The total cost is more than the price on the contract
Handling the formalities yourself often generates hidden expenses: fees for correcting documents, additional trips, late declarations or errors in calculating excise duty using the wrong exchange rate. Below you will find a complete breakdown of official and organisational costs.
1. Excise duty (AKC-US) — the most important and variable budget item
The amount of excise duty depends on the market/purchase value of the vehicle, engine capacity and drive type:
- 3.1% of the vehicle value — for petrol engines up to 2000 cm³,
- 18.6% of the vehicle value — for petrol engines above 2000 cm³,
- preferential rates for hybrids (HEV/mHEV): 1.55% (up to 2000 cm³) or 9.3% (from 2001 cm³ to 3500 cm³),
- 0% (excise duty exemption) — electric cars (BEV), hydrogen cars (FCEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV up to 2000 cm³).
Where do additional costs come from?
Incorrect EUR/PLN exchange rate (the average NBP exchange rate on the day the border is crossed is required) or understating the vehicle value in the contract. The Tax Office may verify the price using an expert valuation and charge a correction with interest. Estimate the value of a damaged car before buying.
2. Office fees at the Vehicle Registration Office
The standard cost of registering a passenger car imported from abroad is PLN 161.50 (with standard plates). This amount consists of:
- registration plates (standard): PLN 80 (or PLN 1,000 for personalised plates),
- registration certificate: PLN 54,
- temporary permit (soft certificate): PLN 13.50,
- legalisation sticker: PLN 12.50,
- registration fee: PLN 1.50.
Note: if you appoint a representative, the stamp duty for a power of attorney is PLN 17 (immediate family members are exempt).
3. Translation of documents — when is it required?
Standard registration certificates from EU countries with unified EU codes usually do not require translation. However, the following must be translated by a sworn translator:
- purchase contract or invoice (unless drawn up bilingually),
- atypical official annotations or documents for vehicles from outside the EU.
The cost of sworn translations of German-language documents depends on their volume and complexity.
4. Technical inspection before first registration
Every car imported from abroad must have a current and valid technical inspection.
- Standard periodic inspection of a passenger car: PLN 149.
- Car with LPG installation: PLN 245.
If the diagnostician detects faults (e.g. non-compliant lighting, leaks or wear of suspension components), a visit to the workshop and re-inspection of selected systems at the station will be necessary, generating additional cost.
5. Third-party liability insurance (OC)
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory. You must take it out no later than on the day the vehicle is registered. The cost depends individually on the driver's no-claims history, place of residence and vehicle parameters.
UFG penalties for lack of OC in 2026:
| Period without OC | Passenger car | Commercial vehicle / bus | Motorcycle / trailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| up to 3 days | 1 920 zł | 2 880 zł | 320 zł |
| up to 14 days | 4 810 zł | 7 210 zł | 800 zł |
| over 14 days | 9 610 zł | 14 420 zł | 1 600 zł |
In addition to the UFG penalty, lack of valid insurance at registration may result in refusal to issue the registration certificate.
Hidden costs of mistakes
When handling matters yourself, it is easy to encounter hidden costs of delays:
- several visits and lost days at offices,
- errors in excise declarations requiring additional fees and interest,
- the car standing in a car park with no possibility of legal driving.
Why entrust the formalities to specialists?
Commissioning the registration to a company with over 16 years of experience is a guarantee of safety and time savings:
- accurate valuation before purchase — we will calculate the real costs of excise duty and fees before you spend money,
- stress-free online service — no queuing or running around offices,
- first-time registration — we verify the completeness of documents, avoiding requests for corrections.
Contact us via WhatsApp or by phone — we will analyse your case free of charge and prepare an accurate quote!