Austria – Buying or Importing a Car

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

Foreign nationals wishing to purchase a car in Austria must hold a valid driving licence and passport. Those already living in Austria will also need a Meldezettel — documentation confirming their registered address — and most dealerships will request evidence of residency before completing any transaction. Buyers who are not resident in Austria and intend to export the vehicle may encounter additional documentation requirements.

The procedure for buying a brand-new car in Austria is relatively uncomplicated. You visit a dealership, select the vehicle you want, and the dealer draws up a sales contract. A deposit — typically around 10% of the purchase price — is required to place the order with the manufacturer. Lead times vary according to the model chosen and current availability. Once the vehicle is ready, you settle the outstanding balance, finalise the paperwork, and the dealership registers the car in your name and provides all relevant documentation.

Finance arrangements in Austria are offered both through dealership-linked finance divisions and through conventional banks. Lenders generally require proof of Austrian residency, a regular income, and often a locally held bank account. Expats who have only recently arrived may find it more practical to purchase outright or to arrange an international transfer via a bank in their home country. Always confirm current eligibility criteria directly with the lender or dealership concerned.

When acquiring a new vehicle within the EU, VAT is not charged by the selling dealer; instead, it becomes payable upon importation — that is, at the point of registering the vehicle in Austria at the standard rate of 20%. The NoVA, Austria’s one-off standard consumption tax, must also be settled before the vehicle can be registered. Always check the latest tax requirements with the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF).

How do I buy a used car in Austria?

Purchasing a second-hand car in Austria demands more groundwork than buying new. Whether you are dealing with a private seller or a used-car trader, thorough checks beforehand are essential. Austria does not operate a single centralised online title-verification service comparable to those found in some other countries, which means due diligence requires several separate steps.

Before agreeing to any purchase, request the full vehicle registration documents (Zulassungsschein), the vehicle’s service history, and any existing §57a roadworthiness certificates. Physically compare the vehicle identification number (VIN) stamped on the car against the VIN shown in the documentation. Both the ÖAMTC (Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Touring Club) and ARBÖ offer independent technical assessments and vehicle history checks for a fee, which can uncover past accident damage, outstanding manufacturer recalls, and maintenance shortfalls. You should also ask the seller to confirm that no unpaid fines (Strafzettel) or outstanding Motorsteuer (motor vehicle tax) liabilities are attached to the vehicle.

A valid §57a roadworthiness certificate (Pickerl inspection report) should accompany the sale, together with a signed contract or invoice that clearly identifies the buyer — or alternatively, a personal declaration by the previous owner submitted at the registration office.

When the sale is finalised, the seller must hand over both parts of the Zulassungsschein (the vehicle registration certificate), the COC document (Certificate of Conformity, where applicable), the keys, and any available service records. The new owner must then transfer the vehicle into their name at a registration office. If your primary place of residence is in Austria, you are generally required to register the car within one month of establishing residency or importing it. The seller retains legal responsibility for the vehicle until the ownership transfer has been formally entered on the register.

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

Austria permits both left-hand and right-hand drive vehicles, but every vehicle must satisfy EU technical requirements — including EU emissions standards — before it can be registered. Austrian specifications encompass emissions output, noise levels, and lighting. Vehicles originating from countries outside the EU may need modifications to headlights, speedometers (which must show metric values), and other components before they can receive approval.

The import procedure differs considerably depending on whether the vehicle is coming from within the EU or from a third country.

Importing from within the EU: Vehicles brought in from other EU member states are not subject to any customs formalities and attract no customs duties. However, NoVA and, for new vehicles, Austrian acquisition tax (the VAT equivalent) must still be paid prior to registration.

Importing from a non-EU third country: Customs duty applies at the EU’s external border when a vehicle is imported from a third country. The applicable customs duty rate for passenger cars stands at 10%. An import turnover tax of 20% is also payable on imports from third countries, regardless of customs duty. Some nations have preferential trade arrangements with the EU that may reduce or eliminate customs duty — vehicles imported from countries such as Switzerland and Norway may, for example, be exempt from customs duty provided you can demonstrate preferential origin. Always verify current preferential arrangements with the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF).

If you are importing a car from outside the EU, it is advisable to contact the Landesprüfstelle (provincial testing authority) in your federal state in advance to confirm that the vehicle satisfies all relevant EU criteria, since you may need a special permit or be required to adapt certain features.

Relocation goods exemption (Übersiedlungsgut): If a vehicle already belongs to you and is being brought into Austria as a relocation item (Übersiedlungsgut), you are exempt from paying VAT and import tax — only NoVA is due. To qualify, your most recent place of permanent residence must have been outside the EU customs territory for at least 12 months, the vehicle must have been in your personal use for at least 6 months in that third country, and the vehicle must not be lent, hired, sold, or transferred to anyone else within one year of the exemption being granted.

Where a motor vehicle forms part of your relocation goods and you either already held a place of residence within the EU before the move, or you are retaining a place of residence outside the EU after relocating, you must apply to your customs office for duty exemption using form ZBefr 2a before the planned date of import.

The step-by-step import procedure is set out below. For official guidance, refer to the BMF’s vehicle import page and the oesterreich.gv.at transport portal.

1. Assemble the vehicle documents: Obtain from the seller a purchase contract or invoice (inclusive of VAT), the EEC Certificate of Conformity (COC document), and the foreign type certificate or registration certificate.
2. Complete customs clearance (third-country imports): Present the vehicle and all paperwork at the EU border point of entry. Ensure the export declaration is confirmed at the border so that any VAT paid in the country of origin can be reclaimed from the trader.
3. Enter the vehicle in the approval database: The vehicle’s data must be recorded in the European approval database (Genehmigungsdatenbank); the general importer or authorised dealer for your car’s brand in Austria will manage this step. Database entry costs a maximum of €180 (as of the date of publication — verify the current fee with the relevant authority).
4. Obtain individual approval where required: If the vehicle does not hold EU type approval, individual approval must be sought from the provincial inspection authority.
5. Obtain a §57a roadworthiness certificate (Pickerl): Where a §57a Pickerl inspection would have fallen due for the vehicle under Austrian rules, a satisfactory inspection report is required before the vehicle can be entered into the registration database.
6. Pay NoVA and VAT at the tax office: Entry of the vehicle into the approval database triggers a temporary ban on registration. Once NoVA and, where applicable, acquisition tax are settled at the local tax office, this restriction is lifted and registration can proceed.
7. Register the vehicle: Bring all completed documentation to a registration office (Zulassungsstelle) to receive your Austrian number plates and Pickerl sticker.

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

Bringing a vehicle into Austria involves multiple layers of expenditure beyond the price of the car itself. Planning your budget carefully in advance is particularly important for vehicles arriving from outside the EU. All figures below reflect the position as of 2025 — always confirm current rates with the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance and the relevant customs authority.

The 20% import turnover tax is calculated on the motor vehicle’s value delivered to destination — meaning the purchase price, plus delivery costs, plus the customs duty amount. Because each element is stacked on top of the last, the combined tax burden for vehicles arriving from outside the EU can escalate rapidly.

NoVA must be paid before the vehicle is permitted to circulate on public roads; the amount due is determined by both the vehicle’s fuel consumption and its overall value. The Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance makes a NoVA calculator available (in German) on its website to help you estimate what you will owe.

Adapting a car to comply with Austrian technical requirements can involve considerable expense, and this should be factored into your overall import budget. Typical modifications required for vehicles built to non-EU specifications include converting headlight beam patterns from left-hand to right-hand dipping, fitting metric speedometers or supplementary metric displays, adjusting rear fog lights, and ensuring the vehicle meets EU emissions norms. There is no outright prohibition on right-hand drive vehicles, but all required changes must be formally certified before registration can take place.

For vehicles sourced within the EU, the financial picture is considerably more straightforward: no customs duty is payable when bringing a car from another EU member state to your place of residence in Austria. NoVA will still apply, and — depending on whether the vehicle qualifies as new — Austrian acquisition tax (VAT) may also be due.

How do I register a vehicle in Austria?

Every vehicle must be officially registered in Austria before it may be driven on public roads. Registration is carried out through a network of Zulassungsstellen (registration offices), which are frequently operated by or in association with insurance companies and motoring organisations such as the ÖAMTC and ARBÖ.

If Austria is your primary country of residence, you are generally required to register your vehicle within one month of taking up residency or importing the car. Failure to meet this deadline can lead to serious consequences, including financial penalties, potentially retrospective tax and duty demands, and complications with insurance cover if the vehicle remains registered in another country.

To register a vehicle in Austria, you will typically need to present:

• Valid photo identification (passport or national identity card)
• Evidence of your main place of residence in Austria, such as a Meldebestätigung (residence registration confirmation)
• Proof of EU type approval (COC document) or a notice of individual approval
• Confirmation of NoVA payment from the local tax office
• A valid, satisfactory §57a inspection report for vehicles subject to periodic inspection, if a regular inspection has already fallen due and the report has not yet been saved in the inspection database
• Proof of third-party liability insurance from an insurer authorised to operate in Austria
• A purchase contract or invoice clearly identifying the buyer, or a personal declaration submitted to the registration office by the previous registered owner

Once the applicable fees have been paid, the applicant receives their number plates and the Pickerl inspection sticker directly from the registration office. For vehicles already registered in another EU member state, both parts of the foreign registration certificate should be produced. Austria’s registration process differs from the arrangements in some other countries where roadworthiness testing and registration are handled as completely separate procedures: in Austria, the two are closely interlinked, and the approval database entry must be finalised before plates can be issued.

For full and up-to-date requirements, consult the official Austrian government portal: oesterreich.gv.at – Vehicle Registration.

What insurance do I need to drive legally in Austria?

Every vehicle owner in Austria is legally required to hold third-party liability insurance. Before a vehicle can be registered at an official registration office, it must be covered by third-party liability insurance (KFZ Haftpflichtversicherung) that is valid in Austria and has been taken out with an insurance company duly licensed to provide such cover in Austria. This differs from arrangements in certain other countries where insurance can be put in place after registration; in Austria, evidence of valid insurance is a precondition for obtaining number plates.

Beyond the compulsory third-party cover, drivers may also take out Teilkasko (partial comprehensive insurance, which typically covers theft, fire, storm damage, and similar risks) and Vollkasko (fully comprehensive insurance, which extends to collision damage as well). Austria operates a competitive private insurance market with a wide range of providers rather than a state-administered scheme, so comparing premiums across insurers is well worth the effort.

Austrian insurers use a bonus-malus system for private vehicle policies, under which each claim-free year earns a reduction in the premium, while making a claim causes the premium to increase. The concept is broadly similar to the no-claims discount systems found in many countries, so your existing claims history does have tangible value — provided it is formally acknowledged by the new insurer.

If you are relocating from another EU country, you can often carry your no-claims entitlement with you by supplying a letter confirming your claims history from your previous insurer, which can help bring your Austrian premiums down. Transferring a no-claims record from a country outside the EU is more complex and rests entirely with the discretion of each individual Austrian insurer — it is worth raising this explicitly with any insurer you approach before committing to a policy.

Insurance policies taken out abroad will typically cease to be valid once you become a permanent resident in Austria, so you should not assume that your existing cover continues to protect you. For guidance on the Austrian insurance market and a list of authorised providers, contact the Association of Austrian Insurance Companies (VVO) or consult the Financial Market Authority (FMA), which oversees the insurance sector.

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

Driving licences issued by any EU or EEA country are fully recognised in Austria. Converting an EU or EEA licence to an Austrian one is optional rather than compulsory — with one exception: category C (C1 or D1) licences issued by an EEA country are only valid in Austria for the first five years.

For licences issued outside the EU or EEA, holders have six months from the date they establish residency in Austria to exchange their licence for an Austrian one before it ceases to be valid for driving in Austria. This window allows newly arrived residents to drive on their foreign licence in the short term, but the exchange process should be started promptly.

The licence exchange procedure for non-EU/EEA licences is handled by the district administrative authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft), or in urban areas by the magistrate’s office (Magistrat). Austria has bilateral agreements with a number of countries, enabling holders of certain foreign licences to exchange directly without sitting an Austrian driving test. Where no such agreement is in place, applicants may be required to pass a theory test, a practical driving test, or both. The list of countries covered by exchange agreements is updated from time to time, so it is worth checking the current position with the licensing authority before you apply.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) does not substitute for the formal licence exchange process once you become an Austrian resident, though it can serve as a useful supplement when driving in Austria on a temporary basis — particularly where your licence is issued in a non-Roman script. For the current list of recognised countries and details of the exchange procedure, visit the oesterreich.gv.at driving licence portal.

How do I sell a car in Austria?

Selling a car in Austria involves obtaining a current vehicle inspection report, listing the vehicle, agreeing a price with a buyer, completing the ownership transfer, and cancelling your insurance and road tax. Taking care of the administrative steps quickly after the sale protects the seller from any liability for offences or incidents that occur once the vehicle has passed to the new owner.

Before placing the car on the market, confirm that it holds a valid §57a roadworthiness certificate (Pickerl), since buyers will generally expect this as a matter of course. Gather both parts of the Zulassungsschein, the full service history, and — for imported vehicles — the COC document and any individual approval paperwork.

At the point of sale, a written purchase agreement (Kaufvertrag) should be prepared and signed by both parties, setting out the vehicle’s details (make, model, VIN, current mileage), the agreed sale price, and the full names and addresses of both the seller and the buyer. Each party should retain a signed copy of the agreement.

The transfer of ownership must be formally recorded at a Zulassungsstelle. The seller remains legally responsible for the vehicle — including any traffic offences committed using it — until the change of ownership has been officially registered. It is therefore strongly in the seller’s interest either to accompany the buyer to the registration office or to notify the registration office of the ownership change directly, and to cancel their own insurance and Motorsteuer (motor vehicle tax) without delay.

From a taxation standpoint, private individuals who sell a vehicle they have owned for more than one year are generally not liable for capital gains tax on that transaction under Austrian law. However, vehicles disposed of through a business, or sold within a short period as part of a regular pattern of trading, may be treated differently. For guidance specific to your circumstances, consult a tax adviser or the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF).

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

Owning a vehicle in Austria entails a range of recurring expenditure and legal duties. Having a clear picture of these helps expats plan their finances realistically. As a general guide, car owners in Austria spend on average approximately €1,000 per month running a petrol-powered car and around €800 per month for an electric vehicle — figures that incorporate fixed costs such as insurance, tax, and annual inspections, as well as variable costs like fuel (as of the date of publication; verify current figures independently).

Roadworthiness inspection (§57a / Pickerl): All vehicles and their trailers must undergo periodic roadworthiness and operational safety checks, formally known as Section 57a inspections. The Pickerl is the obligatory Austrian roadworthiness certificate that confirms a vehicle has passed this inspection. Cars that are more than three years old are required to hold a valid certificate, with annual re-inspection thereafter to maintain compliance with safety standards. The scheme is conceptually similar to the annual MOT inspection in the UK or the TÜV periodic test in Germany, but the Austrian schedule follows what is sometimes described as a “3-2-1 rule” — the first inspection falls due three years after the vehicle is first registered, then two years after that, and then every year from that point on. A vehicle that passes with no defects or only minor ones receives a sticker (Pickerl) affixed to the windscreen, displaying the month and year when the next test is due alongside a serial number and the vehicle’s registration number. Inspections can be carried out at authorised centres including TÜV Austria, ÖAMTC, ARBÖ, and approved garages.

Motor vehicle tax (Motorsteuer / Kraftfahrzeugsteuer): Austria imposes an annual motor vehicle tax, the rate of which for petrol and diesel cars is calculated according to engine power output measured in kilowatts. Electric vehicles have historically been eligible for reduced rates or full exemptions — always verify the current rate and any applicable relief with the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF), as these are subject to legislative change.

Motorway vignette: An annual vignette (Autobahnvignette) is required for driving on Austrian motorways and expressways with a privately owned vehicle. Most rental cars already include a vignette, but it is always worth confirming. Digital vignettes, linked directly to the vehicle’s number plate, are available from ASFINAG. Certain special routes and tunnels require separate toll payments, which can be made on-site or online.

Insurance renewal: Third-party liability insurance must be kept in force without any break in cover. As noted above, premiums are reviewed and adjusted annually in line with the bonus-malus system.

Austria does not operate a standalone periodic emissions-only testing regime comparable to, for example, a smog-check programme — emissions compliance is evaluated as an integral part of the broader §57a roadworthiness inspection.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be an Austrian resident to buy a car in Austria?

Austrian residency is not a prerequisite for purchasing a vehicle from a dealership or private seller in Austria. However, to register the vehicle for use on Austrian roads, you must hold a registered Austrian address confirmed by a Meldezettel. Non-residents who are buying a vehicle with the intention of exporting it should seek specific advice on VAT treatment and export documentation from the relevant tax authority.

Is there a specific registration plate format for newly imported cars?

Austria uses a standardised number plate format made up of a district code, a sequence of letters and numbers, and an EU identifier. When you register a vehicle at a Zulassungsstelle, new Austrian plates are issued. Temporary transit plates are available to allow an unregistered imported vehicle to be driven to Austria, but foreign transit plates may not be used within Austria for more than four weeks in any case.

Can I drive in Austria on my foreign licence indefinitely?

Licences issued by EU or EEA countries are recognised in Austria without any time restriction. For licences issued outside the EU or EEA, you have six months from the date you establish Austrian residency to exchange your licence before it ceases to be valid for driving in Austria. Do not leave this until the last moment — administrative steps can take time, so starting the exchange process early is strongly advisable. Check the current requirements with your local district authority.

What is NoVA and how much will I pay?

The standardised consumption tax (NoVA) is a one-off levy payable in Austria at the point of delivery or first registration of passenger cars (class M1), as well as motorcycles and quad bikes with an engine displacement exceeding 125 cm³. The amount owed depends on the vehicle’s fuel consumption and its overall value. The Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance offers a NoVA calculator (in German) at bmf.gv.at — use this tool for a current estimate, bearing in mind that the applicable rates are set by legislation and can change.

Are right-hand drive vehicles allowed in Austria?

Yes, right-hand drive vehicles are permitted to be registered and driven in Austria. Regardless of steering configuration, every vehicle must comply with EU technical standards covering lighting (headlight beam pattern), speedometers (metric display required), and emissions. Any modifications needed to achieve compliance must be certified by the competent provincial inspection authority (Landesprüfstelle) before registration can proceed. If you are importing a car from outside the EU, contact the Landesprüfstelle in your federal state at an early stage to establish exactly what the vehicle needs in order to satisfy EU criteria.

Can I transfer my no-claims bonus from another country?

Transferring a no-claims entitlement from another EU country is generally possible by providing a formal letter confirming your claims history from your previous insurer, and doing so can reduce the premiums quoted by Austrian insurers. For no-claims records from countries outside the EU, whether these are accepted depends on the individual Austrian insurer’s policy. Before you leave your current country, ask your existing insurer for a written confirmation of your claims history — this documentation will carry the most weight when negotiating terms with Austrian providers.

What happens if I miss the one-month vehicle registration deadline?

Missing the registration deadline can result in financial penalties, potentially retrospective tax and duty demands, and difficulties with insurance where the vehicle continues to be registered abroad. In serious cases, the relevant authorities could de-register the vehicle. Driving on foreign plates beyond the permitted period as an Austrian resident can attract substantial fines from the police. If circumstances beyond your control are preventing you from completing registration within the required timeframe — for example, because documents are missing — seek advice promptly from the relevant district authority or a registered vehicle registration agent.

Where can I find official information on vehicle rules in Austria?

The primary official sources are: the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) for customs rules, NoVA, and import taxes; the oesterreich.gv.at transport portal for vehicle registration, inspections, and driving licences; ASFINAG for motorway tolls and vignettes; and the Financial Market Authority (FMA) for insurance sector regulation. The ÖAMTC (oeamtc.at) is also a useful resource for practical guidance available in both German and English.