If you are planning to buy or import a vehicle in Poland, there are specific procedures and paperwork that you need to follow. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in buying or importing a car in Poland and the paperwork required for selling a car in the country.
Buying a New or Used Car in Poland
The process of buying a car in Poland is relatively simple, and both new and used cars are readily available in the market. However, if you are a foreign national, you need to keep certain things in mind.
Find a Dealer
The first step is to find a reliable dealer who sells new or used cars. You can use online platforms like Otomoto and OLX to search for dealers and private sellers.
Inspection
Once you have identified the car you want to buy, it’s essential to inspect the car thoroughly. You can hire a mechanic or a car inspection service to inspect the vehicle and provide you with a report on its condition.
Payment and Insurance
If you are happy with the car’s condition, you can proceed with the payment. In Poland, it’s common to pay for the car using cash or a bank transfer. It’s essential to have insurance before driving the car, and you can purchase it from any insurance company in Poland.
Registration
Once you have paid for the car, you need to register it with the District Office. You can do this at a District Office or through an online platform. You will need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of ownership
- Valid identification
- Proof of insurance
- Technical inspection certificate
The registration process usually takes one or two days, and once your car is registered, you will receive a registration certificate.
Taxes and Duties
If you are importing a car from another country, you may need to pay import duties and taxes. You can find more information on import taxes and duties on the Ministry of Finance website.
Importing a Vehicle in Poland
If you are planning to import a car into Poland, you need to follow specific procedures and obtain the necessary paperwork. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to import a car into Poland.
Check if Your Car is Eligible for Import
Before importing a car into Poland, you need to check if the car is eligible for import. You can do this by checking the Ministry of Transport website. If your car is not eligible for import, you will need to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Transport.
Obtain the Necessary Paperwork
You will need to obtain the following paperwork before importing a car into Poland:
- Bill of Lading or Delivery Order
- Customs declaration
- Technical inspection certificate
- Valid identification
- Proof of insurance
Transport Your Car to Poland
You can transport your car to Poland by sea, air, or road. It’s essential to ensure that the transport company is reliable and has experience in transporting cars.
Pay Import Taxes and Duties
If you are importing a car into Poland, you may need to pay import duties and taxes. You can find more information on import taxes and duties on the Ministry of Finance website.
Register Your Car with the District Office
Once your car has arrived in Poland, you need to register it with the District Office. You can do this at a District Office or through an online platform. You will need to provide the following documents:
- Bill of Lading or Delivery Order
- Customs declaration
- Technical inspection certificate
- Valid identification
- Proof of insurance
The registration process usually takes one or two days, and once your car is registered, you will receive a registration certificate.
Get Your Car Inspected
Before you can drive your car in Poland, you need to get it inspected by an authorized Technical Inspection Center (TIC). The inspection includes checking the car’s brakes, steering, suspension, lights, emissions, and safety features. If your car passes the inspection, you will receive a technical inspection certificate.
Relevant Government Departments and Contact Details
Here are the contact details of the relevant government departments in Poland that you may need to contact when importing a car:
- Ministry of Finance: You can find information on import taxes and duties on the Ministry of Finance website. You can also contact them through their website or by phone at +48 22 694 10 00.
- Ministry of Transport: The Ministry of Transport is responsible for issuing import permits for cars that are not eligible for import. You can find more information on their website or contact them by phone at +48 22 630 14 68.
- District Office: The District Office is responsible for vehicle registration and inspection in Poland. You can find more information on their website or contact them by phone at +48 22 695 11 00.
Selling a Car in Poland
If you want to sell a car in Poland, you need to follow certain procedures and obtain the necessary paperwork. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sell a car in Poland.
Cancel Your Car Insurance
Before selling your car, you need to cancel your car insurance. You can do this by contacting your insurance company and providing them with the necessary information.
Obtain a Sales Agreement
You need to obtain a sales agreement, which is a legal document that transfers ownership from you to the buyer. You can download a template online or ask your lawyer to draft one for you.
Transfer Ownership
To transfer ownership, you need to provide the following documents to the buyer:
- Sales agreement
- Vehicle registration certificate
- Technical inspection certificate
- Valid identification
- Proof of ownership
Once the buyer has the necessary documents, they can register the car in their name.
Buying or importing a vehicle in Poland may seem overwhelming, especially if you are a foreign national. However, by following the procedures and obtaining the necessary paperwork, you can easily buy or import a car and sell it when the time comes. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the relevant government departments for assistance.