Sweden – Buying or Importing a Car

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

Buying a brand-new car from a Swedish dealership is available to foreign nationals, and the general experience is comparable to purchasing through regulated dealer networks in other countries. That said, your residency status will have a meaningful bearing on both the paperwork required and your ability to arrange financing. Those who are already registered residents in Sweden will find the process fairly uncomplicated, while those who have not yet established residency may encounter additional complications.

When purchasing a new car, you will generally be asked to provide a valid passport or national identity document, evidence of your Swedish address, and your Swedish personal identity number (personnummer). If you have not yet been registered with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), a coordination number (samordningsnummer) can serve as a substitute. Dealerships use this number to record the transaction and to register the vehicle in your name through the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen).

Securing car finance as a recent arrival tends to be more challenging. Swedish banks and dealer finance providers assess creditworthiness on the basis of your Swedish credit history — something newcomers will not yet have accumulated. To obtain a loan, you will need to approach a Swedish bank and establish whether your overall financial situation qualifies you. For many newly arrived expats, paying by cash transfer from an established account is the more practical route in the early months. It is also worth exploring whether your employer offers any company car scheme.

It should be noted that Sweden discontinued its electric vehicle subsidies in 2022, so there are no longer state incentives offsetting the purchase price of EVs as there once were. For the latest information on available financing options or any current incentives, speak directly with dealerships or consult the Swedish Tax Agency at skatteverket.se.

How do I buy a used car in Sweden?

Sweden has a well-developed second-hand car market, with vehicles available through both private sellers and licensed dealers. The largest platform for private listings is Blocket (blocket.se), which serves as Sweden’s primary classifieds website. Purchasing through a registered dealer offers greater consumer protections, whereas buying privately means the sale is essentially as-is — making careful research before any commitment essential.

Before agreeing to purchase any used vehicle, you should investigate its history using the vehicle’s registration number through Transportstyrelsen’s vehicle register. This enables you to confirm the ownership history, any unpaid vehicle tax, whether the car has been flagged as stolen, and the status of its mandatory roadworthiness inspection (besiktning). It is equally important to check whether any outstanding finance is secured against the vehicle, as a car with existing finance arrangements could be repossessed from you even after the sale has completed.

Sweden’s used car market has demonstrated notable resilience in recent years. While second-hand car prices fell across much of Europe, Swedish prices held firm or even climbed. Sustained buyer interest in petrol and diesel models supported their residual values, and constrained supply has kept prices elevated. Factor this reality into your budget when shopping for a used car.

At the point of sale, both the buyer and seller are obliged to notify Transportstyrelsen of the change of ownership. If the transaction takes place through a dealership, the dealer may handle this notification on your behalf. Alternatively, you can report the change online, via Transportstyrelsen’s Mina fordon app, or by having the original registration certificate signed by both parties and mailing it to Transportstyrelsen within ten days of the sale.

The new owner must also arrange traffic insurance (third-party insurance). If the vehicle is already registered for road use, insurance must be in place immediately — before driving it away. You cannot lawfully take a newly purchased car onto public roads without valid insurance already arranged.

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

There is no unified EU regulation governing vehicle registration across member states, but the fundamental principle is that a car must be registered in the owner’s country of residence. Once you are living in Sweden, your vehicle must be registered there — regardless of whether it comes from another EU country or from further afield. The procedure you will follow depends significantly on where the vehicle was registered before arrival.

If you are relocating permanently and bringing a car for private use, you are permitted to drive it for a maximum of seven days from the date it entered Sweden, provided it has valid registration and road traffic insurance from its country of origin. You must carry the foreign registration certificate with you at all times while driving. Within that week, you must also have obtained valid Swedish road traffic insurance.

Importing a vehicle from another EU member state — such as Denmark or Finland — does not attract customs duty. However, you should contact the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) for advice on tax and VAT implications. For cars originating within the EU or EEA, customs duty does not apply, but you will be liable for 25% VAT on vehicles that qualify as “new” — meaning those less than six months old or with fewer than 6,000 km on the odometer.

Vehicles brought in from countries outside the EU or outside the EU’s fiscal territory are always subject to both customs duty and VAT. Upon crossing the border, you must declare the vehicle to Swedish Customs at the nearest customs clearance office. The authority responsible for customs on non-EU imports is Tullverket (Swedish Customs).

A potential exemption exists for certain relocating individuals. If you are bringing a vehicle from Iceland or Norway when you move to Sweden, you may apply for an exemption from customs duty. Whether this exemption is granted depends on several factors, including whether you are making a permanent move to Sweden and how long you have owned the vehicle. An analogous exemption under the concept of “removal goods” or personal effects may apply to vehicles from other non-EU countries — contact Tullverket directly to establish your eligibility and the conditions currently in force, as these provisions are subject to change.

Because Sweden drives on the right, right-hand-drive vehicles are uncommon, though they are not outright prohibited. A right-hand-drive car will need to comply with Swedish technical standards, and modifications to lighting and other equipment are typically required. Every vehicle must pass a registration inspection regardless of its origin.

The step-by-step import process is as follows:

1. Gather documents before the vehicle arrives. Assemble the necessary paperwork before your car reaches Sweden. This includes the purchase agreement or invoice, the original registration certificate from the country of origin, any inspection history or service records, and proof of identity. If your vehicle does not have a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), obtain one from the manufacturer to demonstrate compliance with EU standards.
2. Clear customs (for non-EU imports). When bringing a vehicle in from outside the EU, declare it to Swedish Customs (Tullverket) and settle any customs duties and VAT owed. Keep all customs clearance documents and payment receipts, as you will need them at later stages.
3. Apply for origin verification with Transportstyrelsen. The first step in the Swedish registration process is to apply for verification of the vehicle’s origin. This requirement applies to all vehicles being registered in Sweden, with limited exceptions for new vehicles imported by registered importers or manufactured in Sweden by professional manufacturers. Applications can be submitted via the Transportstyrelsen website.
4. Pay the origin verification fee. As of 2025, the application fee stands at 1,240 SEK, which must be paid in advance to Transportstyrelsen’s designated account.
5. Book a registration inspection. Once the Swedish Transport Agency has approved your origin verification application, you will receive a decision by post. You may then book a registration inspection or an individual approval test with an accredited vehicle inspection company. Quote your origin verification case number when making the appointment. Inspection companies include Bilprovningen and Dekra.
6. Obtain Swedish traffic insurance. Valid Swedish trafikförsäkring (third-party traffic insurance) must be in place before the vehicle can be registered or driven on Swedish roads.
7. Complete registration with Transportstyrelsen. Notify the Swedish Transport Agency by submitting all required documentation — including your customs clearance certificate and proof of VAT payment — through the “Import of vehicles” service on the Transportstyrelsen website.
8. Receive Swedish licence plates. Once registration is finalised and all applicable taxes have been paid, Swedish licence plates will be dispatched to the registered owner by post.

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

The total outlay for importing a vehicle into Sweden can be considerable, particularly for cars arriving from outside the EU. The table below sets out the typical costs you should anticipate. All figures should be confirmed with the relevant authority before finalising your budget, as rates and fees are subject to change.

Within the EU, no customs duty is levied, but if the car is considered new — less than six months old or with fewer than 6,000 kilometres on the clock — 25% VAT becomes payable. For vehicles arriving from outside the EU, customs duty is calculated at 10% of the vehicle’s value plus shipping costs, with 25% VAT then applied to the combined total. This stacking effect means the effective additional cost on a non-EU vehicle can be very significant — for instance, a car valued at 200,000 SEK imported from outside the EU would incur 20,000 SEK in duty, followed by 25% VAT on the combined sum.

You should also account for any expenses involved in bringing the car into compliance with Swedish regulations — such as headlight realignment, insurance, and administrative charges. Right-hand-drive vehicles in particular are likely to require headlight beam deflectors or full light unit replacements to satisfy Swedish road standards. Depending on the make and model, these modifications can add several thousand SEK to your total costs.

One noteworthy exception applies to collectors: if a vehicle meets the criteria to be classified as a collectable car, customs duty is waived and only 12% VAT applies. Consult Tullverket’s website for the precise qualifying criteria for collector’s item status.

Always confirm current fee schedules directly with Tullverket for customs and duty questions, and with Transportstyrelsen for registration and inspection costs.

How do I register a vehicle in Sweden?

Transportstyrelsen (the Swedish Transport Agency) issues a registration certificate for every vehicle registered in the country. The certificate consists of two parts — one blue and one yellow — and contains key information about the vehicle’s dimensions, weight, engine type, permitted tyre types, and other technical details. It serves a function broadly equivalent to a logbook or title document in other countries.

For a new vehicle purchased from a Swedish dealership, the dealer typically manages the initial registration formalities on the buyer’s behalf, linking the car to your personnummer in Transportstyrelsen’s vehicle register. For a privately purchased second-hand vehicle, both buyer and seller must notify Transportstyrelsen of the ownership transfer — this can be accomplished online, through the Mina fordon app, or by post within ten days of the sale.

Registering an imported vehicle involves additional steps. The origin of every car or vehicle brought into Sweden for use there must be verified before registration can proceed. You submit an application to Transportstyrelsen for this verification, and only once it is approved can you move on to the registration inspection stage.

When a motor vehicle arrives in Sweden, it must undergo a registration inspection and a technical identity check carried out by an accredited Swedish vehicle inspection company. During this inspection, the vehicle is assessed to confirm that it meets environmental and road safety standards. This is broadly comparable to pre-registration compliance checks in other markets, but in Sweden it is a mandatory, accredited procedure — not simply a pre-delivery check by the selling dealer.

If a vehicle does not hold EC whole-vehicle type approval but was previously registered in another EU country and this can be demonstrated by the registration certificate, it is treated as satisfying the technical requirements for Swedish registration, on the condition that it represents a standard production model for its series. Vehicles from outside the EU may face more detailed technical scrutiny. It is advisable to contact an accredited inspection company such as Bilprovningen or Dekra at an early stage to clarify exactly what will be required for your particular vehicle.

Comprehensive details on the registration process are available from the Swedish Transport Agency’s vehicle import page.

What insurance do I need to drive legally in Sweden?

In Sweden, vehicle insurance is not optional — it is a legal requirement for every vehicle owner, including foreign nationals. You must have at least minimum coverage in place before taking a car onto public roads. The Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) enforces this requirement rigorously, and driving uninsured can result in substantial fines, having your vehicle impounded, or losing your driving licence.

The statutory minimum is trafikförsäkring — compulsory third-party traffic insurance. Swedish car insurance is primarily designed to protect other road users from injury or damage that you might cause. This third-party liability forms the foundation of the system, preventing accidents from causing financial devastation to uninvolved parties. The concept is similar to compulsory third-party insurance frameworks in other countries, but in Sweden the obligation applies even to vehicles that are registered but parked and not in active use.

If your car is registered, insurance is required even when it is not being driven. Should you wish to suspend the insurance requirement temporarily — for example, if you are storing the car off public roads — you can file an avställning (off-road notification) with Transportstyrelsen, which also suspends the associated vehicle tax during that period.

Beyond the mandatory minimum, there are three main levels of cover: trafikförsäkring (third-party only), halvförsäkring (partial comprehensive, typically covering fire, theft, and glass damage), and helförsäkring (full comprehensive). Insurance is provided through a competitive private market — there is no state insurer — and policies can be compared through price comparison tools or directly with providers such as Länsförsäkringar, Folksam, and If.

Many Swedish insurers are prepared to take prior no-claims history earned abroad into account, though the approach varies between companies. You will generally need a letter from your former insurer confirming the number of claim-free years, and some insurers may ask for a Swedish translation. Speak to prospective insurers directly before taking out a policy, and compare several providers, as both premiums and acceptance criteria differ. The Swedish financial supervisory authority, Finansinspektionen, oversees insurance regulation in Sweden and is the appropriate body to contact if you have concerns about insurer conduct.

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

The validity of a foreign driving licence in Sweden — and how long it remains valid — depends heavily on the country in which it was issued. The rules diverge considerably between licences issued within the EEA and those from other parts of the world.

A driving licence issued by a country within the EEA remains valid in Sweden for as long as it is valid in the issuing country, provided it has not been exchanged for a Swedish licence. The licence retains its validity even once you are registered as a resident in Sweden. EEA licence holders may exchange their licence for a Swedish one whenever they choose, but there is no obligation to do so.

If your driving licence was issued by a country outside the EEA, it will cease to be valid in Sweden once you have been a registered resident for more than one year. After that point, you must hold either a Swedish licence or a valid EEA licence. Licences issued in the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands, Switzerland, or Japan are eligible for direct exchange for a Swedish licence. To exchange your licence, you must fulfil the personal and medical requirements for a Swedish driving licence and hold permanent residency in Sweden.

Licence holders from countries not included on the exchange list who have resided in Sweden for more than a year will generally need to obtain a Swedish licence by sitting both the theory and practical tests — essentially starting the process from the beginning. An exemption application process exists for certain professional circumstances; consult the Transportstyrelsen driving licence page for the current list of eligible countries and exchange procedures.

Some licences from certain countries are not formatted in accordance with international road traffic conventions. If your licence is not aligned with either of these conventions and is not written in English, German, or French, it will only be valid in Sweden when accompanied by a certified translation. An International Driving Permit (IDP) can fulfil this role during your first year of residency.

Processing an exchange application takes 10–15 working days. Since you are submitting an identity document, always use registered post when sending original papers. For the most up-to-date guidance, contact Transportstyrelsen at transportstyrelsen.se or by telephone on 0771-81 81 81.

How do I sell a car in Sweden?

Selling a vehicle in Sweden follows a fairly straightforward procedure, but it is important to observe the correct steps to ensure that responsibility for the car passes cleanly to the new owner. Until the change of ownership is formally recorded with Transportstyrelsen, the seller may remain accountable for vehicle tax, traffic fines, and other obligations attached to that vehicle.

The notification of change of ownership must reach the Swedish Transport Agency within 10 days of the transfer taking place. If the notification arrives late, the date it is received — rather than the stated transfer date — will be recorded as the official date of the ownership change. Both parties should keep a signed copy of the notification as evidence of the agreed sale date.

The change of ownership notification should be accompanied by a clear copy of all pages of a valid passport or national identity card. National identity cards are issued only by certain EU/EEA countries and by Switzerland. You should also include your current Swedish address details.

Once a vehicle is deregistered, the former owner is no longer liable for vehicle tax and no longer needs to maintain traffic insurance. Transportstyrelsen notifies the insurer directly when a vehicle is deregistered. Any vehicle tax paid in advance beyond the deregistration date will be refunded.

From a tax perspective, selling a private vehicle in Sweden can theoretically give rise to a capital gain if the sale price exceeds what was originally paid. In practice, most private car sales generate a loss and no tax is owed. However, if you do sell at a profit, you should declare this to the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) and verify whether any tax liability arises. Check skatteverket.se for the current rules governing the taxation of private asset disposals.

If you are exporting a vehicle to another country as part of the sale, you should contact the Swedish Transport Agency, which handles enquiries relating to registration, vehicle tax, licence plates, vehicles as removal goods, and vehicle origin verification.

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

Keeping a car in Sweden involves a range of recurring financial and administrative responsibilities. Being aware of these from the outset will help you budget accurately and prevent unexpected fines or compliance failures.

Vehicle tax (fordonsskatt): For the great majority of motor vehicles, vehicle tax must be paid to Transportstyrelsen in order for the vehicle to be used on public roads. The applicable rate is determined by the vehicle’s emissions output, fuel type, and weight. Petrol, diesel, and alternative-fuel vehicles are each taxed under different rate structures, and more recent emission-based formulas apply to vehicles first registered after certain cut-off dates. Current rates can be found on Transportstyrelsen’s taxes and fees page.

Mandatory periodic inspections (besiktning): All registered vehicles in Sweden must undergo regular roadworthiness inspections — broadly similar in purpose to the annual MOT in the UK or the TÜV in Germany, though the frequency in Sweden varies with vehicle age. Newly registered vehicles are typically exempt for an initial period before moving onto a regular inspection cycle. Inspections are performed by accredited organisations such as Bilprovningen and Dekra. Operating a vehicle without a current inspection record can result in fines and may also invalidate your insurance cover.

Congestion charges: Stockholm and Gothenburg each operate congestion tax schemes on weekdays. If you drive into or through designated zones in these cities during peak hours, charges are automatically recorded by roadside cameras and invoiced to the registered owner. These charges are administered by Transportstyrelsen on behalf of the respective municipalities.

Low-emission zones: A number of city centres have introduced low-emission zones that restrict access for older diesel vehicles. The requirements vary by municipality and are being progressively extended. If you own an older diesel car, it is worth checking with your local authority whether any restrictions apply to your area.

Trafikförsäkring (traffic insurance): Valid traffic insurance must be maintained continuously for any registered vehicle. All cars and other vehicles in Sweden must be insured. The Swedish Transport Agency’s website provides information on road traffic (third-party) insurance, the circumstances in which it is required, and the consequences of driving an uninsured vehicle.

Winter tyre requirements: Winter or studded tyres are compulsory from 1 December to 31 March when road conditions are wintry. Studded tyres are permitted from 1 October to 15 April and are prohibited from 16 April to 30 September unless wintry conditions persist. You should budget for purchasing and storing a dedicated set of winter tyres — this is a genuine recurring expense that many expats arriving in Sweden initially underestimate.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive my foreign-registered car in Sweden after moving there?

If you are in Sweden on a temporary basis — for example, working for a limited period — you may drive a foreign-registered car for up to one year. If you are relocating temporarily without registering as a Swedish resident, your car does not need to be registered in Sweden and can remain registered in your home country. If you are establishing permanent residency, however, the vehicle must be registered in Sweden and must comply with all applicable local requirements. You should always carry your foreign registration certificate whenever you are driving.

Do I need a personnummer to buy or register a car in Sweden?

A personnummer (Swedish personal identity number) significantly simplifies the process and is usually required by dealerships as well as for online registration services. If you have not yet been registered with Skatteverket, it may be possible to use a coordination number (samordningsnummer) as an alternative. Contact the Swedish Tax Agency at skatteverket.se for information on how to obtain one.

Is there a “removal goods” exemption that lets me import my car duty-free when relocating to Sweden?

If you are bringing a vehicle from Iceland or Norway when moving to Sweden, you may apply for an exemption from customs duty. Eligibility depends on a range of factors, including whether you are making a permanent move and how long you have owned the vehicle. A comparable exemption concept may extend to vehicles from other non-EU countries depending on their origin and your period of ownership. Contact Tullverket directly to confirm whether you qualify and to understand the conditions currently in place before arranging shipment.

Are right-hand-drive cars allowed in Sweden?

Sweden is a right-hand traffic country and all vehicles sold through the standard Swedish market are left-hand drive. Right-hand-drive vehicles are not outright prohibited, but they must clear the registration inspection and meet all Swedish technical standards. In practice, modifications to headlights and potentially other equipment are likely to be necessary. Speak with an accredited inspection company such as Bilprovningen before committing to importing a right-hand-drive vehicle.

How long does the vehicle registration process take for an imported car?

The timeframe depends on how promptly each stage is completed. Origin verification with Transportstyrelsen is the initial hurdle, and processing can extend over several weeks during busy periods. The lead time for booking a registration inspection depends on availability at the inspection station. As a general guide, allow between four and eight weeks from the vehicle’s arrival to having a fully registered, road-legal car in Sweden, and make arrangements for alternative transport in the meantime. Check current processing times at transportstyrelsen.se.

Will my foreign no-claims discount be recognised by Swedish insurers?

Many Swedish insurers are open to considering a no-claims record built up abroad, though policies differ between providers. You will usually need a letter from your previous insurer setting out the number of claim-free years, and some companies may require this to be translated into Swedish. Contact prospective insurers before committing to any policy and compare several providers, as both premiums and eligibility criteria can vary considerably. The financial regulatory authority, Finansinspektionen, can advise on consumer rights in the insurance sector.

What happens if I sell a car in Sweden but the new owner does not register the transfer?

The change of ownership notification must be received by the Swedish Transport Agency within 10 days of the transfer. If the notification arrives after this deadline, the date it is received — not the date written on the form — will be recorded as the official transfer date. Until the transfer is formally logged, the previous registered owner may remain liable for vehicle tax and any fines or charges that arise. Always submit the notification without delay and keep a copy of the signed sale agreement documenting the agreed transfer date.

What is the besiktning and how often does it need to be done?

Besiktning is Sweden’s mandatory periodic roadworthiness inspection for registered vehicles, conducted by accredited companies such as Bilprovningen and Dekra. How frequently your vehicle must be inspected depends on its age — newly registered cars are generally exempt for an initial period before entering a regular inspection cycle. The inspection evaluates safety, emissions compliance, and overall technical condition. Failing to maintain a valid besiktning can result in fines and may compromise your insurance cover. Consult Transportstyrelsen’s website for the inspection schedule applicable to your vehicle based on its age and type.