Buying a Vehicle in Denmark
Thinking of buying a car in Denmark? Here’s the step-by-step process, how registration tax works, what documents and insurance you need, typical ongoing costs, and trustworthy links for internationals.
How to buy a car: the process
🔎 Search & compare
Browse Bilbasen, Autouncle, and dealer sites. Shortlist models, mileage, year, service history, and price.
🧾 Check the car’s record
Verify owner history, debt, and inspections via the Danish Motor Register (Motorregister). Ask for the service book and invoices.
✍️ Agree & sign
Use a written sales contract (especially for private sales). Never pay without documentation; keep a signed bill of sale and receipts.
🧪 Pre-purchase inspection
Consider an independent inspection (e.g., FDM) for used cars to avoid surprises and negotiate repairs or price.
🔁 Change of ownership
Submit digitally in the Motorregister (dealer often handles this). You’ll need MitID and proof of insurance to complete registration.
🔑 Collect & insure
Have liability insurance active before you drive away. Get both keys, manuals, last inspection (syn) report, and service records.
Car taxes, registration & ongoing costs
💰 Registration tax (first-time)
New/first registration tax is high and depends on value and emissions (often ~85–150% tiers). See the latest rules at skat.dk.
🔋 EV & PHEV incentives
Electric and plug-in hybrid cars have phased-in taxes and deductions, usually making total tax lower than petrol/diesel equivalents.
🌱 Annual “green”/weight tax
Ongoing tax depends on fuel economy/emissions or weight class. Look up your expected rate at skat.dk.
🧯 Insurance
Liability (ansvarsforsikring) is mandatory. Many drivers add comprehensive (“kasko”), theft, glass, and roadside assistance.
🛠️ Maintenance & inspections
Budget for servicing, tyres, and periodic inspections (syn). EVs often have lower routine maintenance than ICE cars.
⛽ Running costs
Fuel/charging, parking, tolls (e.g., bridges), and potential city rules (environmental zones) vary by area and vehicle type.
Paperwork, registration & insurance
🪪 What you’ll need
CPR number, photo ID, Danish address, MitID, proof of insurance, and (if applicable) residence documentation.
💻 Register online
Change owner and pay fees in the Motorregister. Dealers often complete the process for you.
🛡️ Get covered first
Activate liability insurance before registration. Compare at findforsikring.dk or check major insurers.
Useful links
🏛️ SKAT — vehicles
🚗 Motorregister
🛒 Bilbasen
📊 AutoUncle
🛡️ Insurance compare
Related guides on exploringdenmark.com
🛞 Driving & vehicle rules
🛡️ Insurance in Denmark
🏦 Bank accounts
🏠 Housing & moving
Frequently asked questions
💸 Why are cars expensive?
High registration tax plus VAT and annual green/weight taxes. EV/PHEV incentives can ease the total cost.
🌍 Can foreigners buy?
Yes—legal residents with CPR, address, MitID, and insurance can buy. Short-term residents may face extra checks.
🪪 Is my licence valid?
EU/EEA licences are valid. Most other licences must be exchanged after 180 days. See our full guide.
🛡️ What insurance is required?
Third-party liability is mandatory. Consider kasko (comprehensive), theft, and roadside for wider protection.
🧠 Used-car tips?
Check Motorregister, service history, and debt; consider an independent inspection; use a written contract.
Information only—check official sources for current tax bands and eligibility.