Guide
Importing and registering a car in Norway: taxes in 2026
Planning to bring a car from Lithuania to Norway? We explain the registration steps, VAT, the one-off registration tax (engangsavgift) and when you can drive on Lithuanian plates.
In short
When importing a car into Norway, it is declared to customs and 25% VAT is paid. Then a technical approval is done at Statens vegvesen, and the one-off registration tax (engangsavgift) and NOK 2,400 scrap deposit tax (vrakpantavgift) are paid. In 2026, VAT on electric cars applies only to the value above NOK 300,000.
Updated: 6 October 2026
Steps to register a car in Norway
According to Statens vegvesen and Norwegian Customs (vegvesen.no, toll.no):
- Declare the car to customs and pay VAT – at a staffed border crossing (red lane) or at an inland customs office with a transit document.
- Get a technical approval (“first-time approval”) at a Statens vegvesen traffic station.
- Pay the engangsavgift and vrakpantavgift to Skatteetaten.
- Register the car and get Norwegian plates.
After customs clearance, you may drive on foreign plates for up to 30 days if the car is insured and roadworthy.
How much VAT is paid on an imported car?
VAT is 25% of the customs value: the purchase price plus transport and insurance to the border. For a car you have owned for a while, Customs sets the value based on a dealer valuation.
Documents needed: invoice or purchase contract, transport documents, the original foreign registration document and, if available, the certificate of conformity (CoC).
For electric cars in 2026, VAT applies only to the part of the value above NOK 300,000 (in 2025 – above NOK 500,000). The Storting has asked the government to lower this threshold further in 2027–2028, so check the latest rules before buying.
What is the engangsavgift and how is it calculated?
The engangsavgift is a one-off registration tax, paid after the technical approval and before registration. It depends on the car’s weight and CO2 emissions (WLTP from the CoC). The NOx component was abolished from 2026 (Skatteetaten).
- Electric cars pay only the weight component.
- Used cars get an age-based deduction (bruksfradrag). Cars 20 years or older pay no engangsavgift.
- In addition, the vrakpantavgift – NOK 2,400 – is paid.
The exact amount is best calculated with the Skatteetaten calculator, as it depends on the specific model.
Can you drive on Lithuanian plates?
If you live in Norway temporarily and can document it, a foreign-registered car may be used for up to 1 year. For a second year, you must apply (form RF-1330) (Skatteetaten).
A probation-period job contract or job-seeking does not count as a temporary stay. Permanent residents may use foreign cars only in very limited cases.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Customs and tax rules change, so check the official sources listed before sending, or call us.
Car transport to Norway with NORVID
We collect the car at your address in Lithuania and deliver it on a car transporter to Southern Norway – no need to drive through Sweden or arrange the ferry. Prices and process: Car transport to Norway.
Frequently asked questions
All questions and answersDo I pay VAT on a used car?
Yes – 25% of the customs value. For electric cars in 2026, VAT applies only to the value above NOK 300,000.
Does an old car pay engangsavgift?
Cars 20 years or older pay no engangsavgift, but VAT and the NOK 2,400 vrakpantavgift still apply.
Do electric cars pay engangsavgift?
Yes, but only the weight component, reduced by the car’s age.
When is the engangsavgift paid?
After the technical approval at a Statens vegvesen traffic station and before the car is registered.
How long can I drive on Lithuanian plates?
After customs clearance – up to 30 days. If you live in Norway temporarily and can document it – up to 1 year; a second year requires a permit (RF-1330).
Do you transport non-running cars?
Yes – we have the equipment to load and transport both running and non-running cars.
How do I prepare the car for transport?
We recommend leaving no more than ¼ tank of fuel and removing personal belongings. We will give exact instructions when you contact us.
How much does car transport cost?
Car transport between Lithuania and Norway costs from 700 € / 7,700 NOK in either direction. The exact price depends on the size and condition of the car and the pick-up location.
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Any questions?
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