Am I allowed to drive a foreign car in Sweden?
Yes, but an imported car must be registered in Sweden before you keep using it. On private import you may drive on foreign plates for a maximum of 7 days from when the car entered the country, then Swedish registration is required. The process is an origin check at the Transport Agency, then a registration inspection. For a car from the EU there is no customs duty, but 25% VAT if the car counts as new (bought within 6 months or driven under 6,000 km). From a non-EU country add 10% duty plus 25% import VAT.
📋 The rules
- Private import: drive on foreign plates for max 7 days
- Then an origin check + registration inspection is needed
- EU car: no duty, but 25% VAT if the car is new
- New car = bought within 6 months or driven under 6,000 km
- Non-EU: 10% duty + 25% import VAT
🔓 Exceptions
- Removal-goods relief: duty/VAT-free if you owned and used the car ≥6 months abroad
- Temporary registration is possible for 3 months
- Visitors resident abroad may keep driving foreign-registered cars
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Driving despite a driving ban brings a fine (around 1,500 kr). An uninsured car incurs a traffic-insurance charge (TFF) per day, set above a normal premium, which can become a large debt. Unpaid vehicle tax brings a use ban.
📎 Official sources
- Transport Agency · Vehicle import and origin check →
- Tax Agency · VAT on means of transport →
- Customs · Buying a car across the border →
❓ Frequently asked
How long can I drive on foreign plates?
On private import a maximum of 7 days from when the car entered the country, then Swedish registration is required.
Do I pay VAT on an EU car?
Only if the car counts as new — bought within 6 months or driven under 6,000 km. Otherwise no Swedish VAT.
What does importing from outside the EU cost?
10% duty on passenger cars plus 25% import VAT, calculated on price, shipping, insurance and duty.
How do I register the car in Sweden?
Through an origin check at the Transport Agency and then a registration inspection.
Do I avoid duty if I move to Sweden?
If you have owned and used the car for at least 6 months abroad, removal-goods relief may apply.
🔎 Common searches
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