Bringing your Car
Importing a car from an EU country
Under EU law, a private vehicle may be temporarily imported to another EU country and used for up to 6 months in any 12 months period. The vehicle must be re-registered if it is owned and used by a resident of that country.
Importing a car from outside EU
It is allowed to import a car to Estonia duty-free, as part of your household shipment. For this, it is necessary to pass customs clearance first. Customs clearance and car registration must be done as soon as possible, but not more than 5 working days after getting Estonian residence permit.
Tax exemtion is granted:
- if permanent residence outside the EU has lasted for at least 12 months without interruption;
- The car has been in the owners possession for at least 6 moths.
Note that cars imported and sold within the first year of arrival will be subject to import and value added tax (VAT).
For registering the car in Estonia:
- you would have to have a residence permit;
- pass the car inspection at a local bureau of Estonian road administration.
Driving licences
The driving license must be exchanged for Estonian driving license within the period of 12 months or 24 months (depending on the issuing country) as of being granted the right of residence or settling in Estonia. Get more information from the Estonian Traffic Act (See § 99. Driving licences issued in foreign states) or Road Administration Website.