Trying to bring my X5 from USA to Finland

[dzimey]

Hello!

I'm relocating from United States to Finland soon and I have X5 which I intend to take with me.

I'm looking for anyone who had to go through the process of shipping and registering their vehicle in Finland.

Apparently, vehicles owned for more than 6 months can be imported tax free as part of relocation, but everyone discourages doing so anyway.

Nevertheless, I hope there's someone who did it anyway and will be willing to share some tips.

Thanks!

[Mohko]

https://tulli.fi/en/private-persons/moving/motor-vehicles-as-removal-goods#moving-to-finland-from-outside-the-eu-customs-and-fiscal-territory

There is quite a lot of information.
Should be quite straight forward process.

[Tatu6o]

Apparently, vehicles owned for more than 6 months can be imported tax free as part of relocation, but everyone discourages doing so anyway.

https://tulli.fi/en/private-persons/moving/motor-vehicles-as-removal-goods

Reading from the official customs website it states that moving to Finland from outside the EU doesn't exempt the car from taxation. I have heard of the tax free cars when moving from another country but it seems the legislation might have changed. Hopefully somebody who has In-preson experience about importing cars from the states will respond and give some insight.

[JaniLap]

As a rule, you can bring your removal goods to Finland free of customs duty and value added tax, given that your permanent place of residence has been outside the EU for a continuous period of at least 12 months, and you have owned and used your removal goods for at least six months.

You can bring your personal property (that includes motor vehicles intended for private use) to Finland free of customs duty and tax from outside the EU when all of these prerequisites are met:

-Your permanent place of residence has been outside the EU customs territory for an uninterrupted period of at least 12 months.

-You have held your personal property in your permanent place of residence outside the EU customs and tax territory for at least six months prior to your departure to Finland. In addition, durable consumer goods such as your vehicle, computer, television and furniture have in your use, or in the use of your household, for at least six months in your previous place of permanent residence. The required use of six months does not apply to consumer goods of small value.

-Your personal property is intended to be used in the same way in your permanent residence in Finland as it was used in your previous place of residence.

Exemption from customs duty and tax is granted only for removal goods that are cleared through Customs within 12 months of the removal date. In special cases, you can apply for an exception to the above-mentioned time limit of one year.

[Riaz]

Hi Jani ,
Thanks for the detailed information , does this tax exemption apply even to the 24% VAT ?

@dzimey
Hi ,
Were you able to take the car with you and how was the experience with customs and traficom for car registrations ( was there any changes recommended to be done for the car ) . I’m in a same situation and want to take my BMW X5 to Finland from USA and looking for help . Did you get any help from third party consultants or global movers who could help with shipment and customs and registration?

[JaniLap]

Hi Jani ,
Thanks for the detailed information , does this tax exemption apply even to the 24% VAT ?

It does, provided that the prerequisites mentioned afore are met.