Car Import Calculator — Calculate Import Costs to Latvia
Calculate all costs when importing a used car from Europe to Latvia. Registration tax, VAT, transportation and other fees.
Enter car details
Enter the purchase price in euros
Leave 0 if unknown
Including car price and all additional fees
💡Additional information
- •Mandatory insurance (OCTA) — required before registration
- •Additional customs costs may apply for non-EU imports
- •VIN check before purchase — verify the car's history
- •Registration deadline — 10 days after bringing the car to Latvia
How car import works in Latvia — step by step
Choose a car
Find a car on mobile.de, autoscout24.com or another platform. Check the VIN number before purchase.
Complete the purchase
Sign the purchase agreement, pay for the car. Receive all documentation — registration certificate and invoice.
Arrange transportation
Use a car carrier service or drive it yourself. Transit insurance is required.
Customs declaration
For EU internal imports, customs is not required. For non-EU — fill out customs declaration and pay duties.
Technical inspection
Complete technical inspection (STAC) in Latvia. Safety, emissions and general condition must be checked.
CSDD registration
Register the car at CSDD, pay registration tax and receive Latvian license plates.
Registration tax rates
Base rates with age coefficient applied (newer car — lower, older — higher)
By CO₂ emissions (if known)
| CO₂ (g/km) | Base fee |
|---|---|
| 1–50 | — |
| 51–95 | €50 |
| 96–115 | €100 |
| 116–130 | €150 |
| 131–155 | €250 |
| 156–175 | €400 |
| 176–200 | €600 |
| 201–225 | €900 |
| 226–250 | €1200 |
| 251–275 | €1600 |
| 276–300 | €2000 |
| 301–350 | €2600 |
| 351+ | €3400 |
By engine volume (if CO₂ unknown)
| Volume | Base fee |
|---|---|
| 0–1000 cm³ | €50 |
| 1001–1500 cm³ | €100 |
| 1501–2000 cm³ | €200 |
| 2001–2500 cm³ | €400 |
| 2501–3000 cm³ | €700 |
| 3001–3500 cm³ | €1100 |
| 3501–4000 cm³ | €1600 |
| 4001+ cm³ | €2200 |
* Age coefficient: up to 3 years — 1.0×, 3–5 years — 1.1×, 5–10 years — 1.3×, 10–15 years — 1.5×, 15+ years — 1.7×
VAT rules for EU car imports
✅ VAT NOT required
If buying from a licensed EU dealer and receiving a VAT invoice — VAT is already paid and doesn't need to be paid again in Latvia.
⚠️ VAT IS required (21%)
If buying from a private seller or dealer not charging VAT — you must pay 21% VAT in Latvia on the car purchase price.
Tips for importing a car from Germany
Check VIN history
Always check the car's VIN number before purchase. Many cars in Germany have hidden damage history.
Check TÜV status
TÜV is Germany's mandatory technical inspection. If TÜV has expired, the car may be technically unsafe.
Compare total costs
A lower price in Germany doesn't always mean a good deal. Add transport, taxes and other fees.
Choose a reliable carrier
Use licensed car carriers with insurance. Check reviews and experience.
Transportation cost estimates
| Country | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | €800 – €1200 |
| 🇱🇹 Lithuania | €200 – €400 |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | €400 – €700 |
| 🇪🇪 Estonia | €300 – €500 |
| 🇫🇷 France | €1000 – €1500 |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | €900 – €1300 |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | €950 – €1400 |
| 🇨🇿 Czech Republic | €500 – €800 |
* Prices are approximate and may vary depending on carrier, season and car size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to import a car from Germany to Latvia?
Total import costs include transportation (€800–1200), registration tax (based on CO₂ and age), VAT 21% (if buying from a private seller), CSDD registration (€55) and technical inspection (~€40). On average, additional costs are €1500–3500.
Do I need to pay VAT when importing a car from the EU?
If buying from a licensed EU dealer with a VAT invoice — VAT doesn't need to be paid again. If buying from a private seller — 21% VAT must be paid in Latvia.
How is the registration tax calculated?
Registration tax is calculated based on CO₂ emissions or engine volume with an age coefficient. The older the car, the higher the coefficient.
How long does car import take?
Car import from Germany typically takes 1–3 weeks: transportation (5–10 days), CSDD registration (1–2 days), technical inspection (1 day).
Does an imported car need a technical inspection?
Yes, every imported car must pass a technical inspection (STAC) in Latvia before registration. The inspection costs approximately €30–50.
Do electric cars pay registration tax?
No, fully electric vehicles are exempt from registration tax in Latvia. This makes EV imports more financially attractive.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This calculator is an informational tool. Actual import costs may vary depending on specific circumstances, exchange rates and regulatory changes. Always consult a customs specialist or CSDD before starting the import process.