Portugal → United Kingdom
Importing your car from Portugal to the United Kingdom
Whether you are moving from Portugal to the UK or simply buying a car from there, we can assist with the entire process, or part of it.
- EU collections from Portugal
- Complex or simple customs entries
- Onsite IVA and MOT testing
- Dedicated customer portal
Our services
Whether you are moving from Portugal to the UK or simply buying a car from there, we can assist with the entire, or part of the process of importing it.
EU collections
We can collect your vehicle from Portugal and get it back to the United Kingdom for you, or simply transport it somewhere else within the EU.
Customs
We can manage a range of complex customs entries or just a simple EU export declaration.
Dedicated portal
You can always keep in touch with our dedicated customer portal that gives you all of the information you need to know what is going on.
Modifications
If your vehicle is coming here we can undertake any required modifications for UK compliance.
Testing
We can conduct onsite IVA and MOT testing which means your car never leaves our premises.
Registrations
We take care of the registration side of things so that you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Once your car has cleared customs and is delivered to our premises we modify the car
The car is modified and tested by ourselves for compliance in the United Kingdom. After which all relevant testing is undertaken onsite at our privately owned IVA testing lane.
Get your no obligation free quote today
Tell us where your car is and what stage you’re at, and we’ll price the whole job.
Frequently asked questions
Every vehicle is different. If yours isn’t covered here, just ask.
How long does it take to transport a car from Portugal to the United Kingdom?
The duration can vary depending on the shipping method chosen, the specific departure and arrival ports, as well as other logistical factors.
Estimated transit times
- Ferry service – around 24 to 36 hoursThe most common way to transport a car from Portugal to the United Kingdom, depending on the specific departure and arrival ports.
- Ro-Ro shipping – around 2 to 4 daysDriving your car onto a specialised vessel for transport. Generally faster than container shipping.
- Container shipping – around 5 to 10 daysYour car is loaded into a container for added protection, depending on the shipping route and frequency of sailings.
- Air freight – a matter of hours or a dayTypically more expensive than other shipping methods.
Please note that the actual transit time can also be influenced by weather conditions, customs procedures, and any potential delays at ports.
What does shipping from Portugal to the UK cost?
As a rough guide, container shipping from Portugal to the UK can range from around £500 to £1,500 or more, depending on the size of the container, the type of goods being shipped, and the specific route.
For shipping cars using the Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) method, the cost can vary based on the size and type of car, as well as the departure and arrival ports. On average, RoRo shipping for a standard car can cost between £600 and £1,200.
These are rough estimates and actual shipping costs may differ based on individual circumstances, shipping company rates, fuel prices, seasonal variations, and other factors.
What is the process for importing cars under ten years old?
We do this using an IVA test. We are a privately operated IVA testing facility in the UK, meaning your car will not be waiting for a testing slot at a government testing centre, which can take weeks, if not months to obtain. We IVA test every week on-site and therefore have the fastest turnaround to get your car registered and on UK roads.
Every car is different and every manufacturer has different support standards for assisting their clients through the import process, so please get a quote so we can discuss the optimum speed and cost option for your circumstances.
We manage the whole process on your behalf, whether that is dealing with the homologation team of your car’s manufacturer or the Department for Transport, so you can relax in the knowledge that you will be legally registered with the DVLA in the shortest time possible.
We have built an extensive catalogue of the makes and models of cars we have imported so can give you an accurate estimate of what your car will require to be ready for its IVA test.
What is the process for importing cars over ten years old?
Cars over 10 years old are type approval exempt but still require a safety test, called an MOT, and similar modifications to an IVA test prior to registration. The modifications depend on the age but are generally to the rear fog light.
If your car is over 40 years old it does not need an MOT test and can be delivered directly to your UK address ahead of it being registered.
Importing from somewhere else?
We collect from right across the EU. Pick a country for the guide to bringing a car home from there.
