Since the start of the war, thousands of Ukrainian cars have ended up in Poland. Some owners rely on temporary stay rules, while others consider permanent vehicle registration. This raises a logical question: do you need to clear a Ukrainian car through customs in Poland, and how much does it cost?
The topic is more complex than it may seem. It combines EU customs rules, Polish tax regulations, and the owner’s residence status. In this article, we provide a detailed overview of the customs clearance procedure in Poland, possible options for legalizing a Ukrainian vehicle, and we also answer a common question separately: how much it costs to clear a car from Poland into Ukraine.
Do You Need to Clear a Ukrainian Car Through Customs in Poland?
If a car is registered in Ukraine and is temporarily in Poland, it can be used without immediate customs clearance. However, this applies only to temporary stay. If you plan to live in Poland long-term and register the car with Polish license plates, the import procedure becomes mandatory.
As an EU country, Poland treats Ukraine as a non-EU (third) country. This means that standard import customs rules apply when bringing a vehicle in from outside the EU.
What Taxes Apply When Clearing a Car Through Customs in Poland?
Customs clearance of a Ukrainian car in Poland includes several mandatory payments. The amounts depend on the vehicle’s value, engine displacement, and fuel type.
- Customs duty — 10% of the vehicle’s customs value.
- VAT — 23% of the vehicle’s value including customs duty.
- Excise tax:
- 3.1% — petrol cars up to 2,000 cm³;
- 18.6% — petrol cars over 2,000 cm³;
For diesel engines, excise rates follow the same engine-displacement principle. Electric vehicles are exempt from excise tax, but VAT and customs duty still apply.
Step-by-Step Customs Clearance Procedure
To clear a car through customs in Poland, you must complete the official import process. It includes customs formalities and then vehicle registration.
- Submit a customs declaration.
- Pay customs duty, VAT, and excise tax.
- Obtain confirmation that the vehicle has been imported.
- Pass a technical inspection in Poland.
- Register the vehicle at the local Vehicle Registration Office (wydział komunikacji).
After completing the process, the car receives Polish license plates and can be legally used as a Polish-registered vehicle.
How Much Does It Really Cost to Clear a Ukrainian Car Through Customs in Poland?
The final amount depends on the vehicle’s value and technical specifications. On average, total taxes may equal 30–50% of the car’s market value.
In addition to the main taxes, you should also consider:
- customs services (if you need a broker);
- translation of documents;
- technical inspection fees;
- registration fees.
In some cases, after calculating all costs, it may be more economical to sell the car in Ukraine and purchase a vehicle already in Poland or another EU country.
Alternative Scenario: How Much Does It Cost to Clear a Car from Poland into Ukraine?
The reverse situation is also common: buying a car in Poland and importing it into Ukraine. In this case, Ukrainian customs rules apply.
In Ukraine, importing a car typically involves:
- import duty (depending on the vehicle’s origin);
- VAT at 20%;
- excise tax, which depends on engine type and the vehicle’s age.
The final amount depends on the vehicle’s value, engine displacement, and year of manufacture. Ukrainian rules may change, so it is important to check the current rates before purchasing.
Is It Worth Clearing a Ukrainian Car Through Customs in Poland?
The decision depends on your plans. If you intend to live in Poland long-term and apply for a residence card or citizenship, permanent registration of the car may be a logical step.
If your stay is temporary, it may be more beneficial to keep Ukrainian registration and use the car under the applicable temporary rules.
