Foreign nationals can purchase or import a vehicle in Denmark, but doing so means navigating one of the most demanding vehicle tax regimes in Europe. Denmark applies a registration tax (registreringsafgift) to almost every vehicle, requires that any car with foreign plates be registered within 30 days of your arrival, and places no restrictions on left-hand drive vehicles. Getting to grips with how the tax system works before signing any contracts or arranging shipment is absolutely vital.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration tax (registreringsafgift) | Tiered at 25%, 85%, and 150% of taxable vehicle value for passenger cars (as of 2025); payable once per vehicle lifetime |
| VAT rate on vehicles | 25% (as of 2025); applies to new vehicles from EU; always applies on imports from outside EU |
| Customs duty (non-EU imports) | 10% of invoice price plus freight and costs (as of 2025) |
| Registration deadline after moving | 30 days from date of relocation to Denmark |
| CPR number requirement | Required to buy and register a vehicle as a resident |
| Valuation fee | DKK 299 (electric vehicles) / DKK 399 (other vehicles) via approved providers (as of 2025) |
How do I buy a new car in Denmark as a foreigner?
Denmark operates a completely open car market, yet the purchase process differs considerably depending on whether you are a resident. Those who have taken up residence must first register with the National Register (Folkeregister) and obtain a civil registration number (CPR number). This number is the foundation of virtually every formal transaction in the country, from buying a vehicle and arranging financing to taking out insurance.
Non-residents have a different set of options. They may purchase an unregistered vehicle — one without Danish number plates — for export purposes. Foreigners who are able to demonstrate that their stay in Denmark will last less than a year can acquire a vehicle without incurring the Danish registration fee. This route is a recognised way to obtain a car at a comparatively competitive pre-tax price and take it directly to another country where registration will take place.
The sticker price of cars sold in Denmark already incorporates the steep Danish vehicle tax, which can climb as high as 150% of the car’s net value. As a result, buying a registered car in Denmark is substantially more expensive than in most neighbouring countries, and cross-border price comparisons should be made with this in mind.
Resident buyers will generally need their CPR number, a valid passport or national identity card, a confirmed Danish address, and evidence of insurance. Financing through dealerships or banks is available, but lenders typically expect a CPR number, a Danish bank account, and in many cases a track record of income earned locally over at least a few months. Given the weight of the upfront registration tax, many foreign nationals find leasing a more appealing option: it removes the immediate tax burden and offers greater flexibility. Leasing arrangements are readily available from most major dealerships. Confirm your eligibility for financing directly with the relevant lender before committing to anything.
How do I buy a used car in Denmark?
Denmark’s used car market is buoyant and expanding. Total used car registrations rose by 13% between January and April 2025. Vehicles can be acquired privately through classified listing platforms or via dealerships, and the same residency requirements and CPR number rules apply as when buying new.
Thorough due diligence before any private purchase is strongly advisable. The key authorities you will deal with are the Danish Motor Vehicle Agency (Motorstyrelsen), which oversees registration and valuations; the Danish Customs Agency (Toldstyrelsen), responsible for duties and VAT; and SKAT, the Danish Tax Authority, which handles tax payments. The Danish Motor Vehicle Agency maintains the Register of Motor Vehicles, through which you can verify a vehicle’s registration status, current ownership, and history.
Start by confirming that the seller is the registered owner using the vehicle’s registration certificate (registreringsattest). You should also check for any outstanding debt secured against the vehicle, unpaid road tax or fines, and any record of accidents or write-offs. Private vehicle history report services operating in Denmark allow you to search by registration number or VIN, and using one before completing a private purchase is highly recommended.
At the point of handover, the seller is obliged to hand you the registration certificate. Without this document, it is impossible to obtain number plates or formally transfer ownership. The change of ownership is recorded through the Register of Motor Vehicles, with both parties participating in the online re-registration process. Crucially, registration tax is charged only once throughout a vehicle’s lifetime, meaning a used car already registered in Denmark carries no fresh registration tax liability when it changes hands.
Can I import a vehicle into Denmark, and how does the process work?
Anyone who moves to Denmark and brings a car bearing foreign number plates must register that vehicle with the Danish authorities no later than 30 days after their move. Once you are entered in the CPR register as a Danish resident, you are not, as a general rule, permitted to use a foreign-registered vehicle on Danish roads. There is no ban on left-hand or right-hand drive vehicles — Denmark uses right-hand traffic, so left-hand drive cars are the norm, but right-hand drive vehicles are not prohibited, though headlight adjustment for right-hand traffic may be required.
Registration tax on imported cars and motorcycles — whether new or used, from EU or non-EU countries — is normally payable in full. The import procedure broadly resembles that of other EU member states, with one important addition unique to Denmark: every imported vehicle must be valued before it can be registered, either by the Danish Motor Vehicle Agency itself or by an approved independent valuation provider.
The complete import procedure consists of five steps, as set out by the Danish Motor Vehicle Agency (Motorstyrelsen):
- Inform Motorstyrelsen before bringing the vehicle into Denmark. Residents importing a vehicle with foreign plates must submit an online application to Motorstyrelsen before the vehicle crosses into Denmark, then print and keep the receipt in the vehicle for as long as it carries foreign plates.
- Submit the vehicle for inspection. The vehicle must pass an extended registration inspection — covering both a standard registration check and a customs identity inspection — at an approved inspection centre. The vehicle’s original registration certificate must be presented at this stage.
- Arrange for a valuation. The E-tax portal used to request a valuation is only available in Danish; Motorstyrelsen advises applicants to seek assistance with the language if needed. If you do not yet hold a Danish CPR number and MitID, you will need to approach the Danish Motor Vehicle Agency directly to obtain a valuation.
- Pay the registration tax. Registration tax must be settled before Danish number plates can be issued. If you only need the vehicle for a defined period, you may request that the tax be paid in quarterly instalments.
- Register the vehicle and acquire Danish number plates. For brand-new vehicles, the dealer typically handles number plate procurement. For used imported vehicles, plates are purchased from a licensed number plate provider.
On the matter of customs duties: importing a vehicle from another EU country does not attract customs duty, but VAT at 25% is payable if the vehicle qualifies as new. Vehicles brought in from outside the EU are generally subject to both customs duty and VAT.
A removal goods or personal effects exemption may apply in certain circumstances. Where a vehicle is classified as part of household effects, it may enter Denmark free of duty and VAT, or at a reduced rate below 10%. To qualify for full duty-free importation, the owner must have been resident outside the EU for at least 12 months. These rules are intricate and subject to revision; always confirm your eligibility with the Danish Customs Agency (Toldstyrelsen) before placing any reliance on this exemption.
What are the costs involved in importing a car to Denmark?
Denmark’s vehicle tax framework ranks among the most demanding in Europe, and the total outlay when importing a car can comfortably surpass the vehicle’s original purchase price. Plan your budget carefully across each of the following categories:
| Cost | Rate / Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration tax (registreringsafgift) | 25% / 85% / 150% tiered brackets | Based on Danish market value; payable once per vehicle lifetime |
| VAT (EU imports, new vehicles) | 25% | Only on vehicles under 6 months old or under 6,000 km |
| VAT (non-EU imports) | 25% | Applies always, on invoice price plus freight and costs |
| Customs duty (non-EU imports only) | 10% | Based on invoice price plus freight |
| Mandatory valuation fee | DKK 299 (EV) / DKK 399 (other) | Via approved provider; binding for 30 days |
| Vehicle inspection fee | Varies by centre | Required for all imports |
| Number plates | Approx. DKK 1,000–1,500 | From a licensed number plate provider |
| Shipping (if applicable) | Varies by origin and method | RoRo or container shipping; add insurance and port costs |
The registreringsafgift is determined by the vehicle’s value, type, and emissions output. For passenger cars in 2025, the tiered brackets sit at 25%, 85%, and 150% of the vehicle’s value. Various deductions and surcharges can alter the final figure, and for imported vehicles the tax base is the car’s market value in Denmark — not the price paid for it abroad.
Electric and hybrid vehicles attract more favourable treatment. Fully electric vehicles benefit from a deduction of DKK 165,000 from the taxable value before registration tax is calculated, and although EVs are still liable for annual ownership tax, the rates are considerably lower. Plug-in hybrids currently pay 65% of the calculated registration tax, though that proportion will increase year by year until it reaches 100% by 2035, and the EV deduction is scheduled to end after 2025. Always consult the Motorstyrelsen registration tax rates page for the latest brackets and deductions before importing.
International shipping costs encompass freight charges, insurance, port handling, transport to the final destination, storage where applicable, and cleaning of the undercarriage to remove foreign soil. What makes Denmark particularly noteworthy compared with many other destinations is that the registration tax is applied on top of all other costs and is calculated using the Danish market value of the vehicle rather than what you actually paid for it overseas.
For queries about customs duties and VAT, reach out to the Danish Customs Agency (Toldstyrelsen). Registration tax questions should be directed to the Danish Motor Vehicle Agency (Motorstyrelsen). Always verify current rates with these official bodies before making any financial commitment.
How do I register a vehicle in Denmark?
Registering a vehicle in Denmark is only possible if the vehicle’s primary owner or user holds a Danish address. Registration is administered by the Danish Motor Vehicle Agency (Motorstyrelsen), which also maintains the central Register of Motor Vehicles. The process is fundamentally the same whether the vehicle was purchased locally or brought in from abroad, although imported vehicles are subject to an additional customs inspection.
For registration purposes, you are treated as a Danish resident if you spend more than 185 days in Denmark within any 12-month period or if you have been issued a CPR number. If you have recently relocated, you have just 30 days to register any vehicle you brought with foreign plates. Failing to meet this deadline can attract financial penalties and render the vehicle unusable on public roads.
The registration process follows these steps:
- Notify Motorstyrelsen online before or immediately upon entering Denmark with a foreign-plated vehicle. The receipt generated by this notification must be kept in the vehicle at all times.
- Take the vehicle for inspection. The vehicle must be assessed against Danish safety and environmental standards through two main checks: a standard technical inspection and a customs identity inspection. Attend an approved inspection centre (synshal) with your foreign registration certificate, service manual, and proof of ownership.
- Arrange a vehicle valuation for tax purposes. Every imported vehicle requires a valuation, obtainable from Motorstyrelsen or an approved independent provider. Fees are DKK 299 for electric vehicles and DKK 399 for all others, and the valuation is binding for 30 days.
- Pay the registration tax. This can be done through the online E-tax system (TastSelv). If you do not yet have a Danish CPR number and MitID, contact Motorstyrelsen directly for assistance.
- Register the vehicle and purchase number plates from a licensed number plate provider to finalise the process.
If you want added certainty about your registration tax liability, you can request a binding ruling from SKAT, though this can take up to seven weeks. For vehicles already registered in Denmark that have simply changed hands, you need only complete the ownership transfer through the Register of Motor Vehicles — no new registration tax is triggered. The Motorstyrelsen website offers comprehensive guidance in English.
What insurance do I need to drive legally in Denmark?
Anyone living in Denmark and owning a Danish-registered car is legally obliged to hold the mandatory statutory vehicle insurance. The compulsory minimum is third-party liability insurance (ansvarsforsikring), which provides cover for injury or damage inflicted on third parties and their property. While the principle is similar to compulsory third-party schemes in most other European nations, the specific coverage requirements are defined by Danish legislation.
Denmark’s insurance sector is entirely private, with a broad range of domestic and international insurers offering motor policies. There is no state-run vehicle insurance scheme; policies are sourced purely from the private market. Premiums depend on factors such as the type of vehicle, the driver’s age, the postcode of the registered address, and prior claims history. Using Danish comparison websites to shop around is sensible, as pricing can vary markedly between providers.
Foreign nationals must be able to show proof of insurance when registering a vehicle, and obtaining a quote before you arrive in the country helps to avoid any last-minute complications. Most major Danish insurers will take into account a no-claims history built up with a previous insurer overseas, although the documentation they require differs. You will usually need to produce a formal no-claims certificate or a letter from your former insurer. Check exactly what evidence your chosen Danish insurer needs before switching over.
Beyond the mandatory liability cover, both comprehensive (kaskoforsikring) and partial comprehensive (delkaskoforsikring) policies are on offer and are worth considering, particularly for newer or more valuable vehicles. The Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet) regulates the insurance industry in Denmark and can provide information on insurer licensing and consumer rights.
What driving licence do I need in Denmark as an expat?
Which driving licence rules apply to you depends on the country that issued your licence. A valid driving licence is required to operate any car, lorry, bus, moped, or motorcycle in Denmark, and the key dividing line is between licences from EU/EEA countries and those from elsewhere.
If your licence was issued by an EU or EEA member state — including Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein — it continues to be recognised in Denmark for as long as it remains valid in the country that issued it. There is no requirement to swap it for a Danish licence unless you personally choose to. This is a meaningful benefit for those arriving from elsewhere in Europe, as there is no fixed deadline by which you must exchange it.
Stricter rules apply to licences from outside the EU/EEA. People who have been granted permanent residence in Denmark may use their foreign national licence for no more than 14 days. After that initial window, a Danish licence must be obtained. Depending on the country that issued your original licence, a direct exchange without any retesting may be possible — Denmark has bilateral recognition arrangements with a number of non-EU countries. Check the current list with the Danish Police (Rigspolitiet), which is responsible for driving licence matters.
Where a direct exchange is not an option, you will generally need to pass both a Danish theory examination and a practical driving test. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may temporarily supplement your national licence when visiting Denmark, but it does not substitute for a Danish licence once you become a resident. Always verify the current exchange rules with the Danish Police before your move, as bilateral agreements are subject to change.
How do I sell a car in Denmark?
Selling a vehicle in Denmark involves a defined set of documents and formal steps. Before listing the car, gather everything you will need: the vehicle registration certificate, evidence of ownership, and any records of servicing or repairs. A well-documented maintenance history both strengthens your asking price and gives prospective buyers greater confidence.
You can reach potential buyers through online car marketplaces, classified listing sites, or social media channels, providing all the relevant details about the vehicle — make, model, year of manufacture, mileage, and overall condition. Popular platforms for private car sales in Denmark include Bilbasen and Biltorvet.
Once a buyer has been agreed upon, the change of ownership must be formally recorded in the Register of Motor Vehicles. Seller and buyer each log in using MitID or equivalent credentials to complete the transfer digitally. The registration certificate is central to this process — without it, no change of owner can be processed. Until the transfer is confirmed in the register, the seller may remain legally responsible for the vehicle, including any penalties incurred after the sale, so it is important to complete the digital transfer at the moment of handover rather than leaving it until later.
Any outstanding road tax, periodic ownership charges, or fines linked to the vehicle should be cleared before the sale takes place, or explicitly disclosed to the buyer and addressed within the terms of the sale agreement. If the vehicle is being exported or scrapped rather than sold to another Danish owner, you can deregister it by surrendering the number plates to a number plate provider.
As for tax implications: private individuals in Denmark are not generally subject to capital gains tax when selling a personal vehicle. If, however, you are selling vehicles regularly or as part of a commercial enterprise, VAT and income tax obligations may come into play. Contact SKAT (the Danish Tax Authority) if you have any uncertainty about where your obligations lie.
Are there any ongoing costs or obligations for vehicle ownership in Denmark?
Once a vehicle is registered in Denmark, a variety of recurring costs and obligations come into effect beyond the initial purchase price and registration tax. These fall broadly into three groups: periodic taxes, mandatory roadworthiness inspections, and insurance.
Periodic taxes: A green vehicle tax applies to private cars first registered in Denmark between 1 July 1997 and 30 June 2021, calculated according to fuel economy — the more economical the vehicle, the lower the tax. A COâ‚‚ vehicle tax applies to private cars and vans first registered on or after 1 July 2021, linking the rate directly to each vehicle’s specific emissions rating. Owners of diesel or gas-powered vehicles are also liable for a compensation tax, which corrects the duty differential between petrol and diesel. These taxes are paid up to four times a year to the Central Motor Vehicle Registry.
Electric vehicles and most plug-in hybrids qualify for the lowest rate, amounting to a half-yearly charge of DKK 390 in 2024 and DKK 420 in 2025.
Periodic roadworthiness inspections (Syn): All registered vehicles must undergo mandatory periodic technical inspections at approved inspection centres (synshal). When a summons for inspection is received, the owner must contact an approved inspection company to schedule the appointment. The standard cycle for ordinary passenger cars is typically every two years from around the fourth year of registration, though the schedule varies by vehicle age and category. Vintage vehicles are called in for inspection only every eight years but are restricted to occasional use only. For exact inspection intervals relating to your vehicle, contact the Danish Road Traffic Authority (Færdselsstyrelsen).
Drivers crossing the Great Belt Bridge or the Øresund Bridge will also encounter toll charges. These are not recurring annual costs, but they are worth factoring in if your regular journeys include either of these crossings. There are no annual road fund licence discs or windscreen stickers required in addition to the periodic taxes described above.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a CPR number to buy a car in Denmark?
Yes, if you are resident in Denmark. Foreign nationals living in Denmark must first register with the National Register and obtain a CPR number before purchasing a vehicle. Non-residents who wish to buy an unregistered vehicle for export may have different options available, but you should confirm the current requirements directly with the dealership and the Danish Motor Vehicle Agency before proceeding.
How much is the registration tax on a car in Denmark?
Denmark’s registration tax (registreringsafgift) is determined by the vehicle’s value, type, and emissions. For passenger cars in 2025, the tiered brackets are 25%, 85%, and 150% of the vehicle’s value. The tax is calculated against the Danish market value of the car, not the price paid for it overseas. The official calculator on the Motorstyrelsen website (available in Danish) can help you estimate your liability. Rates and deductions are subject to change, so always consult the latest figures before committing.
Can I drive my foreign-plated car in Denmark after I move there?
Once you are entered in the CPR register as a Danish resident, you are not, as a general rule, permitted to drive a foreign-registered vehicle in Denmark. You must register the car with the Danish authorities no later than 30 days after your move. Exceptions cover certain temporary stays and specific cross-border employment situations; contact Motorstyrelsen for advice on your individual circumstances.
Is there an exemption from import duty if I am moving to Denmark?
In certain situations, where a vehicle is classified as part of household effects, it may be imported free of duty and VAT, or at a reduced rate below 10%. To qualify for full duty-free importation, the owner must have been living outside the EU for at least 12 months. It is important to note that registration tax (registreringsafgift) remains payable regardless of any customs exemption. Verify your eligibility with the Danish Customs Agency (Toldstyrelsen) before importing.
Do I need to pay VAT when importing a used car from another EU country?
Importing a used vehicle from within the EU generally does not attract VAT. The 25% VAT charge only applies if the vehicle is classified as new — that is, if it is less than six months old or has fewer than 6,000 km on the odometer. Registration tax remains due regardless of where the vehicle originates. Confirm the applicable VAT rules with SKAT before completing the import.
Can I exchange my foreign driving licence for a Danish one without retaking a test?
This depends on the country that originally issued your licence. Licences from EU/EEA member states remain valid in Denmark indefinitely and do not need to be exchanged. Licences from certain non-EU countries may be swapped directly under bilateral recognition agreements, avoiding the need for retesting. In all other cases, passing a Danish theory examination and a practical driving test will be required. Check the current list of recognised countries with the Danish Police (Rigspolitiet), as bilateral agreements can be updated over time.
Can I get a refund of the registration tax if I leave Denmark with my car?
In many cases, yes. If you take your vehicle out of Denmark permanently and deregister it from the Register of Motor Vehicles, you may be entitled to a refund of the registration tax. The amount refunded cannot exceed the registration tax originally paid on the vehicle. You can initiate a refund claim by registering the vehicle for export. Contact Motorstyrelsen for details of the current procedure and applicable conditions.
How often does my car need a roadworthiness inspection in Denmark?
All registered vehicles are subject to mandatory periodic technical inspections (Syn) carried out at approved inspection centres (synshal). The standard schedule for passenger cars is typically every two years from approximately the fourth year of registration, though this varies depending on vehicle age and category. Vintage vehicles are only called in for inspection every eight years and may only be driven on an occasional basis. For the precise timetable applicable to your vehicle, contact the Danish Road Traffic Authority (Færdselsstyrelsen).