Importing a car

Requirements and car insurance

Importing a car

If you want to use your own car in the Czech Republic, you have toundergo a technical check-up and a car registration. The import cantake up to a month and can get quite expensive.

If you don't want to deal with a lot of paperwork, consider selling your car and buying a new one, or a car rental.

Importing a car

If you plan to stay in Czech Republic for more than one year you have to register your car.

Before that, your car must undergo a technical check-up by the Czech Technical Inspection (STK) which it has to pass. Owners of some cars may have problems meeting the emission standards.

After the technical check-up, you will be issued a certificate which is valid for 3 months so that you can go and register. To register, you also have to provide the technical specification and operating manual of your vehicle. According to the Czech laws, you can only register cars that are less than 5 or 8 years old, depending on the type of the car.

There is an import tax of CZK 10,000. You do not have to pay the import tax if you have owned your car for at least one year abroad and have used it for a minimum of half a year before importing. If you want to stay in Czech Republic for less than one year, you do not have to pay the import tax either.

Car rental

To rent a car in Czech Republic you have to be at least 21 years old. The documents you will need is your driving license and passport, and then, of course, your credit card.

There are both national and international car insurance companies in Czech Republic. Travelling to other country or turning the car back in other country's office may be charged extra. Travelling to some countries, like those from Eastern Europe, may be restricted or there may be an extra fee.

Car insurance

The third part liability (povinné ručení) is obligatory for all car owners in Czech Republic.

When choosing a car insurance be sure to compare various companies' prices. Be aware that some of them offer a low price for the first year but will raise prices for the following years. Some companies offer a discount if you can prove that you have been driving without any accident for a certain amount of time.

If you want to go abroad, some insurances allow you a period of 3 months without having to get an additional insurance.

Further reading

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