Thinking about bringing a car into Denmark? Maybe you’ve spotted a dream model abroad, found what looks like a bargain, or simply have personal reasons. Whatever the motivation, there’s one unavoidable step between you and those Danish license plates: the registration tax.
This isn’t just a small add-on fee. In Denmark, the registration tax is often the single largest expense in the whole process. It can double your costs, and turn that “great deal” from Germany into a serious money pit. Understanding how this tax works is the only way to avoid an unwelcome surprise later on.
And it’s not just about the tax bill. Let’s walk through the entire process, from choosing a car abroad to finally parking it in your driveway at home.
What Exactly Is a Tax Assessment?
In simple terms, the Danish Motor Vehicle Agency, decides what your car would be worth if it were sold on the Danish market.
- What you paid for it abroad? Doesn’t matter.
- What it cost in Germany, Sweden, or the Netherlands? Irrelevant.
The agency’s only job is to estimate a fair market value in Denmark – and then calculate your registration tax based on that figure.
👉 The key point: your purchase price hardly matters, the Danish market value does.
How the Tax Is Calculated
Denmark has some of the toughest car taxes in the world, and the system is steep:
- First 65,000 DKK: 25% tax
- From 65,001–202,199 DKK: 85% tax
- Anything above 202,200 DKK: 150% tax
Yes, you read that right. For expensive cars, the tax can be higher than the car’s actual value.
What Factors Matter?
When Motorstyrelsen values your car, they look at it as both a mechanic and a used-car dealer:
- Age – older cars usually drop in value (though well-kept classics can surprise).
- Mileage – lower kilometers = higher value.
- Condition – scratches, dents, or rust reduce the taxable value, but only if you can prove it.
- Equipment – upgrades like leather seats, premium sound systems, or winter packages increase value.
- The Danish market – they’ll check what identical cars are being sold for here.
The Import Process Step by Step
- Choose the car – Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands are popular sources. Always check the history and, if possible, arrange a pre-purchase inspection.
- Transport -drive it back on temporary plates or ship it by truck.
- Customs and VAT – within the EU, customs duty is usually not applied. But if the car is “new” (under 6 months old or less than 6,000 km), you must pay Danish VAT. Cars from outside the EU get both duty and VAT.
- Inspection – before taxes, your car must pass inspection.
- Tax assessment – the agency calculates the registration tax based on Danish market value.
- Payment and plates – once you pay, you finally get your Danish license plates.
How the Assessment Works in Practice
- You upload your purchase agreement, foreign registration papers, and photos of the car (to show equipment and condition) to Motorstyrelsen’s online portal.
- They compare your car with similar listings in Denmark.
- The value is then run through the tax brackets.
- Within 1-3 weeks, you’ll get a letter with the official amount due.
Can You Estimate the Tax Yourself?
You can try, but it’s more of an educated guess than a guarantee:
- Use the agency’s online calculator (only a rough guide).
- Check Danish car listings for similar models.
- Hire a consultant or importer to give a preliminary assessment – often money well spent.
But remember: the agency always has the final word.
Small Details With Big Impact
- Mileage fraud – if the odometer has been rolled back, the agency will catch it, and the car’s value will collapse.
- Condition – take detailed photos of every scratch, dent, or rust spot. If you can’t prove it, they’ll value the car as flawless.
- Paperwork – keep every receipt, inspection, and service record.
- Equipment – list every upgrade. Forget something, and you’ll be taxed as if it were the cheapest version.
Conclusion
The tax assessment isn’t just another step — it’s the deciding factor in whether importing a car is a smart move or a costly mistake.
To protect yourself:
- Document everything.
- Be honest about the car’s condition.
- Consider professional help if the process feels overwhelming.
Importing a car can open up great opportunities, but never forget: in Denmark, it’s the tax form, not the foreign purchase price, that determines the final cost.
