Several documents are required to import a vehicle to Austria: purchase contract, original vehicle papers, COC certificate, insurance confirmation and Austrian approval document. Missing or incomplete documents are one of the most common reasons for delays.
At a glance
Key points
- You usually need purchase contract, original vehicle papers, COC certificate, insurance confirmation and inspection proof.
- The Austrian approval document must be arranged before registration.
- Missing documents are a common reason for delays.
- The COC certificate can be reordered from the manufacturer, but this may take several weeks.
- If a service provider handles the import, a power of attorney is required.
Which documents do I need?
Several documents are required when importing a vehicle from an EU country to Austria. Some are provided by the dealer, others must be arranged in Austria.
Document checklist for vehicle import
- Original vehicle registration certificate part II
- COC certificate
- Valid technical inspection proof
- Purchase contract or dealer invoice
- Austrian approval document or individual approval
- Insurance confirmation
- Power of attorney if using an import service
- ID card or passport
- Current residence registration confirmation
Vehicle papers
The vehicle registration certificate part II is the central ownership document. It must be handed over in original form and is required for registration in Austria.
It contains technical data, VIN, holder details and first registration.
A copy is not sufficient for the authorities.
COC certificate
The Certificate of Conformity confirms that the vehicle complies with an EU type approval. It includes technical specifications and the official CO2 value.
If the dealer does not have the COC, it can usually be reordered from the manufacturer.
The COC is also important for calculating NoVA because it shows the official CO2 value.
Technical inspection
A valid technical inspection confirms roadworthiness and operating safety.
If no valid proof is available, the inspection must be completed before registration.
Purchase contract
The purchase contract documents the transfer of ownership and is required for registration and NoVA calculation.
For dealer purchases, the invoice often replaces the purchase contract.
- Buyer and seller with address
- Make, model, year and VIN
- Purchase price, ideally net and gross
- Date, mileage and signatures
Austrian approval document and individual approval
The Austrian approval document confirms technical approval for the Austrian market.
If it is not available, individual approval may be required. This is more complex, more expensive and takes longer.
Check availability before purchase wherever possible.
Insurance confirmation
Liability insurance confirmation is required for registration in Austria.
Your insurer usually provides a confirmation that is presented at the registration office.
Power of attorney
If an import service handles official steps for you, a power of attorney is required.
Autohaus Zwer provides a prepared form for this purpose.
When are which documents needed?
Not all documents are needed at the same time. This overview shows which documents matter in each phase.
When buying the vehicle
- Purchase contract or invoice
- Original vehicle papers
- COC certificate
- Inspection proof
Before registration
- NoVA calculation and payment
- Approval document or individual approval
- Insurance confirmation
- Power of attorney if using a service
At registration
- Original vehicle papers
- Approval document or individual approval
- Insurance confirmation
- ID
- Residence confirmation
- NoVA payment confirmation