Buying a Car in Romania: A Complete Guide for Foreign Nationals

Introduction

Romania is an increasingly attractive country in which to buy and own a car. Vehicle prices — both new and used — are generally lower than in Western Europe. The country is a full EU and Schengen member, meaning a Romanian-registered vehicle can be driven freely across the entire European Union. Insurance costs are competitive, fuel prices are moderate, and the road network is expanding with significant motorway construction underway.

For foreign nationals living in Romania — whether EU citizens, non-EU residents, expatriates, digital nomads, or business owners — understanding the process of buying, registering, insuring, and owning a vehicle is essential. The process is straightforward once you know the steps, but it involves specific documentation, inspections, and administrative procedures that differ from those in other countries. This guide covers every step, from choosing the right vehicle to driving away with Romanian licence plates.

Can Foreign Nationals Buy a Car in Romania?

• EU citizens. Yes. EU citizens can purchase and register a vehicle in Romania. If you have a Romanian residence certificate (certificat de înregistrare), you can register the car in your own name. If you do not yet have Romanian residence, you can purchase the vehicle through a Romanian company (SRL) that you own.
• Non-EU citizens with Romanian residence. Non-EU nationals who hold a valid Romanian residence permit (permis de ședere) can purchase and register a vehicle in their own name under the same conditions as Romanian citizens.
• Non-EU citizens without Romanian residence. Purchasing a vehicle is possible, but registering it in your personal name requires a Romanian residence document. The practical solution is to purchase and register the vehicle through a Romanian company (SRL). An SRL can own and register vehicles regardless of the nationality or residence status of its shareholders.
• Buying through a company. A Romanian SRL can purchase, register, insure, and operate vehicles. This is the standard approach for business owners and is also used by foreign nationals who do not yet have personal Romanian residence. Company-owned vehicles also offer potential tax advantages, including VAT recovery and expense deductibility.

Should You Buy a New or Used Car?

• New vehicles. Purchased from authorised dealerships with a full manufacturer warranty (typically two to five years). No history of previous owners, accidents, or unknown maintenance. Financing and leasing are readily available. Prices are lower than in Western Europe for most brands. The main disadvantage is depreciation — a new car loses 15 to 25 percent of its value in the first year.
• Used vehicles. Significantly lower purchase price, slower depreciation, and a wider range of options. Romania has a large used-car market, including locally owned vehicles and imports from Western Europe (Germany, Austria, Italy, Belgium, and France are the most common sources). The risks include hidden accident damage, odometer fraud, outstanding legal issues, and deferred maintenance. A thorough inspection and history check are essential.
• Practical advice. For foreign nationals planning to stay in Romania long-term, a new car from an authorised dealer offers simplicity, warranty protection, and peace of mind. For shorter stays or budget-conscious buyers, a carefully inspected used car offers excellent value — but the inspection and documentation steps described below are not optional.

Where to Buy a Car in Romania

Authorised Dealerships

Manufacturer-authorised dealerships for all major brands (Dacia/Renault, Volkswagen, Škoda, Toyota, Hyundai, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Ford, and others) operate in Bucharest and most regional cities. Dealerships offer new vehicles with full warranties, manufacturer financing, trade-in programmes, and after-sales service. Prices are transparent and non-negotiable on most models. This is the safest and most straightforward way to buy a car in Romania.

Used Car Dealers

Licensed used-car dealers are required to provide basic consumer protections and a minimum warranty on sold vehicles. Dealer quality varies significantly — established multi-brand dealers with physical showrooms and online presence are generally more reliable than small operators. Always verify the dealer’s registration, inspect the vehicle independently, and check the vehicle history before purchasing.

Private Sellers

Private sales offer the lowest prices but carry the highest risk. There is no consumer warranty on private sales. The buyer assumes responsibility for verifying the vehicle’s legal status, technical condition, ownership history, and documentation. Platforms such as Autovit.ro, OLX.ro, and Facebook Marketplace are commonly used for private listings. A private sale should always be preceded by a professional inspection and a VIN-based history check.

Imported Vehicles and Auctions

Vehicles can be imported from other EU countries or from outside the EU. Many Romanian buyers and dealers import used cars from Germany, Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands, where supply is abundant and prices can be competitive for certain models. Fleet vehicles from leasing companies are also available through auctions and specialised importers. Importing requires additional documentation and registration steps, covered in the import section below.

How to Check a Used Car Before Buying

A thorough pre-purchase check is the single most important step when buying a used car in Romania. The following checks should be performed before any payment is made:

• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) verification. Check the VIN against the vehicle’s documents. The VIN should match on the registration certificate, the Vehicle Identity Card (CIV — Cartea de Identitate a Vehiculului), the chassis plate, and the windscreen. Any discrepancy is a serious red flag.
• RAR Auto Pass. RAR (Registrul Auto Român — the Romanian Vehicle Registry) offers the Auto Pass service, which provides the vehicle’s Romanian history: technical inspections, ownership changes, and mileage readings at each ITP. This is an essential tool for verifying mileage consistency and identifying odometer rollback.
• Ownership and legal status. Confirm that the seller is the registered owner of the vehicle. Check whether the vehicle has any liens (gaj), seizures (sechestru), or outstanding legal issues. This can be verified through RAR and by requesting a certificate from the DGPCI.
• Accident history. Request the vehicle’s accident history. In Romania, there is no single comprehensive accident database comparable to Carfax, but insurers’ records, body-shop invoices, and a physical inspection by a qualified mechanic can reveal previous damage. Uneven panel gaps, paint thickness variations (measurable with a paint thickness gauge), and misaligned body panels are indicators of previous collision repair.
• Service history. Request the full service book or electronic service records. Regular servicing at authorised or reputable independent workshops indicates that the vehicle has been properly maintained. Gaps in service history are a warning sign.
• Independent mechanical inspection. Before committing to any used-car purchase, have the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic or a recognised vehicle inspection service. The cost (typically RON 200 to 500) is negligible compared to the risk of buying a vehicle with hidden mechanical or structural problems.

Documents Required to Purchase a Car

• From the seller. The original Vehicle Identity Card (CIV — Cartea de Identitate a Vehiculului), the registration certificate (certificat de înmatriculare), the seller’s ID or company documents, and a signed purchase agreement (contract de vânzare-cumpărare). For company-owned vehicles: a shareholder/director resolution authorising the sale and the company’s registration documents.
• From the buyer. Valid passport or Romanian ID, Romanian residence certificate or residence permit (for personal registration), or company registration documents (CUI, articles of association) for company purchases. A fiscal registration certificate (certificat de atestare fiscală) from the seller’s local tax authority confirming that all local taxes on the vehicle are paid.
• Purchase agreement. The sale contract must be in writing. For vehicles, the contract is typically authenticated by a notary or prepared using a standard form. The contract should specify the vehicle details (make, model, VIN, year, mileage), the sale price, the condition of the vehicle, and the transfer of ownership.

How to Register a Car in Romania

Vehicle registration in Romania is handled by DGPCI (the Directorate General for Driving Licences and Vehicle Registration), which operates through local offices (known as SPCRPCÎV) in each county. The process for a domestically purchased vehicle is as follows:

• Step 1: Purchase agreement. Sign the vehicle purchase contract with the seller. Both parties should retain signed copies.
• Step 2: Fiscal certificate. Obtain a fiscal certificate (certificat de atestare fiscală) from the seller’s local tax authority, confirming that all local vehicle taxes have been paid. This certificate is required before the ownership transfer can be processed.
• Step 3: ITP (Inspecția Tehnică Periodică). If the vehicle’s technical inspection has expired or is close to expiry, a new ITP must be performed at an authorised inspection station. The ITP verifies the vehicle’s roadworthiness — brakes, lights, emissions, suspension, steering, and overall structural condition. The vehicle must pass ITP before it can be registered.
• Step 4: RCA insurance. Purchase mandatory RCA (Răspundere Civilă Auto) third-party liability insurance. The vehicle cannot be registered without valid RCA. Insurance can be purchased online or through insurance brokers and agents.
• Step 5: Local vehicle tax. Pay the local vehicle tax (impozit pe mijlocul de transport) at the tax authority of the buyer’s domicile or the company’s registered office. The tax is calculated based on engine capacity and is paid annually.
• Step 6: Submit to DGPCI. Submit the complete documentation package to the local DGPCI office: purchase contract, CIV, previous registration certificate, fiscal certificate, valid ITP, RCA insurance policy, proof of local tax payment, and the buyer’s identity/residence documents (or company documents for company registration). Pay the registration fees (certificate fee, licence plate fees).
• Step 7: Receive registration certificate and plates. DGPCI issues a new registration certificate (certificat de înmatriculare) and, for newly registered vehicles, licence plates. Processing typically takes one to three working days, though same-day processing is sometimes available.

Registration Requirements for Imported Vehicles

Vehicles Imported from Another EU Country

Importing a vehicle from another EU member state is a common practice in Romania. There are no customs duties on intra-EU vehicle transfers, but the following steps are required:

• Certificate of Conformity (CoC). A CoC confirms that the vehicle meets EU type-approval standards. For most vehicles sold within the EU, the CoC is available from the manufacturer or dealer. If a CoC is not available, RAR may require individual vehicle approval (omologare individuală), which is more time-consuming and expensive.
• Deregistration in the country of origin. The vehicle should be deregistered (or export plates obtained) in the country from which it is being imported.
• RAR inspection. RAR performs an identity and technical verification of the imported vehicle. The vehicle is checked against its documents, and the VIN is verified. RAR issues the CIV (Vehicle Identity Card) for the vehicle, which is required for Romanian registration.
• Certified translation. Foreign-language registration documents and the CoC may need to be translated into Romanian by an authorised translator.
• ITP. The vehicle must pass the Romanian ITP inspection.
• DGPCI registration. The standard registration process follows, as described above.

Vehicles Imported from Outside the EU

Vehicles imported from non-EU countries are subject to customs duties (typically 6.5% for passenger cars) and import VAT (19%) on the customs value plus duties. The vehicle must be cleared through Romanian customs, and a customs declaration must be filed. RAR homologation (individual type approval) is required if the vehicle does not have EU type approval. The process is longer and more expensive than intra-EU imports.

Taxes and Fees When Buying a Car

• Registration certificate fee. A fixed fee payable to DGPCI for issuing the registration certificate. The fee is modest (typically RON 60 to 120 depending on the service).
• Licence plate fees. Payable when new plates are issued (new registrations or replacement plates). The cost is modest.
• Local vehicle tax (impozit pe mijlocul de transport). An annual tax calculated based on the vehicle’s engine capacity (cubic centimetres). The tax is paid to the local tax authority where the owner is domiciled (or the company is registered). Rates vary by local authority but are generally modest — typically RON 50 to 300 per year for standard passenger cars, higher for large-engine or luxury vehicles.
• VAT. New vehicles purchased from a dealer include 19% VAT. Used vehicles purchased from private individuals are not subject to VAT. Vehicles purchased from a VAT-registered dealer (including used vehicles) include VAT in the sale price. For imported vehicles from outside the EU, import VAT of 19% is payable at customs.
• Customs duties. Only applicable to vehicles imported from outside the EU. The standard rate for passenger cars is 6.5% on the customs value.

Car Insurance Requirements in Romania

• RCA (Răspundere Civilă Auto) — mandatory. Third-party liability insurance is legally required for every registered vehicle. RCA covers damage caused to third parties (other vehicles, property, and persons) in the event of an accident. Driving without valid RCA is a serious offence carrying fines and vehicle impoundment. RCA policies are available for six months or twelve months and can be purchased online through comparison platforms or directly from insurers. Premiums vary based on the vehicle, the driver’s history, and the insurer — typically ranging from RON 500 to RON 2,000 per year for standard passenger cars.
• CASCO — optional. Comprehensive insurance covering damage to the insured vehicle from accidents, theft, fire, natural events, and vandalism. CASCO is optional but strongly recommended for newer or higher-value vehicles. Premiums are significantly higher than RCA and depend on the vehicle’s value, age, and the selected coverage level.
• Green Card. Romanian RCA policies include Green Card coverage, which extends third-party liability insurance to countries within the Green Card system. This means a Romanian-registered vehicle with valid RCA can be driven in all EU countries and most other European countries without additional insurance.

Financing a Car in Romania

• Cash purchase. The simplest option. No financing costs, no monthly payments, and the buyer owns the vehicle outright from the start.
• Bank loan. Romanian banks offer auto loans to individuals and companies. Loan terms typically range from one to seven years. Interest rates vary by bank, loan amount, and the borrower’s profile. Foreign nationals with Romanian residence and a Romanian income or credit history can qualify. Documentation requirements include ID, proof of income, and proof of address.
• Leasing. Financial leasing (leasing financiar) is widely used in Romania, particularly for company vehicles. The leasing company purchases the vehicle and the lessee makes monthly payments over the contract period (typically three to five years), after which the vehicle transfers to the lessee. Leasing is available from banks and specialised leasing companies. VAT-registered companies can recover the VAT on leasing payments. Operational leasing (without transfer of ownership) is also available.
• Financing for foreign nationals. Banks and leasing companies generally require Romanian residence, a Romanian bank account, and proof of income in Romania. Foreign nationals without Romanian residence or income history may find it easier to purchase the vehicle through a Romanian company or to arrange financing in their home country.

Buying a Car Through a Romanian Company

Purchasing a vehicle through a Romanian SRL is common practice for business owners and is the standard approach for foreign nationals who do not have personal Romanian residence.

• VAT recovery. A VAT-registered SRL can recover the input VAT (19%) on the purchase price of a company vehicle. For a €20,000 vehicle, this represents a recovery of approximately €3,800 — a significant financial advantage. However, VAT recovery is limited to 50% if the vehicle is also used for personal purposes, unless the company can demonstrate exclusive business use.
• Expense deductibility. Fuel, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation on company vehicles are deductible business expenses, reducing the company’s taxable profit or (for micro-enterprises) having no additional tax impact beyond the 1% revenue tax.
• Depreciation. Company vehicles are depreciated over their useful life (typically four to six years for cars). The depreciation charge reduces taxable profit for companies on the standard 16% corporate income tax regime.
• Registration. The vehicle is registered in the company’s name at the DGPCI office in the county where the company has its registered office. The process is the same as for personal registration, but using the company’s CUI and registration documents instead of personal ID.

Common Mistakes Foreign Buyers Make

• Not checking vehicle history. Buying a used car without a RAR Auto Pass check, VIN verification, and ownership/lien search is the most common and most costly mistake. Hidden problems — rolled-back odometers, undisclosed accidents, outstanding liens — can make the vehicle worth a fraction of the purchase price.
• Skipping the independent inspection. A visual inspection by the buyer is not sufficient. A qualified mechanic with diagnostic equipment can identify problems that are invisible to the untrained eye — engine issues, transmission wear, suspension damage, and structural corrosion.
• Ignoring unpaid taxes or legal issues. If the seller has unpaid local vehicle taxes, the ownership transfer will be blocked until the taxes are cleared. The fiscal certificate step exists precisely to prevent this, but buyers who skip or rush through this step can find themselves unable to register the vehicle.
• Underestimating registration costs and time. The registration process involves multiple steps (fiscal certificate, ITP, RCA, local tax, DGPCI submission) at different locations. First-time foreign buyers should budget a full day for the process and prepare all documentation in advance.
• Not arranging insurance before registration. RCA insurance must be in place before the vehicle can be registered. Purchasing insurance at the last minute can result in higher premiums or delays.
• Purchasing imported vehicles without proper documentation. A vehicle imported from another EU country without a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) will require individual RAR homologation — a process that is significantly more expensive and time-consuming. Verify the availability of the CoC before purchasing an imported vehicle.

Practical Checklist Before Buying a Car

• 1. Verify the seller. Confirm the seller’s identity and ownership of the vehicle. For dealers: check business registration. For private sellers: match ID to registration documents.
• 2. Check the VIN. Cross-reference VIN on chassis, windscreen, CIV, and registration certificate. Any mismatch: walk away.
• 3. Run a RAR Auto Pass. Verify mileage history, ITP records, and ownership changes.
• 4. Inspect the vehicle. Engage an independent mechanic or inspection service. Non-negotiable for used vehicles.
• 5. Review all documents. CIV, registration certificate, service book, and (for imports) CoC and deregistration documents.
• 6. Obtain the fiscal certificate. From the seller’s local tax authority. Required before ownership transfer.
• 7. Arrange RCA insurance. Required before registration. Compare quotes online.
• 8. Pay local vehicle tax. At the buyer’s local tax authority.
• 9. Complete ITP. If expired or due. The vehicle must pass before registration.
• 10. Submit to DGPCI. With all documents, pay registration fees, and collect registration certificate and plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Buying a car in Romania as a foreign national is entirely feasible and, when done correctly, straightforward. The key is preparation: verify the vehicle’s history and legal status, arrange the right documentation, complete the inspection and insurance requirements, and follow the registration process step by step. For foreign nationals without Romanian residence, purchasing through a Romanian SRL is the standard and most practical approach, with the added benefit of potential VAT recovery and expense deductibility.

Whether you are buying a new car from a dealership, a used vehicle from a private seller, or importing a car from another EU country, the process involves specific Romanian procedures that differ from those in other jurisdictions. Professional assistance — particularly for first-time buyers and for imported vehicles — saves time, prevents mistakes, and ensures that the vehicle is legally and properly registered from day one.

Methodology and data note

Registration fees, tax rates, insurance costs, and procedural details in this guide reflect Romanian legislation and market conditions as of mid-2026. Romania revises administrative procedures and fee structures periodically. Verify anything decision-critical with the relevant authority (DGPCI, RAR, ANAF, or your insurer) before acting. Exchange-rate conversions use the approximate rate of 1 euro ≈ 5 Romanian lei. This material is for information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.