How to buy a car in another country
The essentials for each country where Wanted! searches: documents, roadworthiness test, where to check the history, how to bring the car home and what about taxes.
- Check the history. VIN, mileage and test records — via the links on the country card.
- Inspect before paying. Yourself or through a local garage. Don't send a deposit to private sellers you don't know.
- Sales contract. VIN, mileage, price, date and time of handover; ideally in two languages.
- Take all the documents. Registration certificate (all parts), service book, all keys.
- Getting it home. Transit or export plates with insurance — or a car transporter.
- Registration at home. Inspection at Transpordiamet, CSDD or Regitra; in Estonia there's a registration fee.
VAT within the EU. Used car from a private seller — no VAT to pay at home. New car (up to 6 months or 6,000 km) — VAT is paid in the country of registration. Switzerland and Norway are not in the EU: import duty and VAT apply.
Choose a country
Click a country on the map or choose it from the list to open a card with the details.
This is general guidance as of , not legal advice. Rules and prices change: check with the country's authority before you buy. VAT rates are the standard 2026 rates. Car transporter prices are Wanted! estimates to Tallinn.