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Going to be in Portugal 5 months this year, and have some questions

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Daphattman

I will be in Portugal for 5 months this year.  Mostly business, but looking at part time living during the winter.  I don't have a domicile or a consistent place rented, since I'll be based in Lisbon for a bit, Faro for a bit, and Porto for a bit.


I would rather buy a car and store it when I am not there, since as an American I prefer to drive.  (I've lived in Europe at times for years, so I understand about public transport, etc.)


My question is, can I still buy a car without a long term residence?  Or do I have to actually have residence of some kind before I can buy?  The rest of it won't be a problem, since I'll have an NIF and the other requirements by the time I get there.  It's just the residency part.


Thank you!


Pat

JohnnyPT

Hi Pat, Welcome.


Expats wishing to buy a car in Portugal need to legally live in the country and already have a fixed residence in Portugal. On the car document the owner's address is specified and this address must always be updated in the IMT:


https://servicos.imt-ip.pt/login.aspx?R … fault.aspx


Yiu will also need this information for your car insurance.


Best Regards

almirantereis

Johnny

Grateful if you could clarify what you mean by ' legally live in the country '  ?


I am legally resident in the UK.  And tax resident in UK.  And spend less than six months per annum in Portugal  ( albeit this period may well increase in future ).


However I own a house in Portugal ( for ten years ) and have an NIF number. 


I am in the process of purchasing a vehicle specifically with the intention to have a Portuguese plated car I can leave in my drive, and use as and when I am in Portugal.


I  have been advised so far that  this is perfectly legal.   I hope you agree.

lyndagibson

@Daphattman


Hi Pat, My name is Lyn Gibson. I live South of Lisbon (between Faro and Lisbon on the West Coast) so I could rent you as room on a longer term basis.


Also, I have a second car (Suzuki Vitara - bronze in colour) which you could rent directly from me when you are there (I could add you onto my insurance).


So if you'd like to chat to me I am contactable on:

+*****

[link moderated]


Look forward to hearing from you.


Oh - I am from South Africa, (relocated to Portugal) but I also spend part of my year in the UK (which is where I am at present for Xmas) - but you can still reach me on my Portuguese number as I have it active whether in Portugal or UK.


Best wishes,

Lyn

Moderated by Mickael 2 years ago
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Daphattman

Thanks, everyone, for your replies.


Is there a "rental" service, where I can be a resident?  I have read I can have a POA with a law firm and register my car using their address.  But of course, you really can't trust the internet with these things.  So any confirmation/denial would be useful.


Thanks!

JohnnyPT

Hi @almirantereis,


You are a UK citizen, with a visa (if post Brexit) that gives you a residence permit. You have NIF, you have residence in Portugal, even if it is not permanent whole year, and you are not tax resident in this country. Everything is ok with you :)


You can buy the car, just pay attention to your driving licence.


https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 70#5559421

(Post #2)


Best Regards

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