End of Tax Privileges for Ukrainian Vehicles – What Is Changing in Austria

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, special exceptions have applied to many Ukrainian vehicle owners in Austria. Under certain conditions, vehicles with Ukrainian license plates could be used in Austria for extended periods without Austrian registration, NoVA tax, or Austrian motor-related insurance tax.

However, this is now coming to an end.

Many Ukrainian vehicle owners are currently uncertain about which deadlines, costs, and administrative procedures they will soon face. This article aims to provide transparent information and explain how the vehicle legalization process in Austria works.

As announced by Austrian State Secretary Alexander Pröll together with representatives of the federal government, Ukrainian vehicles will in the future be subject to Austrian regulations much more strictly. According to the government, the previous exception rules were temporary measures and the changes are considered “a matter of fairness” toward all vehicle owners in Austria.

“Anyone who permanently lives in Austria and drives a vehicle here should be subject to the same rules as everyone else.”

What Changes Are Coming for Ukrainian Vehicle Owners

Until now, many Ukrainian vehicles were exempt from:

• NoVA tax (Normverbrauchsabgabe)

• Austrian insurance tax

• Austrian technical inspection (“Pickerl” / §57a inspection)

• Austrian vehicle registration requirements

These special regulations are now gradually ending.

By July 1, 2027, many vehicles with Ukrainian license plates must officially be registered in Austria. For vehicles brought into Austria after June 30, 2026, the general Austrian legal regulations may apply even earlier.

Additionally, the Austrian government is currently working on possible retroactive taxation for vehicles with Ukrainian license plates that have already been used in Austria for a longer period of time.

What This Means in Practice

For many Ukrainian vehicle owners, this means several new obligations at once:

• Austrian vehicle registration

• possible NoVA tax payment

• possible customs clarification and import duties

• registration in the Austrian approval database

• Austrian vehicle insurance

• technical inspections and administrative procedures

The customs aspect will become particularly important for many vehicle owners. During the legalization process, Austrian customs authorities often need to determine whether the vehicle qualifies as household relocation property (“Übersiedlungsgut”) or whether customs duties and import taxes apply.

Unlike a standard vehicle import from another EU country — such as Germany or Italy — the legalization of a Ukrainian vehicle is often significantly more complex.

While EU vehicles already operate within harmonized European systems, Ukrainian vehicles frequently require additional document checks, technical verification, and administrative clarifications.

As a result, the process may involve:

• additional documentation,

• more administrative procedures,

• longer processing times,

• and in some cases additional technical inspections.

The situation can become even more complex if the vehicle was originally imported from the United States into Ukraine. Such vehicles may not fully comply with European homologation and registration standards.

Depending on the vehicle, additional modifications, technical certificates, or even an individual approval procedure may be required.

Ideally, the vehicle already has a COC document (Certificate of Conformity) or a valid European type approval. This can significantly simplify and speed up the registration process.

How Ukrainian Vehicles Were Previously Insured

Many vehicles remained officially registered in Ukraine and were insured through Ukrainian liability insurance using the so-called “Green Card” system. This international insurance certificate served as proof that the vehicle also had liability coverage in Austria.

In some cases, temporary border insurance policies were also used if no valid international insurance existed.

Under the new regulations, however, many vehicle owners will now require full Austrian registration together with Austrian vehicle insurance.

In the long term, lacking Austrian registration may also affect insurance coverage or claims handling in the event of an accident.

Personal Appointment at the Austrian Customs Office Required

During the vehicle legalization process, a personal clarification appointment with the Austrian customs office is often necessary.

At this appointment, authorities determine whether the vehicle qualifies as household relocation property or whether customs duties and taxes apply.

In most cases, Ukrainian vehicle owners must personally schedule and attend this appointment. A formal interview and document review may also take place.

The following documents are commonly required:

• passport or ID

• Austrian residence registration (“Meldezettel”)

• proof of relocation

• employment contract or rental agreement

• vehicle purchase contract

• registration documents

• available vehicle documents

• current vehicle valuation / Eurotax report

Depending on the individual case, customs duties, import VAT, or additional clarifications may be required.

Technical Inspection (“Pickerl”) Must Also Be Completed Personally

In many cases, the vehicle must also undergo the Austrian §57a technical inspection (“Pickerl”).

This appointment must be completed personally by the vehicle owner at an authorized inspection center or workshop, since the vehicle must physically be presented.

Typical Vehicle Legalization Process in Austria

The Process Usually Includes 6 Steps

1. Initial consultation & document review

2. Personal appointment at the customs office

3. Technical inspection (§57a / Pickerl)

4. Organization of type approval documents / vehicle data extract

5. NoVA processing & administrative procedures

6. Austrian registration & insurance

Depending on the vehicle type, available documents, and individual circumstances, the exact process may vary.

Why Early Action Is Highly Recommended

Due to the new legal changes, many Ukrainian vehicle owners are expected to officially register their vehicles in Austria.

As a result, the following may occur:

• longer waiting times,

• overloaded authorities,

• delays in registrations,

• and potential retroactive payments.

Because Ukrainian vehicle legalization is often more complex than a standard EU import, early planning and clarification are highly recommended.

Additionally, depending on the vehicle manufacturer, longer processing times may also occur at general importers or technical authorities. Especially for rare vehicle models, missing documents, or technical issues, obtaining type approval documents may take additional time.

Ignoring the new legal deadlines may lead to administrative penalties, insurance complications, or problems during official inspections.

Especially in more complex cases, early clarification is strongly recommended before deadlines expire or additional costs arise.

Acting early can therefore save time, stress, and unnecessary complications.

We Support You with the Vehicle Legalization Process in Austria

This is exactly where Autohaus Zwer GmbH can help.

We support Ukrainian vehicle owners throughout Austria with vehicle legalization, NoVA processing, and administrative procedures.

Even though certain appointments — such as customs office appointments or technical inspections — must be attended personally by the vehicle owner, we are happy to guide and support you throughout the remaining legalization process.

If you would like to register a Ukrainian vehicle in Austria or need assistance with NoVA processing, we are happy to help personally.

Our Services Include

• support with Austrian vehicle registration

• complete NoVA processing with Austrian tax authorities

• assistance with administrative procedures

• organization of Austrian type approval documents / vehicle data extracts from the general importer

• support with approval and registration questions

• assistance arranging Austrian vehicle insurance

• organizational support throughout the process

• personal consultation and support

Our goal is to ensure that your vehicle can be legally, correctly, and as stress-free as possible registered in Austria.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I have to pay NoVA for my Ukrainian vehicle in Austria?

In the future, NoVA tax may apply to Ukrainian vehicles in Austria. Whether NoVA applies — and how much — depends on the vehicle and the individual situation.

Do I personally need to visit the customs office?

In many cases, yes. Personal attendance is often required so the customs office can determine whether the vehicle qualifies as household relocation property.

Can Autohaus Zwer handle everything for me?

Certain appointments — especially customs office appointments and technical inspections — must usually be completed personally by the vehicle owner. However, we support you with the entire organizational process, NoVA handling, administrative procedures, and registration.

What happens if my vehicle was originally imported from the USA?

Additional technical inspections, modifications, or even an individual approval process may be necessary. A COC document or European type approval can be very helpful in these situations.

How long does the legalization process take?

The duration depends heavily on the vehicle, available documentation, and potential administrative clarifications. Ukrainian vehicle legalization can sometimes take longer than standard EU imports.

Can I continue driving with Ukrainian license plates in Austria?

The current special regulations are gradually ending. Many vehicles will therefore need official Austrian registration in the future.

Personal Support Instead of Complicated Bureaucracy

We help you register your Ukrainian vehicle in Austria correctly, legally, and as stress-free as possible — before deadlines, waiting times, or additional costs become a problem.

We at Autohaus Zwer GmbH personally support you throughout the entire process — honestly, transparently, and reliably.

Feel free to contact us for a non-binding consultation regarding:

• registering a Ukrainian vehicle in Austria

• Ukrainian license plates in Austria

• NoVA for Ukrainian vehicles

• vehicle legalization in Austria

• Austrian registration for Ukrainian vehicles

Autohaus Zwer GmbH
Your partner for vehicle import & vehicle legalization in Austria

HONEST. STRONG. RELIABLE.

All information is provided without guarantee. Legal regulations or official procedures are subject to change at any time. This article does not constitute legal advice.