Importing a Car to Sweden
1. Purchase and Documentation
The first step is to buy the car abroad. Make sure to obtain the following documents from the seller:
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Purchase agreement: This document should include details about the car’s price, the buyer’s and seller’s information, and specifications of the vehicle.
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Registration certificate: Proof that the car is registered in the country where it was purchased.
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Inspection history: Records of previous inspections and any repairs made.
Service book: Documentation of the car’s maintenance, which can impact future insurance premiums and resale value.
2. Transport to Sweden
The method of transporting the car depends on your situation. You can either drive the car yourself or use a transport service:
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Driving yourself: Temporary registration plates and insurance are required, which can be issued in the country where the car was purchased.
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Using a transport company: For longer distances, it might be easier to use a transport service. Ensure that the company has proper permits and insurance. Transport costs vary depending on distance and mode of transportation (road, sea, or air).
3. Customs and VAT
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Within the EU: Cars imported from EU countries are exempt from customs duties. However, Swedish VAT (25%) applies to new cars (less than six months old or with less than 6,000 kilometers driven).
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Outside the EU: Cars from non-EU countries require customs clearance. A 10% customs duty is applied to the car’s purchase price and shipping costs, followed by a 25% VAT on the total amount.
Contact the Swedish Customs Agency (Tullverket) to declare the car and obtain a customs clearance certificate. If you are unsure, you can hire experts to assist you.
4. Registration with the Swedish Transport Agency
After the car arrives in Sweden, it must be registered with the Swedish Transport Agency. Follow these steps:
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Submit documents such as the purchase agreement, customs clearance certificate, and VAT receipt.
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Use the "Vehicle Import" service on the Transport Agency's website to simplify the process.
5. Origin Check
This mandatory check verifies the car's history and ensures it is not stolen or encumbered with debt in its country of origin.
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The origin check is conducted by the Swedish Transport Agency and costs around SEK 700.
6. Registration Inspection
The registration inspection ensures that the car complies with Sweden’s national safety and environmental requirements.
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Conducted at companies such as Bilprovningen, Dekra, or similar.
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Costs typically range from SEK 1,500 to SEK 2,500.
7. Registration and License Plates
Once the inspection is approved, the inspection company forwards the information to the Swedish Transport Agency. You will then receive Swedish license plates and a registration certificate. These plates must be installed on the car before it can be legally driven on public roads.
8. Insurance
According to Swedish law, it is mandatory to have at least third-party liability insurance before the car is used on public roads. This insurance must be in place before the vehicle is registered with the Swedish Transport Agency. You may also want to consider additional coverage, such as comprehensive insurance, to protect against theft, fire, or damage.
9. Final Checks and Driving
Before you can legally drive the car in Sweden, ensure that all documents are in order and that customs duties, VAT, and other fees are fully paid. Double-check that the car is safe to drive and complies with Swedish regulations. Once everything is complete, install the license plates and start enjoying your car on Swedish roads.
What Does It Cost to Import a Car to Sweden?
The cost of importing a car to Sweden depends on the car’s origin, condition, and transportation method. Below is a detailed breakdown:
Basic Costs:
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Car purchase: The price of the car in the country of origin depends on the model, age, and condition.
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Transportation costs: These range from SEK 5,000 to SEK 20,000 depending on the distance and mode of transport (road, sea, or air).
Additional Costs:
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Temporary registration plates and insurance: Required for self-transport from abroad.
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Customs and VAT:
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Within the EU: No customs duty for used cars, but VAT applies to new cars.
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Outside the EU: 10% customs duty and 25% VAT on the car's value, including transportation.
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Origin check: Around SEK 700.
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Inspection: Registration inspection costs SEK 1,500–2,500.
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Registration fee: SEK 1,500 for Swedish license plates.
Estimated Total Costs:
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Within the EU: Between SEK 10,000 and SEK 30,000, excluding the car's purchase price.
Outside the EU: Between SEK 20,000 and SEK 50,000, depending on fees.
Special Cases
Import from Norway
Although Norway is geographically close, it is not an EU member state, which means customs duties and VAT apply:
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Customs duty: 10% of the car’s value, including transportation costs.
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VAT: 25% of the total value.
Import from Germany
As an EU member state, importing from Germany is simpler:
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No customs duty for used cars.
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VAT only applies to new cars.
Export from Sweden to Non-EU Countries
If exporting a car to a non-EU country, the following applies:
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VAT-exempt sale: No Swedish VAT is added to the sale price.
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Export declaration: Fill out documents with Swedish Customs.
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Transport and insurance: Arrange transportation and ensure the car is insured during transit.
FAQ – Importing Cars to Sweden
How does the car's environmental classification affect the import process to Sweden?
The environmental classification determines if the car can be registered in Sweden and what taxes apply. A car meeting Euro 6 standards (required for new vehicles) is easier to register as it complies with Swedish environmental regulations. Older cars that fail to meet these standards may require special permits or modifications, adding extra costs. Importing electric and hybrid cars has advantages such as lower vehicle taxes. Cars with higher emissions may incur a significant malus tax under the bonus-malus system, making them more expensive to use in Sweden.
What rules apply for importing vintage cars to Sweden?
Vintage cars (30 years or older) are exempt from certain modern environmental and safety requirements when registered in Sweden. However, they must be in original condition or properly restored to qualify as vintage vehicles. Inspections are often required, but adaptations to meet modern rules are generally minimal. Imports from outside the EU involve customs and VAT, but lower tax rates may apply to vintage cars. Proper documentation of the car’s history, such as registration certificates and proof of age, is essential.
Can I import a car that does not meet Swedish emissions standards?
Yes, but it can be complicated. The car must often be modified to meet Swedish emissions standards before registration. This can include installing particulate filters or engine tuning. Such modifications can be costly and require certificates from authorized workshops to confirm compliance. Alternatively, the car can be used as a race car or for private property use but cannot be driven on public roads. Exceptions may apply to older vintage vehicles.
What happens if the car has aftermarket parts that are not standard?
Aftermarket parts can complicate the process. If the parts are not approved under Swedish regulations, they may require individual approval or additional inspections. This is especially true for safety-related parts such as brakes, suspension, or lighting. Aftermarket parts certified under EU standards simplify the process. Ensure proper documentation for the parts and their installation to avoid issues during the registration inspection.
How long does the entire process of importing a car to Sweden take?
The process can take 4–12 weeks depending on the circumstances. Transporting the car to Sweden typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on distance and transport method. Origin checks and customs handling require another 1–2 weeks. Registration inspections may delay the process further if inspection companies have long queues, adding 2–3 weeks. Missing documents or necessary modifications can also extend the timeline. Proper planning and preparing all documents in advance are crucial.
What rules apply for importing electric or hybrid cars?
Electric and hybrid cars are subject to the same basic rules as other vehicles, but they have specific advantages. They must meet Swedish safety standards and undergo a registration inspection. Under the bonus-malus system, electric cars receive reduced or zero vehicle tax, making them cheaper to own. For imports from non-EU countries, customs and VAT apply, though electric vehicles often have lower customs duties than traditional cars. Ensure compatibility of charging systems and cables with Swedish standards.
Is it cheaper to import a car from specific countries?
Yes, importing from countries with lower car prices, like Germany or Poland, can save money. Cars from EU countries are exempt from customs duties, and used cars have VAT advantages. Imports from non-EU countries, like the USA or Japan, incur higher customs and VAT fees, increasing the overall cost. Transport costs and exchange rates in the country of origin also affect the total price. Countries like Germany, with a high vehicle turnover, often provide a wide range of competitively priced options.
What is required to import a car that has been deregistered in its country of origin?
If the car has been deregistered, additional documentation is needed, such as prior registration certificates and proof of the car’s technical condition. The Swedish Transport Agency may require an origin check to verify the car’s history and legal status. The car must also undergo a registration inspection to confirm it meets Swedish requirements. Deregistration in the country of origin can make accessing ownership history more challenging, potentially delaying the process.
How does the car’s original fuel type affect customs and VAT costs?
Fuel type does not directly affect customs and VAT rates but influences the car's value and environmental fees. Electric cars often have lower customs duties, while diesel and petrol cars may incur higher taxes and fees in Sweden. The bonus-malus system imposes higher annual taxes on cars with high CO₂ emissions, which impacts the total cost of ownership after import.
Are there differences in regulations for private individuals and businesses importing cars?
Yes, businesses can reclaim VAT as input tax, reducing costs. However, companies must declare the car as part of their operations. Private individuals pay VAT upfront and cannot claim deductions. Businesses importing multiple vehicles must also follow trade vehicle regulations and ensure the cars meet resale standards. Reporting requirements and customs procedures also differ for companies.
How are the car's original warranties handled after import to Sweden?
Imported car warranties often remain valid in Sweden, depending on the manufacturer and warranty terms. International warranties from brands like BMW or Toyota usually apply across the EU. For non-EU imports, warranties may be limited or void. Verify warranty documentation and consult a local dealer for transferability. Additional warranty coverage may be purchased if needed to cover unexpected repair costs.
What documents are required to prove the car is in good condition and legally purchased?
Key documents include:
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Purchase agreement: Proof of ownership transfer and purchase price.
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Registration certificate: Confirmation of the car’s prior registration.
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Inspection history: Evidence of the car's roadworthiness.
Origin check certificate: Mandatory in Sweden to verify legal status.
Additional documents, such as customs clearance papers and VAT receipts, may also be required to confirm compliance with Swedish regulations and import legality.
Can I import a car that has been rebuilt or specially modified?
Yes, but rebuilt or specially modified cars require additional inspections in Sweden. Individual approval may be necessary to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. For example, a car with aftermarket performance parts or bodywork modifications must include documentation proving the parts meet EU standards. Specially adapted vehicles, such as those for wheelchair users, may require certification from workshops that performed the modifications.
How does importing a leased or rental car affect the process?
Leased or rental cars can be more difficult to import if the importer does not have ownership rights. The leasing company must provide written approval for export, and the lease agreement must be terminated. For cars leased outside the EU, customs and VAT rules can become complicated since the importer is not the legal owner. The Swedish Transport Agency may also require additional documentation to confirm there are no outstanding debts or issues related to the car.
Is it possible to register an imported car for private area use only?
Yes, cars intended for private areas can be registered without meeting all public road traffic requirements. This applies to race cars or utility vehicles for private land use. However, an origin check and customs clearance are still required. Such vehicles cannot be driven on public roads without special permits, and insurance coverage may be limited. Basic technical requirements, such as functioning brakes and lights, may still apply.
What rules apply for importing a car intended solely for racing use?
Race cars can be imported without having to meet all the usual road traffic requirements. However, they must be registered as racing vehicles and cannot be used on public roads. Certificates from racing associations or organizers may be required to confirm the car's intended use. Customs duties and VAT still apply to race cars, but they are exempt from certain safety and environmental requirements applicable to road vehicles.
Can I re-export an imported car and get a VAT refund?
Yes, it is possible to claim a VAT refund if the car is re-exported within a specific timeframe and proper documentation is provided. You need to prove that the car has left Sweden, typically through export declarations and transport documents. Swedish Customs (Tullverket) may require evidence of both the import and export transactions, as well as confirmation that the car has not been used permanently in Sweden. This option primarily applies to businesses that purchase cars for resale in other countries.
How has Brexit affected the import of cars from the UK to Sweden?
Since Brexit, the UK is treated as a non-EU country, meaning customs duties and VAT must be paid when importing cars. Customs duty is 10% of the car’s value, including transportation costs, and VAT is 25% of the total value. For used cars, proof that the vehicle previously met EU standards is required, which can complicate the process. Additionally, most UK cars are right-hand drive, which may require modifications to comply with Swedish driving conditions.
What does CE marking mean for imported cars, and is it required?
CE marking is not required for passenger vehicles but applies to certain vehicle components, such as electronics and accessories. Cars imported from EU countries are already manufactured to shared standards and do not require additional CE marking. However, for specific specialized vehicles or separately sold parts, CE marking may be necessary to ensure compliance with EU safety and environmental standards.
What are the differences between importing a passenger car and a commercial vehicle (e.g., van)?
The main differences involve classification and taxation. Commercial vehicles like vans are taxed based on their intended use and weight rather than solely on emissions. They must also meet regulations for commercial use, which may include additional safety requirements. When importing commercial vehicles, businesses often handle the process, benefiting from VAT deductions and specific allowances. Adjustments such as the installation of alcohol locks may be necessary to comply with Swedish regulations for work-related vehicles.
What are the rules for importing cars from Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, Ukraine, Andorra, and San Marino?
These countries are treated as non-EU countries, meaning imports are subject to customs duties and VAT:
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Customs duty: 10% of the car’s value, including transportation costs.
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VAT: 25% of the car’s value, customs duty, and transport costs.
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Customs declaration: Required at the border, along with purchase receipts, registration certificates, and other documents.
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Origin check: Conducted by the Swedish Transport Agency to verify the car’s status.
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Registration inspection: Necessary to ensure compliance with Swedish safety and environmental standards.
Andorra and San Marino, despite being located in Europe, are also considered non-EU countries, and the same rules apply to imports from these regions.