Car, bought from a country outside the EU

When importing a vehicle to Sweden from a country outside the EU, you must always pay customs duties and VAT.

You must register the vehicle with the customs office immediately after its arrival at the import destination. After registering the vehicle, you may choose to pay customs duties and VAT directly or to transport the vehicle to another location in Sweden and pay there. If you will not be paying directly, you must make a security deposit for the import fees to be paid to the Swedish Customs.

In order clear the vehicle through customs, you must have the purchase invoice, bill of sale, receipt or other documentation to provide evidence of the value of the vehicle. You must also bring the foreign registration document.

The rate of customs duty varies for motor vehicles. For passenger cars, it is 10 per cent. The amount of the customs duty is calculated based on the purchase price, insurance and costs arising in conjunction with the transport of the vehicle to its point of entry in Sweden. You must also pay 25 per cent VAT.

When purchasing a vehicle from another country, contact the Swedish Transport Agency. They can help answer questions about registration, vehicle tax, registration plates, moving vehicles and verification of vehicle origin. More information on applications and required documentation can be found at their Web site, transportstyrelsen.se.

More Information
Swedish Transport Agency external link, opens in new window

Forms
Single administrative document (SAD) external link, opens in new window
SAD guidlines

Publications
Importing goods PDF