If you can’t find the used vehicle of your dreams in Belgium, it is sometimes worth looking abroad. It is therefore important that you take the following into account.
No Car-Pass abroad
First of all, Car-Pass is not used in our neighbouring countries. You must therefore check whether the odometer is correct on the basis of maintenance invoices or other documents. Of course, you should also check that these documents are reliable.
What documents do you need?
The seller must provide you with an invoice, the registration certificate and preferably also the European Certificate of Conformity (COC). The latter is not mandatory in all countries and therefore not always available. In that case, you can request the document from the Belgian importer of the brand.
Pay VAT or not?
If you buy a used vehicle abroad, you pay the price including the local VAT. The seller’s country VAT rate will then apply. These rules only apply to sales from a professional seller to a private individual. If you purchase from a private individual, no VAT is due in principle.
How do you bring the vehicle into Belgium?
You can call a transporter or load the vehicle onto a trailer. If you can drive the vehicle (safely), it is more convenient to bring it to Belgium by road using transit plates (don’t forget the insurance).
How can you register the vehicle in Belgium?
You must first complete customs formalities via the online application form (e705) on the Federal Ministry for Finance website.
After that, you must take the vehicle for a technical inspection. Go online and make an appointment for a used vehicle inspection. If the vehicle passes the inspection, you will receive a Car-Pass and an “application for registration” document. Provide this to your insurer who can register the vehicle with Vehicle Registration Service (DIV).
More useful tips for buying your vehicle in Europe can be found here.