Importing an American Car to Austria: A Guide 2026

This guide summarizes what you are responsible for when registering your car in Austria and the indicative costs for 2026. These amounts should be confirmed with the authorities or a broker before each purchase.

How does delivery work in Austria?

• Selection in the USA. Licensed dealer in the USA, with access to thousands of cars in every state. Before any commitment, you will receive photos, available documents, and the type of title (clean, salvage, rebuilt).
• Maritime transport. From the USA to Europe, with assistance until arrival.
• Customs processed. The car is cleared through customs upon entry into the EU: customs duties are never paid a second time in Austria.
• Delivery in Austria. Delivery to your dealership or your address. You can also choose a car from our stock in Portugal.

Customs duties and VAT

Customs duties. From July 1, 2026, cars manufactured in the USA, with proven origin, enter the EU with 0 % duty (Regulation (EU) 2026/1455, in force until 12/31/2029). Classic cars 30 years old or more, in original condition and of a discontinued model, enter as collector's items (code 9705), also with 0 % duty. In both cases, nothing to pay in Austria.

VAT. For a reseller with a valid VAT number (VIES), the sale is made without Portuguese VAT, and VAT is automatically charged in Austria. For a private individual, the VAT from the Portuguese invoice or the margin scheme applies. The exact framework is specified in each proposal.

Registration tax (New)

The Normverbrauchsabgabe (NoVA) is paid upon first registration in Austria, based on the standard value excluding VAT. In 2026, for a passenger car: tax = (CO2 − 91 g) / 5 %, up to 80 %, plus a penalty of €80 per gram above 155 g/km, minus €350. For a V8 without documented CO2 emissions, the calculation requires a prior assessment.

A historic vehicle may be exempt from the Normverbrauchsabgabe (NoVA) if it is on the official list of historic vehicles, is used for a maximum of 120 days per year with a logbook, and meets the age requirements — which must be requested from the Finanzamt before registration.

Approval: Einzelgenehmigung

Without a European Certificate of Conformity (COC), the car needs individual approval (Einzelgenehmigung) at the Landesprüfstelle of the federal state: proof of first registration, invoice, technical data sheet and photographs.

Historic vehicle regime

The list of historic vehicles is managed by the Kuratorium für historische Mobilität (Registry of Historic Mobility). A historic car can be driven for up to 120 days a year and undergoes the §57a inspection every two years.

Annual tax

Annual tax (motorbezogene Versicherungssteuer), charged with insurance and calculated by kW.

Indicative costs in Austria (2026)

Heading	Indicative value
Nova (lightweight, 2026)	(CO2 − 91)/5 %, max. 80 % + malus
Nova — historic vehicle	Exemption possible, subject to conditions.
Einzelgenehmigung	Under budget
Using a history	Max. 120 days/year

Indicative prices, excluding transport and car price. Taxation changes frequently: confirm with the Austrian authorities or a customs broker.

For resellers and individuals

• Resellers. Dealer prices and terms negotiated on a case-by-case basis, with access to B2B program.
• Private individuals. We also sell directly, with the legal guarantee of conformity.
• Pre-purchase inspection. Upon request, made by an industry professional (paid service).

Do you want an American car in Austria?

Tell us the model, year, and budget: we'll search in the US or suggest a car from our stock. Contact us on WhatsApp, see the cars available or make one customized search.

Frequently asked questions

Does an American classic pay the Normverbrauchsabgabe (NoVA)? In principle, yes, for the first registration. The exemption exists for historic vehicles registered on the official list and used for a maximum of 120 days per year.

Do pickups pay Normverbrauchsabgabe (NoVA)? As of July 1, 2025, N1 vehicles not primarily designed for passengers are exempt; double-cab pickups are subject to stricter rules.

Who handles Einzelgenehmigung? The buyer, along with the Landesprüfstelle (land registration office). We provide the documentation and photos of the car.

Other destinations in Europe

Portugal · Germany · France · Belgium · Netherlands · Spain · Italy · Poland · Switzerland · Luxembourg · Ireland · Sweden · Denmark · Norway

All destinations: importing an American car to Europe

Sources: bmf.gv.at (Nova); oeamtc.at (import of oldtimers). Last checked: October 2026.

In stock or on its way

Public prices, without Portuguese registration.

1972 Chevrolet C10 Short Bed — LS 6.0 engine, 22/24-inch wheels61 500 €1966 Ford Mustang Convertible — California car, automatic convertible top.49 000 €1969 Plymouth Road Runner — Drag car, new 440 engine64 500 €1982 Chevrolet Corvette — 24,251 original miles, Cross-Fire Injection34 000 €1966 Ford Mustang — Red, V8, Carfax report37 500 €1968 Chevrolet K10 4x4 — Restored show truck, 46,000 original miles.64 500 €

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