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Bringing Your Car From Ukraine to Portugal: A Guide for Temporary Protection Holders

  • Blog Post
  • Vehicles, Live in Portugal

Bringing Your Car From Ukraine to Portugal: A Guide for Temporary Protection Holders

Since the start of the war in February 2022, many Ukrainian families have found safety in Portugal — and some arrived in their own cars. If you’re one of them, Portugal has a special regime for vehicles registered in Ukraine, linked to temporary protection. Here’s a clear guide to what you can do with your car.
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🛡️ Temporary Protection: The Starting Point

People displaced by the war in Ukraine can benefit from temporary protection in Portugal, which gives them a residence permit and access to work, healthcare and education. The EU has extended temporary protection several times, and it’s currently expected to remain in place until 4 March 2027.

Your rights regarding your car depend on being registered under temporary protection and holding a valid temporary protection residence permit.

🚗 Driving With Ukrainian Plates

If you’re a temporary protection holder, you can drive your Ukrainian-registered car in Portugal while your temporary protection residence permit is valid — without having to submit the customs vehicle declaration (DAV) that’s normally required within a short deadline.

When driving, always carry:

  • Your temporary protection residence permit
  • The car’s registration documents
  • Your ID or passport
  • Your driving licence

🏷️ Registering Your Car in Portugal Without ISV

If you’d like to get Portuguese plates, temporary protection holders can request an exemption from ISV (the Portuguese vehicle tax):

  • Only the owner of the car can apply, and the registration documents must be in your name.
  • You need a valid temporary protection residence permit.
  • The exemption covers one car or motorcycle per person.
  • Once registered with the exemption, you can sell the car freely, and anyone with a valid licence can drive it.

 

 

The request is made through the Portal das Finanças or at the customs office for your area of residence. To get Portuguese plates, the car must also pass a technical inspection and be approved by the IMT.

🏠 ISV and VAT Exemption on Transfer of Residence

Ukraine is outside the EU, so a car coming from Ukraine is treated as an import. Like anyone moving their residence to Portugal, you may also qualify for the general exemptions on transfer of residence:

  • Customs duty and VAT exemption for personal belongings, if you lived outside the EU for at least 12 months, owned and used the car for at least 6 months, and import it within 12 months of moving to Portugal
  • ISV exemption for people who transfer their residence, requested within 12 months of the change of residence

 

 

In many cases, the special Ukraine regime is simpler — but it’s worth checking which option fits your situation best.

⏳ What Happens When Temporary Protection Ends?

When your temporary protection residence permit ends, you’ll have a short period (30 days) to decide what to do with the car, for example:

  • Register it in Portugal, if you have another valid residence permit
  • Take the car out of the EU (re-export it)
  • Hand it over to the State or have it destroyed under customs control

 

 

‼️ Don’t let this deadline pass — otherwise the car may be considered illegally imported, with fines and taxes to pay.

🪪 What About Your Driving Licence?

Ukrainian driving licences are recognised in Portugal for temporary protection holders while their status is valid. If you plan to stay longer, consider exchanging it for a Portuguese licence with the IMT.

🚀 Final Considerations

The special regime makes it much easier for Ukrainian families to keep using their cars in Portugal. Keep your temporary protection permit up to date, carry your documents in the car and think ahead about what you’ll do when your protection status changes.

📢 Expert Advice: Make sure the car’s documents are in your name. If the car belongs to a family member or a company, the ISV exemption can’t be granted to you.

Need help with your Ukrainian car? Step Inside Portugal handles the vehicle legalisation process, including the ISV exemption request, so you can drive in Portugal without worries. ✨

This article is for general information and reflects the rules as of October 2026. Rules for temporary protection can change, so confirm your situation with the customs authorities.

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