Belgium – Buying or Importing a Car

How do I buy a new car in Belgium as a foreigner?

New vehicles in Belgium are sold through authorised dealerships. In principle, the purchasing process is not complicated for foreign nationals, but completing a standard registration requires lawful residence in Belgium. Before going ahead with a purchase, you will need a valid visa or residence permit. Foreign nationals who are in Belgium only temporarily and wish to use a vehicle may be issued special plates rather than the standard Belgian registration.

Temporary visitors must provide evidence of residence in another country along with valid identification; in such cases, temporary plates linked to a Belgian address will be issued. Residents, on the other hand, will typically be asked to present their passport or national identity card, their residence document (such as an eID card or Annex 8/9 proof), a document confirming their Belgian address, and their tax identification number. Document requirements can vary between dealerships, so always request an up-to-date checklist directly from the dealer.

Car prices in Belgium are broadly in line with those in comparable western European markets. One practical advantage of buying locally when you are a resident is that financing arrangements are more straightforward. Newly arrived expats or non-residents without an established Belgian credit history may struggle to qualify for dealership finance; in such situations, paying by cash or bank transfer is often the most workable option until local financial ties are established. Before agreeing to any financing terms, confirm your eligibility with both the dealership and your bank.

After purchasing a new car, there is usually a short interval of a few days before the vehicle can be driven away, as various formalities must be completed first. Dealers generally handle the registration paperwork on the buyer’s behalf through the WebDIV electronic platform, although the buyer remains responsible for ensuring all personal documentation is accurate and up to date. For authoritative guidance, refer to the FPS Mobility and Public Works.

How do I buy a used car in Belgium?

The second-hand car market in Belgium can offer genuine value, partly because certain cities — particularly those hosting major international institutions — have a mobile population that regularly turns over vehicles. Regardless of whether you buy privately or through a dealer, a careful pre-purchase inspection is essential. Belgium operates a dedicated vehicle history system called Car-Pass, which logs mileage data at each roadworthiness inspection. The recorded mileage is forwarded to Car-Pass, which holds vehicle data specifically to allow buyers to verify the genuine odometer history of vehicles being resold. The Car-Pass document also includes the make and model, date of first registration in Belgium, chassis number, the date the document was issued, and a unique reference number for traceability.

Under Belgian law, sellers are obliged to hand over a Car-Pass document when transferring ownership of a used vehicle. This is comparable to vehicle history reports available in other countries, but with the important distinction that it is government-backed and legally required rather than voluntary. Buyers should also check for any outstanding fines, unpaid road tax, or a total-loss declaration on the vehicle. Mileage fraud and undisclosed accident damage remain risks, so vigilance is warranted.

Ensure the vehicle comes with a European Certificate of Conformity (COC), which confirms compliance with EU standards and makes the subsequent registration process considerably smoother. When the sale is concluded, the seller must hand over the original registration certificate (certificat d’immatriculation / inschrijvingsbewijs), the Car-Pass document, and a signed deed of sale (acte de cession). Payment by bank transfer is strongly preferable to large cash transactions.

Used vehicles that change ownership must undergo a roadworthiness test, and the resulting certificate is valid for two months. Once purchased, you must transfer the vehicle into your name via the DIV. Your insurer can submit this application electronically through the WebDIV system. Before driving the vehicle, confirm that any outstanding road tax has been settled, since liability is tied to the registered owner. For further guidance and access to the official vehicle history register, visit Car-Pass and the FPS Mobility and Public Works.

Can I import a vehicle into Belgium, and how does the process work?

Belgium permits the importation of left-hand-drive vehicles. Right-hand-drive vehicles — standard in countries such as Japan, the United Kingdom, or Australia — may not be registered for use on Belgian public roads, as Belgium drives on the right. Anyone relocating from a left-hand-traffic country must factor this into their vehicle plans from the outset.

The import procedure differs significantly depending on whether the vehicle originates from within the EU or from a third country. Customs duties between EU member states have been abolished, meaning a vehicle acquired in another EU country will not attract import duty, though VAT rules must still be observed. Vehicles arriving from outside the EU — such as from North America, Japan, or Australia — must go through full customs clearance.

A central element of the Belgian import process is the E-705. The E-705 is a free electronic signal that enables the DIV (the Vehicle Registration Service of the FPS Mobility and Transport), at the point when a number plate is requested, to verify whether the vehicle is authorised to be on Belgian territory. The physical self-adhesive vignette 705 has been superseded by this electronic signal. VAT-registered persons are required to submit their E-705 application through the dedicated online application, while private individuals may do so on a voluntary basis.

Belgian customs authorities have a legally prescribed deadline of 120 days to process E-705 applications (as of 2025). Applications may be submitted through the FPS Finance portal or by attending a customs office in person by appointment. Applicants can choose a convenient customs office or manage the process entirely online via MyMinfin.

A personal-effects exemption exists for individuals who are genuinely relocating to Belgium from outside the EU. This exemption from customs duties and VAT on a vehicle imported as part of a household removal is available provided the owner has been resident outside the EU for at least the twelve months preceding the move, purchased and used the vehicle outside the EU for a minimum of six months before relocating, has already paid the VAT equivalent in another country, and commits to keeping the vehicle exclusively for personal use for at least twelve months after importation. All of these conditions must be met concurrently. This exemption can represent a saving of thousands of euros, but meeting every requirement is essential. Confirm your eligibility in advance with FPS Finance (Belgian Customs and Excise).

Step-by-step import process

1. Check eligibility and right-hand-drive rules. Confirm that your vehicle is left-hand drive and meets Belgian and EU technical standards (Euro emission norms). Obtain the vehicle’s Certificate of Conformity (COC) if it was originally manufactured for the European market.
2. Arrange shipping or transport to Belgium. Keep all shipping invoices and transport costs documented, as these form part of the customs valuation.
3. Declare the vehicle to Belgian Customs. Informing Belgian customs about your imported vehicle is a crucial step. You will need to make an appointment at a customs office or complete the process online via MyMinfin. Submit the customs declaration form together with your purchase invoice, foreign registration certificate, proof of insurance, and identity documents.
4. Pay applicable import duties and VAT (or apply for exemption). At this stage, import duty and VAT are calculated and must be paid, unless you qualify for the personal-effects exemption.
5. Obtain the E-705 clearance. Once customs is satisfied, the E-705 electronic signal is issued, authorising the DIV to proceed with registration.
6. Pass a roadworthiness inspection. Used vehicles imported into Belgium are subject to a roadworthiness test, except if the importer is the registered owner abroad (the importer’s name should appear on the foreign registration certificate). Book an inspection at an approved GOCA centre.
7. Register the vehicle with the DIV. Submit the E-705 clearance, roadworthiness certificate, COC, proof of insurance, and identity documents to the DIV (Direction pour l’Immatriculation des Véhicules) to obtain Belgian number plates and a registration certificate.

What are the costs involved in importing a car to Belgium?

Bringing a vehicle into Belgium from outside the EU can involve considerable expense. The table below sets out the principal cost components. All figures are as of 2025; verify current rates with FPS Finance and the relevant regional tax authority before proceeding.

For context, importing a vehicle into neighbouring France or Germany from outside the EU involves comparable EU-level customs duty rates — typically 6.5% for motorcycles and 10% for passenger cars under the EU Common External Tariff — but national registration taxes and technical approval processes differ from country to country. Belgium’s 21% VAT rate sits among the higher rates within the EU. For those who qualify for the personal-effects exemption, the combined saving on duty and VAT can make relocating with a personal vehicle substantially more affordable. Always confirm prevailing duty and tax rates with FPS Finance before dispatching your vehicle.

How do I register a vehicle in Belgium?

In Belgium, the Vehicle Registration Service (DIV) handles the registration of cars, motorcycles, and trailers exceeding 750 kg. Any resident wishing to drive a vehicle on Belgian roads is required to register it with the DIV. This obligation applies only to people enrolled in the population or foreign register — it does not apply to those who merely own a holiday home or secondary residence in Belgium.

The registration process begins with an application to the DIV. You may apply through your insurer, who will use the WebDIV system, or submit the application directly to the DIV yourself. You will be required to supply your personal contact details, the vehicle’s technical specifications, proof of insurance, and — depending on the circumstances — a certificate of conformity and a roadworthiness certificate.

When registering a brand-new vehicle purchased in Belgium, a roadworthiness test is not required, but you must supply the vehicle’s European Certificate of Conformity. For a used or imported vehicle, a roadworthiness certificate from an approved centre is mandatory. Once customs formalities and the technical inspection have been completed, registration with the DIV is the next step. A second-hand vehicle acquired abroad or a previously registered new vehicle must also pass a technical inspection before registration.

In either case — new or used — the application can be submitted by your insurer via WebDIV, which streamlines the process considerably. Your number plate and registration certificate will subsequently arrive by post. The standard registration fee stands at €56 — comprising €30 for the plate and €26 for the certificate — as of 2024. This fee is separate from annual road tax and the one-off vehicle registration tax (BIV). The DIV may require certified translations of foreign-language documents in the case of imported vehicles.

For comprehensive registration guidance and up-to-date document checklists, consult the official FPS Mobility and Public Works (DIV) website.

What insurance do I need to drive legally in Belgium?

Taking out a civil liability insurance policy is a legal prerequisite for driving in Belgium. You should arrange this after completing any customs formalities but before registering the vehicle with the DIV. Third-party liability cover (responsabilité civile / burgerlijke aansprakelijkheid) is the statutory minimum and protects other road users against loss or injury caused by your vehicle. This is conceptually similar to compulsory third-party schemes in many other countries, though in Belgium all motor insurance is provided through a competitive private market.

There is no state insurer in Belgium; cover is offered exclusively by private companies operating under the supervision of the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) and the National Bank of Belgium. More extensive cover — comprehensive or fully comprehensive policies (tous risques / allrisk) — is available but entirely optional. Premiums are calculated based on factors including your claims history, the type and age of the vehicle, your age, and the postcode of your registered address.

A number of Belgian insurers will take into account a no-claims history accumulated in another country, but you will normally need to present a formal letter from your previous insurer confirming the number of claim-free years. A certified translation may be required if the letter is not in French, Dutch, or German. The number of years of foreign no-claims history that any given insurer will honour varies, so comparing several providers is advisable. Expats who have only recently arrived may face higher initial premiums while they build up a local record.

Belgium participates in the Green Card (international motor insurance certificate) scheme. When crossing into other European countries, carrying your Green Card demonstrates that your third-party cover extends to those destinations. Your insurer can provide this document on request. For current requirements, contact your insurer or visit the FSMA.

What driving licence do I need in Belgium as an expat?

The requirements for driving in Belgium on a foreign licence depend on the country that issued it. Licences issued within the EU or EEA are fully valid across Belgium for their entire period of validity — there is no obligation to exchange or convert them, though some residents do so voluntarily for practical reasons.

Licences from countries outside the EU/EEA are subject to more nuanced rules. After registering as a Belgian resident, you may generally continue driving on your foreign licence for a limited time, but long-term residents will ordinarily need to obtain a Belgian licence. The length of the grace period depends on any bilateral agreements in force between Belgium and the country that issued your licence. Where a reciprocal arrangement exists, an administrative exchange without a re-test may be possible; in other cases, a partial or full driving test will be required. Since these agreements are revised periodically, you should verify the current position for your specific country with your local commune or the FPS Mobility and Public Works.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) does not serve as a replacement for a Belgian licence for residents, but it is a useful complement when driving in non-EU countries that require one. If your foreign licence is not in Latin script — for instance, if it is in Arabic, Chinese, or Cyrillic — you should carry a certified translation or an IDP whenever you drive in Belgium.

Licence exchanges are processed through your local commune’s population office (commune/gemeente). You will need to bring your valid foreign licence, a form of identification, proof of Belgian residence registration, and a recent passport-format photograph. If a re-test is required, enrolment with an accredited Belgian driving school will also be necessary. Full details are available from FPS Mobility and Public Works.

How do I sell a car in Belgium?

Selling a vehicle in Belgium requires the seller to complete a series of administrative steps both before and after the transaction. The process involves obtaining a technical inspection, advertising the vehicle, agreeing a price, transferring ownership, and cancelling the associated insurance and road tax.

Before listing the vehicle for sale, check that it holds a valid roadworthiness certificate. Used vehicles that change hands must pass a roadworthiness test, and the resulting certificate remains valid for two months. You must also obtain a current Car-Pass document, which Belgian law requires sellers to provide to buyers at the point of sale. Assemble the original registration certificate, all available service records, and any existing COC document before proceeding.

At the point of sale, buyer and seller both sign a deed of sale (acte de cession / akte van overdracht), which records the date and price of the transaction, the vehicle identification number (VIN/chassis number), and the identities of both parties. The seller must then formally notify the DIV of the ownership transfer. Until this notification is recorded in the national register, the seller retains administrative responsibility for the vehicle — including any fines generated by the new owner. Prompt notification to the DIV is therefore firmly in the seller’s interest.

Road tax (circulation tax) is managed at the regional level. Once the vehicle is sold and deregistered from your name, any road tax paid in advance beyond the date of sale should be refunded on a pro-rata basis. Cancel your insurance policy as soon as the transfer of ownership is confirmed, and retain a copy of the signed deed of sale as documentary proof of when you ceased to be the registered owner.

Private individuals selling a vehicle used for personal purposes are not generally liable for capital gains tax on the proceeds in Belgium. However, if vehicles are sold repeatedly or on a commercial scale, the tax authorities may classify the income as taxable. If there is any doubt about your position, seek advice from a Belgian tax professional or consult FPS Finance.

Are there any ongoing costs or obligations for vehicle ownership in Belgium?

Owning a vehicle in Belgium entails a range of recurring financial and administrative responsibilities. These broadly mirror the annual costs of car ownership in other European countries, but are administered at both federal and regional level, meaning that actual rates and rules can vary depending on whether you reside in Flanders, Wallonia, or the Brussels Capital Region.

Annual road tax (circulation tax / taxe de circulation): Road tax is an annual levy on vehicles used to carry passengers or goods on public roads. The amount owed is determined by the engine size, power output, and fuel type of the vehicle, and is collected by the region in which you are registered. Rates are subject to regular revision; always check the current figures with your regional tax authority (Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels).

One-off vehicle registration tax (BIV): The vehicle registration tax (BIV) is a one-time tax every owner of a new or second-hand vehicle must pay when the vehicle is first used on public roads in Belgium. Like the annual road tax, the BIV is administered regionally and calculated on engine power, CO₂ emissions, and other factors. In Flanders, zero-emission vehicles (BEVs and FCEVs) are exempt from the BIV. Rates are subject to ongoing reform; check with your regional authority for the most current figures.

Periodic roadworthiness inspections (keuring / contrôle technique): Newly registered vehicles are not required to undergo a technical inspection until four years after first registration. From that point on, annual testing is mandatory. This is broadly analogous to MOT-style testing in other European countries, though Belgium’s annual frequency — once the first inspection has taken place — is more demanding than some equivalents; for instance, the UK requires testing from three years with annual tests thereafter, and Germany’s TÜV follows a broadly similar schedule to Belgium’s. Inspections must be carried out at an approved GOCA centre. A green certificate confirms a pass, while a minor non-conformity may result in a certificate valid for three months.

Insurance: Third-party liability cover must be maintained continuously for as long as the vehicle remains registered in your name. Allowing your policy to lapse while the vehicle is still registered constitutes a legal offence.

For a full overview of vehicle-related taxes and obligations, consult the FPS Finance, your regional tax authority, and the FPS Mobility and Public Works. Rates and regulations are subject to change.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive my foreign-registered car in Belgium after I move there?

If you live in Belgium and intend to drive a vehicle registered abroad, this is basically not allowed, though there are a number of exceptions. Once you are registered as a resident in Belgium, you are generally required to register your vehicle in Belgium within a set period. Temporary exemptions may apply in certain circumstances — for example, for a vehicle owned by a non-resident employer. Check the current rules with the FPS Mobility and Public Works.

Is a right-hand-drive vehicle allowed in Belgium?

Only left-hand-drive vehicles may be registered for use on Belgian public roads. Right-hand-drive vehicles — which are standard in countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan, or Australia — cannot be registered in Belgium. Anyone relocating from a left-hand-traffic country will need to acquire a left-hand-drive vehicle either locally or before importing.

How long does it take to register an imported vehicle in Belgium?

The overall timeline is governed by how quickly the customs E-705 clearance, roadworthiness inspection, and registration paperwork can all be completed. Belgian customs has a legal deadline of 120 days to process the E-705 application (as of 2025), though straightforward cases are often resolved sooner. Once the E-705 has been issued and the remaining documents are in order, the number plate and registration certificate will be delivered by post. In total, you should expect the process to take anywhere from several weeks to a few months. Confirm current processing times with FPS Finance.

Do I pay VAT when buying a new car in Belgium from an EU dealership?

For new cars, you do not pay VAT in the country of purchase. Instead, you must pay 21% Belgian VAT when registering the car in Belgium. This is done using the E-705 form, filed digitally through MyMinfin. A vehicle is legally considered “new” for VAT purposes if it is less than six months old or has fewer than 6,000 km on the odometer, regardless of where in the EU it was purchased.

What is Car-Pass and is it mandatory when selling a used car?

Car-Pass is Belgium’s official vehicle mileage history system. Odometer readings recorded at every roadworthiness inspection are transmitted to Car-Pass, which maintains this data to allow buyers to verify the genuine mileage history of vehicles being resold. Providing a Car-Pass document to the buyer is a legal requirement for anyone selling a used vehicle registered in Belgium. The document can be obtained from car-pass.be.

Will my no-claims bonus from abroad be recognised by Belgian insurers?

Many Belgian private insurers will accept a no-claims letter from a foreign insurer when calculating your premium. The number of years they recognise varies by insurer. Obtain a formal no-claims certificate from your current insurer before leaving your home country, and request a certified translation if it is not in French, Dutch, or German. For further guidance, consult the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA).

Are there emissions zones or restrictions I should be aware of in Belgian cities?

Yes. Belgium has Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in several cities, including Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp. Older or more polluting vehicles may be restricted from entering these zones or subject to fines. Diesel cars will be banned in Brussels by 2030; petrol and LPG vehicles by 2035. If you are importing an older vehicle, check the LEZ entry requirements for the city where you will live before finalising your purchase. Details are available from the relevant city or regional authority.

What taxes are due when I first register a vehicle in Belgium?

Two taxes fall due at or around the time of first registration. The vehicle registration tax (BIV) is a one-off charge payable when the vehicle first uses Belgian public roads, while the circulation tax is an annual levy on vehicles used to transport passengers or goods. Both are administered regionally by Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels, and the amounts vary according to vehicle type, engine power, and CO₂ emissions. Always check current rates directly with your regional tax authority, as these are subject to ongoing reform.