Buying a Vehicle in Denmark | exploringdenmark

Buying a Vehicle in Denmark

Considering buying a car or vehicle in Denmark? Here’s how the process works, what taxes to expect, documents you need, and tips for buying new or used as an international resident.

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Did you know? Denmark has some of the highest car registration taxes in the world. But electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids can have lower taxes, and running a car is simple once you’ve registered it.

How to Buy a Car: The Process

🏷️ Find Your Car Search for cars on trusted sites like Bilbasen.dk and Autouncle.dk, or at official dealers.
🔎 Check Ownership & Service History Always check the Danish Motor Register for accidents, previous owners, and service history.
✍️ Make the Deal & Sign Sign a sales contract (especially for private sales) and agree on payment terms. Get a bill of sale and receipts.

Car Taxes, Registration, & Ongoing Costs

💸 Registration Tax New/first registration tax is very high (85–150% of value). See details at SKAT (Tax Office).
🔋 EV & Hybrid Discounts Electric and plug-in hybrid cars are taxed at a much lower rate than petrol/diesel vehicles.
🧾 Green Tax & Weight Tax Ongoing annual “green” tax depends on emissions or weight. Find your rate at skat.dk.

Paperwork, Registration, & Insurance

📑 Registering the Car Change of ownership is done digitally on motorregister.skat.dk or at a SKAT office (bring NemID/MitID and ID).
🪪 Required Documents You need: CPR number, photo ID, proof of address, proof of insurance, and sometimes residence permit.
🛡️ Insurance is Mandatory You must have liability insurance before registering. Compare on findforsikring.dk or check big companies like Tryg, Topdanmark, and If.

Useful Resources & External Links

🌐 SKAT: Buying & Owning a Car Official tax and registration info
🚙 Bilbasen.dk Largest used car marketplace
🛡️ Insurance Comparison findforsikring.dk
🚗 Driving & Vehicle Regulations Rules for driving, licenses, and ownership
🛡️ Insurance in Denmark Types of insurance, requirements, tips
💳 Bank Accounts in Denmark How to open a Danish account
🏠 Housing & Moving Guide Step-by-step moving guide

Frequently Asked Questions

💸 Why are cars so expensive? Due to Denmark’s registration tax, VAT, and annual green taxes, car prices are among Europe’s highest. Electric vehicles get big discounts.
✍️ Can I buy as a foreigner? Yes, if you’re a legal resident with a CPR number, proof of address, and insurance. Temporary residents may face extra checks.
📑 Is my foreign driver’s license valid? EU/EEA licenses are valid. Others must usually be exchanged for a Danish license after 180 days. See our full guide.
🛡️ What insurance is required? Third-party liability (ansvarsforsikring) is mandatory. Most drivers get additional theft, fire, or “kasko” insurance.
🏷️ Tips for used cars? Always check the motorregister, get a service book, and never pay without a contract. Dealers are safer for non-Danish speakers.