Import a used car from the EU · einfach.wien
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  4. Import a used car from the EU
Transport & mobility

Import a used car from the EU

Official name: Prepare private used-car import from an EU member state

You bought a used car privately in an EU country. Now you want to bring it to Austria. For this you need three things: an entry in a database, the tax at the tax office (Finanzamt) and then the registration.

Check what applies to me

No account · Answers stay in your browser

Steps
7 key steps, up to 21 depending on your situation
For you
5 short questions, then you see your steps
Main office
Finanzamt
Costs
none named in the sources
Online
possible for 6 of 21 steps
What applies to you?How it worksFrequently asked questionsSourcesSimilar plans

How it works

These are the key steps, in the right order. Answer the short questions; then you see exactly what applies to you and what is added.

  1. 1Learn what importing your car involvesThis is about a used car from an EU country. You bought it privately for yourself.Key step
    Why?
    Entry, tax and registration are three separate steps. Each one has its own office.
    What you do
    You sort everything out directly with the Generalimporteur and the Finanzamt. The app gives no permission to buy, import or drive.
    Where?
    Generalimporteur / FinanzamtDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Handle entry, tax and registration separately

    This first case concerns own private direct import of a professionally confirmed used EU-type-approved vehicle from an EU member state. No purchase, tax, import or driving approval by app.

    SourceEigenimport: Genehmigung und Datenbank
    Eigenimport: Genehmigung und Datenbank

    oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  2. 2Check the EU type approvalThe EU type approval shows that the car meets EU rules. Proof is often the COC paper.Key step
    Why?
    A car from the EU does not automatically have this approval. Without it there is a different, separate route.
    What you do
    Check whether you have a COC or a suitable foreign registration. Was something changed on the car? Then ask the Landesprüfstelle right away.
    Where?
    Generalimporteur / LandesprüfstelleDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Review EU type approval and technical special cases

    EU origin proves no EU type approval. COC or accepted foreign registration may provide evidence. Without relevant approval individual or exception route; promptly clarify safety or environmental changes with regional inspection service.

    SourceEigenimport: Genehmigung und Datenbank
    Eigenimport: Genehmigung und Datenbank

    oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  3. 3Have the car entered in the databaseNow you have the car entered into the database. Afterwards you get an extract. That is a paper with the data.Key step
    Why?
    The entry is needed for the next steps. But it is not yet a registration.
    What you do
    Follow the route with the confirmed office. Keep the extract safe.
    Where?
    Generalimporteur / LandesprüfstelleDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Organise confirmed own entry

    Carry out own entry route with actually confirmed service and retain statement. Entry is no tax release or registration.

    SourceEigenimport: Genehmigung und Datenbank
    Eigenimport: Genehmigung und Datenbank

    oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  4. 4Prepare the NoVA 2 formNoVA 2 is a form for the NoVA. The NoVA is a tax on cars. With it you need the invoice or purchase contract, extract, ID and the foreign papers.Key step
    Why?
    The Finanzamt needs these papers. It wants the foreign approval document as an original.
    What you do
    Fill in the current NoVA 2 and sign it. You clarify the amount with the Finanzamt. The app does not calculate or pay anything.
    Where?
    FinanzamtDirectly with the named service

    What you need

    • Current signed NoVA 2 and relevant attachments
      Document explained

      Actually review selected official channel and digital evidence form.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceFahrzeugimport: Abgabenverfahren
      Fahrzeugimport: Abgabenverfahren

      BMF · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Actual invoice or contract and valuation, statement, ID and foreign papers
      Document explained

      Only actually relevant evidence for tax-office route.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceFahrzeugimport: Abgabenverfahren
      Fahrzeugimport: Abgabenverfahren

      BMF · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Foreign approval document
      Document explained

      BMF specifies original for this tax-office route; agree transmission or appointment directly.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Original
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceFahrzeugimport: Abgabenverfahren
      Fahrzeugimport: Abgabenverfahren

      BMF · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    In detail

    Prepare NoVA 2 and actual tax-office evidence

    Private person: current signed NoVA 2, dealer invoice or private contract plus clarified valuation, database statement, photo ID and foreign registration records. BMF requires foreign approval document in original for this route. Clarify amount, historical law and actual payment directly; app neither calculates nor pays.

    SourceFahrzeugimport: Abgabenverfahren
    Fahrzeugimport: Abgabenverfahren

    BMF · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  5. 5Hand in your papers at the FinanzamtNow you hand in your papers at the Finanzamt. You use the route you chose.Key step
    Why?
    Only after payment can the Finanzamt release the car. Release means: it clears the car for registration.
    What you do
    Hand in the papers yourself. Keep the receipt confirmation. Then check payment and release.
    Where?
    FinanzamtDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Carry out confirmed own tax route

    Personally submit actual confirmed evidence in selected official channel and retain receipt. Follow payment and tax release directly; checklist creates no tax decision.

    SourceFahrzeugimport: Abgabenverfahren
    Fahrzeugimport: Abgabenverfahren

    BMF · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  6. 6Check the entry and the tax releaseBefore registration you need two things: the entry in the database and the release from the Finanzamt.Key step
    Why?
    Just because you paid, the car is not yet released.
    What you do
    Have both confirmed directly. Only then do you go to registration.
    Where?
    Finanzamt / Vehicle registration serviceDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Review entry and actual release

    Before registration have both actual prerequisites confirmed directly. Payment or app statement alone proves no release.

    SourceFahrzeugimport: Abgabenverfahren
    Fahrzeugimport: Abgabenverfahren

    BMF · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  7. 7Register the carNow you register the car. This is called Zulassung. Afterwards you get Austrian number plates.Key step
    Why?
    Without registration you may not drive the car permanently in Austria.
    What you do
    Only go to the registration office after the entry and the release. Clarify insurance and everything else separately there.
    Where?
    Vehicle registration serviceDirectly with the named service
    Related plansRegister a car
    In detail

    Use confirmed prerequisites in registration route

    Only after actual entry and release prepare own registration with responsible service. Insurance and other registration requirements remain separate.

    SourceFahrzeugimport: Abgabenverfahren
    Fahrzeugimport: Abgabenverfahren

    BMF · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source

Depending on your situation, this is added

  • Check how far along you are
  • Check where the car comes from
  • Check if the car counts as used for tax
  • Find out how the car gets here
  • Find out who enters the car in the database
  • Sort the purchase contract and car papers
  • Sort out the way through MA 46
  • Ask what the database entry costs
  • Check the entry and the printout
  • Sort out the tax at the Finanzamt
  • Give another person written permission
  • Choose appointment, video or FinanzOnline
  • Follow your application at the Finanzamt
  • Send missing papers in time
Use the questions to find out which of these apply to you
Tailored to you

What applies to you?

Answer a few short questions. The steps change right away: what does not apply to you drops out.

Question 1 of at most 5

How far along are you with importing your car?

What is meant? How far along are you? Is there already an entry, a tax application or a release?

What is your actual import stage?
  • No sign-up needed
  • Nothing is sent to authorities
  • You submit applications yourself

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this online?

6 of 21 possible steps mention an online channel in their text. Requirements are in the official source.

What does it cost?

No costs are recorded for these steps in the linked sources. Fees may still apply.

Do I need an einfach.wien account?

No. The plan works without registration; answers stay in your browser.

Does einfach.wien submit my application?

No. einfach.wien helps you prepare and links official channels. You submit applications yourself to the responsible service.

What this page is based on

The information is based on official sources. einfach.wien is a private project; the content has not been professionally reviewed. All information without guarantee, no legal advice. The responsible office is always authoritative.

SourceEigenimport: Genehmigung und Datenbank
Eigenimport: Genehmigung und Datenbank

oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceFahrzeugimport: Abgabenverfahren
Fahrzeugimport: Abgabenverfahren

BMF · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceFahrzeugeigenimport: EU und Drittland
Fahrzeugeigenimport: EU und Drittland

BMF · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceFahrzeugerwerb aus EU-Mitgliedstaaten
Fahrzeugerwerb aus EU-Mitgliedstaaten

BMF · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceFahren mit ausländischen Kennzeichen
Fahren mit ausländischen Kennzeichen

oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceEintragung in Genehmigungsdatenbank
Eintragung in Genehmigungsdatenbank

Stadt Wien · MA 46 · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source

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