For Swedish car buyers, navigating the import regulations when buying a car from Norway can be a big challenge. Many customers find the import process time-consuming and difficult to complete correctly. With over 20 years of experience in customs processes, we help you make car imports from Norway smooth and without delays.
Is it profitable to import a car from Norway?
Importing a car from Norway can be profitable, especially if you are looking for electric cars, premium cars or work vehicles. In general, Norwegian car prices are slightly higher than in Sweden and Germany but lower than in Denmark, with the exception of electric cars where Norway often offers the most competitive prices thanks to favorable tax rules.
It is important to factor in extra costs for customs, VAT and handling costs. We ensure that you receive an accurate cost estimate from the start so that you avoid unpleasant surprises.
Once that is done, the benefits become clear: electric cars and diesel cars can be purchased at better prices, premium cars can be cheaper than in Sweden, and the range of pick-ups and American models is large.
In addition, you can find unique equipment and configurations that are not always available on the Swedish market, while the Norwegian krone exchange rate often favors Swedish buyers.
Step-by-step: How to import a car from Norway
Importing a car from Norway involves several steps that must be done in the correct order. With our expertise, we ensure that everything is carried out correctly so that you avoid unnecessary delays and costs.
1. Purchase and transportation
- Choose a car based on model, age and condition
- Expect approximately SEK 5,000–20,000 in transportation costs.
- Obtain temporary license plates for your own transport
Large amounts in NOK are heavily affected by exchange rates and fees. Always compare the bank's rate with the mid-rate, ask for the total cost before approving the transfer, and ensure that the money arrives in time for delivery/change of ownership.
2. Customs clearance upon arrival
- Report to the customs office at the border crossing. It is important that you use a border that has a customs office.
- Customs duty: approx. 10 % of the car's total value (incl. purchase, shipping and insurance)
- Handling costs are added up to the EU border.
3. Mandatory checks
- Origin check: ensures that the car meets EU requirements
- Registration inspection: environmental and road safety check
- Only new cars with EC type approval are exempt from registration inspection.
4. Final registration
- Registration fee for Swedish plates
- The Swedish Transport Agency sends home registration certificates
- Signs are automatically delivered to your home
Specific vehicle types that require extra attention
Not all cars are subject to the same rules when imported.
Import electric and hybrid cars
Electric cars and hybrids may have special requirements for documentation regarding the condition of the battery and warranty. Since Norway has favorable regulations for electric cars, importing can be extra advantageous, but it is important that everything is done right from the start.
Vintage cars
For vintage cars, often 30 years or older, special rules and exemptions may apply. This may involve inspection exemptions, tax benefits or other exemptions, but it always depends on the car's exact age and history. We will help you find out what applies to your particular car.
Converted and heavy vehicles, such as modified cars, trucks or buses, often require more extensive documentation.
All modifications must be approved according to Swedish regulations, and heavy vehicles are also subject to special requirements for inspection and environmental classification.
Necessary documents – nothing must be forgotten
Depending on the situation, up to 15 documents may be required. We will help you identify exactly what applies to your car.
Always mandatory:
- Vehicle documents from Norway
- Customs document (import from a country outside the EU)
- Documents proving origin
May be required depending on the situation:
- Purchase contracts and receipts
- Insurance documents
- EC certificate or COC document
- Special certificates for modified vehicles
Safety standards and environmental requirements
Sweden and Norway have largely the same security requirements, but there are important exceptions to be aware of:
- EC type-approved cars automatically meet Swedish requirements
- Vehicles from 1968 or older have special rules
- The “own use” exemption may provide a more lenient assessment
- Imports that occur when moving or inheriting property may be subject to relief.
We ensure that you get the right assessment from the start and avoid unnecessary complications.
How much does it cost to import a car from Norway?
Before you decide to buy a car from Norway, it's smart to keep track of the full cost picture. It's easy to stare blindly at the purchase price, but it's all the fees around it that determine whether the deal is a good one or not. Here are the most common costs you need to consider.
Mandatory fees
- Customs duty: 10 % of total value (car + freight + insurance)
- VAT: 25 %
- Registration fee
- Origin Check
- Registration inspection
Transportation costs
- Shipping: approx. 5,000–20,000 SEK depending on car and distance
- Insurance during transport: mandatory to cover risks
- Handling costs to the EU:s limit: varies depending on the freight forwarder
Other costs
- Temporary Norwegian license plates for own transport
- Re-inspection in case of any errors
- Special certificates for modified vehicles or heavy vehicles
Total additional costs often end up at around 30 % in addition to the purchase price.
Calculation example for importing an electric car Tesla Model 3 – costs
Purchase price in Norway: NOK 300,000 (approx. SEK 300,000)
Customs and VAT: approx. 105,000 SEK
Total cost in Sweden: approx. 405,000 SEK
With proper planning and accurate calculations, it is possible to save tens of thousands of kronor compared to buying an equivalent car in Sweden.
Digital services that simplify the process
The Swedish Transport Agency offers e-services that make the process smoother:
Important e-services:
- Application for origin control (select Import from non-EU country
- Vehicle parking after registration
- Documentation for manual customs declaration
Critical deadlines:
- Reporting to the customs office must take place (Should take place at the customs office at the border)
- Missed deadlines may result in additional fees
- All applications must be printed and signed.
Checklist: How to import a car from Norway without mistakes
Before purchase:
[X] Check if the car is classified as new or used
[X] Calculate total costs including 30% markup
[X] Ensure that all necessary documents are present
During transport:
[X] Get temporary license plates
[X] Arrange valid insurance during transport
[X] Report to customs office
After arrival:
[X] Carry out origin checks at the Swedish Transport Agency.
[X] Perform registration inspection for technical inspection
[X] Pay all fees (customs, VAT, registration)
[X] Arrange Swedish motor insurance before registration
For new cars – extra steps:
[X] Make a special report to the Swedish Tax Agency in Ludvika
[X] Submit receipts for all expenses
[X] Pay VAT (25%) in Sweden
How Tullify helps you import a car from Norway smoothly
For many, importing a car from Norway is a complicated process due to the complex customs procedures in Norway and how the customs fee is calculated. With our expertise in customs processes and over 20 years of experience, we ensure that your car import is smooth and correctly carried out.
We guarantee you when you import a car from Norway:
- Fast response times – usually within an hour when you call or contact us with questions about customs documents for Norway
- Correct handling of all documents that may be required
- Correct calculation of customs duty Norway – no hidden costs
- Avoids costly mistakes through careful process
Contact us today We will help you import a car from Norway without problems and delays. With our expertise, you will avoid the stress of customs paperwork in Norway and can focus on enjoying your new car.
Frequently asked questions about car imports from Norway
How long does it take to import a car from Norway?
The entire process usually takes 2-4 weeks from the time the car arrives in Sweden. This includes origin inspection (1-2 weeks waiting time), registration inspection and final registration.
“We do the import itself in one day. You do the rest with the Swedish Transport Agency and other partners.”
Can I import a damaged car from Norway?
Yes, but damaged cars require additional documentation and may need to be repaired before the registration inspection. The customs fee in Norway is calculated on the value of the car in its current condition.
What happens if the car fails the registration inspection?
If the car fails, the deficiencies must be addressed before re-inspection. This incurs additional costs and can extend the process by several weeks.
Is there a maximum age for importing a car from Norway?
No, there is no maximum age. However, there are special rules for vintage cars (older than 1968) that can make the import process easier. Older cars may be exempt from certain technical requirements.
Can companies get VAT deductions when importing cars from Norway?
Yes, companies can deduct VAT on new cars used in the business. For used cars, there is no Swedish VAT to deduct. Mixed use (business/private) requires special accounting that we will help you handle correctly.
Do you need help importing a car from Norway?
We are experts in customs documentation in Norway and customs duty calculations in Norway. Contact us for a free consultation.