Skip to main content
European Commission logo
Mobility & Transport - Road Safety

Questions and Answers

 

Car registration

Road Safety - Car registration

 

When and where

Road Safety - Car registration

Top

 

I want to buy a car in Germany but take it back home to Holland to register it. Do I have to pay the VAT twice and then claim it back?

NO - just tell the German vendor you are going to register the car in another country. You will then pay VAT in Holland only.

 

When and where

Top

 

I spend half my week in the country where I’m resident and the other half working in another EU country, which I drive to. Where should I register my car?

If you’re commuting regularly like this, you can keep the car registered in your country of residence.

 

Top

 

I’m Italian and every year I take a three-month holiday in my second home in the French Alps, taking my car with me. Can I register my car in France?

NO - you can only register your car in the country where you are permanently resident.

 

Top

 

I’m Slovak. If I buy a new car in Hungary, do I have to register it there?

NO - you can obtain registration plates from Slovakia, on the strength of the certificate of conformity, before going to Hungary and then you can drive home using them.

 

Top

 

I’m Slovak. If I buy a second-hand car in Hungary, do I have to register it there?

NO - you can obtain registration plates from Slovakia, on the strength of the Hungarian registration document based on the harmonised European model and of a valid technical inspection certificate, before going to Hungary and then you can drive home using them.

 

Top

 

I’m a Polish student, enrolled on a two-year Master’s course in the UK. Do I have to register my car there?

NO - if the sole purpose of your stay is to study.

YES - if you also start working during your stay.

 

Top

 

I’m working in another EU country on a ten-month temporary contract, after which I’ll be returning home. Do I have to register my car in that country?

YES - because your stay is longer than six months.

 

Your Europe - Citizens

You couldn't find an answer to your question?

Get in contact with us