cars, we offer a range of vehicle shipping options, from Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) which is highly cost effective and container shipping that include Full Container Load (FCL) when shipping luxury, electric or hybrid cars. 

Important: Personal effects inside a vehicle shipped by RoRo to Portugal are generally not permitted under Portuguese customs rules — the vehicle must be empty of personal goods. Container shipping offers more flexibility: a limited quantity of personal effects may be shipped inside a container load, subject to a full declared inventory presented to Portuguese customs (AT). Items inside an undeclared or incorrectly declared container can result in seizure or additional duties. Contact Ship Cars before loading any personal items to confirm the rules for your specific booking..

What Your Shipping Service Includes

When you book your Setúbal shipment with shipcars.co.uk, our comprehensive service covers:

• Origin port charges and handling fees in the UK.

• Ocean freight on reliable carrier lines directly to Setúbal.

• Essential documentation, including the Bill of Lading.

• Expert support and tracking from collection to departure.

Please Note: Portuguese import VAT (if applicable), customs clearance fees, and any local agent charges in Setúbal are not included in our shipping quote and are payable separately.

Which Port Does Ship Cars Use?

Ship Cars Ltd primarily uses the Port of Setúbal for UK Portugal shipments. Located 40 km south of Lisbon, Setúbal is the principal RoRo port for central Portugal, serving Lisbon, the Alentejo region, and the Algarve. For customers relocating to Porto or northern Portugal, the Port of Leixões (10 km north-west of Porto city centre) may be a more convenient discharge point — contact Ship Cars to discuss availability on the northern route and whether Leixões or Setúbal best serves your delivery address.

What Are the Import Rules for Shipping a Car from the UK to Portugal?

As a member of the European Union, Portugal follows common EU customs rules.

• EU Origin Vehicles: If your vehicle has been in your possession and registered in another EU member state for more than 6 months, you can generally transfer it to Portugal without paying additional VAT or duty, subject to specific conditions (proof of residence, etc.).

• Non-EU Origin Vehicles (e.g., from the UK): Vehicles imported from outside the EU are subject to:

  • Import VAT (IVA): Currently 23% in Portugal, calculated on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight) plus duty.

  • Customs Duty: Typically 10% for passenger cars, based on the CIF value.

• Vehicle Inspection & Registration: All imported vehicles must pass Portuguese MOT inspection (Inspeção Periódica Obrigatória) and be registered with the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT). This includes meeting EU emissions standards.

• Left-Hand Drive: Portugal drives on the right. Both left and right-hand drive vehicles are legal, but left-hand drive is the national standard.

For a step-by-step walkthrough of the customs clearance process for international shipments, see our Customs Clearance guide.

What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Car to Portugal?

For smooth customs clearance in Setúbal, prepare the following:

1. Original Bill of Lading.

2. Original Vehicle Registration Document (V5C Logbook for UK vehicles).

3. Commercial Invoice or proof of purchase/value.

4. Certificate of Marine Insurance.

5. Copy of Your Passport and proof of Portuguese fiscal number (Número de Identificação Fiscal – NIF) and address.

6. Proof of Previous Registration (crucial for EU tax exemptions).

7. Customs Declaration Forms (handled by your appointed agent).

Strong Recommendation: Engaging a licensed customs clearing agent or despachante oficial in Portugal is highly advised. They will manage the customs declaration, IVA/duty payments, and coordinate with the IMT for vehicle registration.

Cost & Transit Summary

Here is a clear overview for shipping a standard small car from the UK to Setúbal.

Ready to Get a Precise Quote? Contact us today with your vehicle’s details and requirements for a straightforward, fixed-price quotation and personalised support for your shipment to Setúbal.

Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping to Portugal

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 (UK port to Setúbal port only). Portuguese import IVA (23%), customs duty (typically 10%), IMT registration fees, and local agent charges are payable separately on arrival in Portugal. Container shipping for high-value or non-running vehicles is available — contact Ship Cars for a personalised quote. Get a free quote from Ship Cars.

How long does it take to ship a car from the UK to Portugal?

Transit from the UK to the Port of Setúbal takes approximately 6 days. Sailings depart around 4 times per month. Including UK collection and Portuguese customs clearance on arrival, allow 2–3 weeks total from booking to your vehicle being cleared and available at Setúbal port.

What import duty and IVA do I pay when shipping a car from the UK to Portugal?

Since Brexit, UK vehicles are treated as non-EU imports in Portugal. Portuguese IVA is charged at 23% and customs duty is typically 10%, both calculated on the vehicle’s CIF value (cost, insurance, and freight combined). These are payable to the AT (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira) on arrival. Verify current rates at portaldasfinancas.gov.pt before shipping, as rates are subject to change.

What documents do I need to ship a car from the UK to Portugal?

UK side: original V5C logbook, copy of passport, commercial invoice or proof of purchase value. Portuguese customs: original Bill of Lading, V5C, commercial invoice, marine insurance certificate, copy of passport, and your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal — your Portuguese tax number). A licensed Portuguese customs agent (despachante oficial) is strongly recommended to manage the customs declaration and IMT registration on arrival.

Is right-hand drive legal in Portugal?

Yes — right-hand drive vehicles are legal to own and drive permanently in Portugal, with no requirement to convert to left-hand drive. UK-specification headlights must be fitted with beam deflectors (or professionally adjusted) to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. The vehicle must pass the Portuguese IPO inspection on arrival and be registered with the IMT before you can drive it on Portuguese roads.

Do I need to re-register my UK car in Portugal?

Yes, for permanent imports. After customs clearance at Setúbal, the vehicle must pass the Portuguese IPO inspection (Inspeção Periódica Obrigatória — equivalent to the UK MOT) and be registered with the IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes) to receive Portuguese number plates. You should also notify the UK DVLA of the export by returning the V5C/2 section of your logbook.

Which port does my car arrive at in Portugal?

Ship Cars 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 provides convenient access to Lisbon, the Alentejo, and the Algarve. If your destination is in northern Portugal — Porto, Braga, or the Douro Valley — contact Ship Cars to discuss whether Leixões (near Porto) is a better discharge option for your route.

Can I ship personal belongings inside my car to Portugal?

Personal effects are generally not permitted inside vehicles shipped by RoRo — the vehicle must be empty of personal goods for both the shipping line and Portuguese customs. Container shipping offers more flexibility: personal items may be included subject to a full declared inventory submitted to the AT. Items inside an undeclared vehicle can result in seizure or additional duties. Confirm the rules with Ship Cars before loading anything inside your vehicle.

Do I need a Portuguese customs agent?

Yes, for permanent vehicle imports. A licensed Portuguese customs agent (despachante oficial) manages the customs declaration, IVA and duty payments, and co-ordination with the IMT for vehicle registration. Ship Cars can advise on reputable agents at the Port of Setúbal as part of your booking.

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