Importing a car to Sweden can be a complicated process, but by following these steps carefully, you can ensure that everything goes smoothly:
Purchase and Documentation: Start by purchasing the car abroad. Make sure to get all necessary documents, such as the purchase contract, registration certificate, and any inspection history.
Transport to Sweden: You can choose to drive the car yourself or hire a transport service. If you drive the car yourself, you will need temporary registration plates and insurance. When using a transport company, ensure they have the proper permits and insurance.
Customs and VAT: When importing from a non-EU country, declare the car with Swedish Customs and pay customs duties and VAT. For imports from EU countries, VAT exemption applies for used cars, but new cars require VAT payment. We at Tullify can assist you. Contact our customs experts today.
Notification to the Swedish Transport Agency: Register the car with the Swedish Transport Agency by submitting all documents, including customs clearance certificates and receipts for paid VAT. Use the "Import of vehicles" service on the Swedish Transport Agency's website.
Origin Check: The car must undergo an origin check to ensure it is not stolen and that the documents are correct. This is also done through the Swedish Transport Agency.
Registration Inspection: The next step is to book an appointment for a registration inspection with an inspection company like Bilprovningen or Dekra. They will check that the car meets Swedish safety and environmental requirements.
Registration and Plates: Once the car has passed the inspection, the inspection company sends the information to the Swedish Transport Agency, which then registers the car and sends Swedish license plates and registration certificates to you.
Insurance: Before you start using the car, you must obtain liability insurance. This is mandatory according to Swedish law.
Final Checks and Use: Ensure all paperwork is in order and that you have paid all fees and taxes. Once this is done, you can start using the car in Sweden.
What does it cost to import a car to Sweden?
Importing a car to Sweden can involve various costs depending on the origin of the car and its specific characteristics. Here is an overview of the main costs that may arise when importing a car to Sweden:
Purchase of the Car: The price of the car in the country of origin. This varies depending on the car's make, model, age, and condition.
Transport Costs: The cost of transporting the car to Sweden. If you hire a transport company, this can cost between 5,000 and 20,000 SEK depending on the distance and transport method (land, sea, or air transport).
Temporary Registration Plates and Insurance: If you drive the car yourself from the country of origin, you may need temporary registration plates and insurance. The cost varies depending on the country and insurance company.
Customs and VAT:
Within the EU: No customs duty, but if the car is new (less than six months old or has driven less than 6,000 kilometers), you must pay 25% VAT.
Outside the EU: The customs duty is 10% of the car's value plus transport costs, and then 25% VAT on the total amount (car's value + customs duty).
Origin Check: Costs approximately 700 SEK. This is a mandatory check to ensure the car is not stolen.
Registration Inspection: The cost for a registration inspection is usually between 1,500 and 2,500 SEK depending on the inspection company.
Registration with the Swedish Transport Agency: The registration fee is about 1,500 SEK. This fee covers the issuance of Swedish registration plates and registration certificate.
Other Fees: Additional costs may include expenses for adapting the car to Swedish regulations (e.g., light adjustment), insurance, and administrative fees.
Overall, the total cost of importing a car to Sweden can vary greatly, but here is an estimate:
Within the EU: Between 10,000 and 30,000 SEK in addition to the car's purchase price.
Outside the EU: Between 20,000 and 50,000 SEK in addition to the car's purchase price.
Can I, as a company, buy and import a car?
Yes, as a company, you can buy and import a car to Sweden. After purchasing the car and obtaining all necessary documents, you arrange transport to Sweden. When importing from a non-EU country, you pay customs duty (10%) and VAT (25%), which you can then deduct as input VAT. Register the car with the Swedish Transport Agency using all the documents and register it in the company's name. The car must undergo an origin check and a registration inspection to ensure it meets Swedish requirements. Finally, you must obtain liability insurance before using the car.
Do I have to pay customs duty if I import a car from Norway?
Yes, if you import a car from Norway, which is not a member of the EU, you must pay customs duty. The customs rate is 10% of the car's value, including shipping costs. In addition to customs duty, you must also pay 25% VAT on the total amount (the car's value plus the customs duty). Norway has free trade agreements with the EU, but these do not apply to cars. Make sure to have all necessary documents and declare the car correctly with Swedish Customs (Tullverket) upon arrival in Sweden.
Can I import a car and then sell it in Sweden?
Yes, you can import a car and then sell it in Sweden. To do this, you must follow all legal procedures for importation, including paying customs duties and VAT if the car is coming from a non-EU country. After the car has been registered and inspected in Sweden, you can sell it. If you import the car as a company, you can deduct the VAT as input VAT. Make sure all documents are in order and that the car meets Swedish safety and environmental requirements before the sale.
What applies if I am importing a car from Germany?
If you are importing a car from Germany, which is an EU country, you do not need to pay customs duty. You will pay VAT in Sweden if the car is new (less than six months old or has driven less than 6,000 kilometers). After purchasing the car, you transport it to Sweden and register it with the Swedish Transport Agency. The car must undergo an origin check and a registration inspection to ensure it meets Swedish requirements. Finally, you must obtain liability insurance before you can use the car on Swedish roads.
If you are selling a car to a person in a non-EU country, the following applies:
Export Documentation: You must complete and submit an export declaration to Swedish Customs (Tullverket). This includes all relevant documents proving the car's ownership and sale.
Deregistration: Notify the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) that the car is to be deregistered as it will no longer be in use in Sweden. This is done by submitting the registration certificate and indicating that the car will be exported.
VAT and Taxes: The sale of a car to a country outside the EU is VAT-free, meaning you do not need to add Swedish VAT to the sales price. However, the buyer may need to pay customs duties and VAT in their home country.
Transport: Arrange the transportation of the car to the buyer's country. This can be done by hiring a transport company that specializes in vehicle exports.
Insurance: Ensure that the car is insured during transport until it reaches the buyer.
