Cost
Depends on special motor-vehicle tax, possible customs duty and VAT, conformity assessment and registration
Vehicles and transport
Vehicles and transportEditorially reviewed 02/09/2026
Bringing in or importing a vehicle from abroad
Complete conformity assessment, customs procedure when a vehicle comes from a third country, and special motor-vehicle tax before registration in Croatia.
Usual time
At least several days; depends on documents, conformity assessment and the tax procedure
Responsible institution
Carina
How would you like to apply?
Documents and steps differ depending on how you apply.
In person at a Customs Office
Submit PP-MV to the competent Customs Office; use this route also when requesting special motor-vehicle tax assessment by valuation.
Online through e-Citizens
Available to individuals for personal needs when the special motor-vehicle tax is determined exclusively under Table 1 of the Rulebook.
Required documents
Selected: 0 of 5
For both application methods
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Steps
In person at a Customs Office
- 1
Distinguish bringing in from the EU and importing from a third country
Customs and tax steps depend on the vehicle’s origin and status.
- 2
Complete conformity assessment
Obtain a conformity certificate before filing the tax return. If you do not have the original COC document, request a manufacturer certificate from its representative in Croatia.
- 3
Complete customs clearance if the vehicle comes from a third country
No customs declaration is filed for bringing in a vehicle from an EU Member State; a third-country vehicle first undergoes import customs clearance.
- 4
Submit PP-MV to the competent Customs Office
Within 15 days of bringing in or importing, submit the PP-MV return to the Customs Office competent for your residence or registered seat.
- 5
Choose Table 1 or valuation
With Table 1 you do not bring the vehicle for inspection at the Customs Office. If choosing valuation, bring it for inspection as instructed by the competent office.
- 6
Complete first registration
After all confirmations, register the vehicle at an inspection station.
Online through e-Citizens
- 1
Distinguish bringing in from the EU and importing from a third country
Customs and tax steps depend on the vehicle’s origin and status.
- 2
Complete conformity assessment
Obtain a conformity certificate before filing the tax return. If you do not have the original COC document, request a manufacturer certificate from its representative in Croatia.
- 3
Complete customs clearance if the vehicle comes from a third country
No customs declaration is filed for bringing in a vehicle from an EU Member State; a third-country vehicle first undergoes import customs clearance.
- 4
Submit the special motor-vehicle tax e-Application
In e-Citizens choose the tax-return service and attach conformity proof, invoice or contract, and the foreign registration document for a used vehicle.
- 5
Follow notifications in the User Inbox
Customs Administration delivers notifications on the return and tax decision through e-Citizens. Before registration, wait for notice that tax collection has been completed successfully.
- 6
Complete first registration
After all confirmations, register the vehicle at an inspection station.
Prices and deadlines
| Procedure | Price | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
Procedure cost The final amount depends on the applicable tariff and circumstances of the particular request. | Depends on special motor-vehicle tax, possible customs duty and VAT, conformity assessment and registration | At least several days; depends on documents, conformity assessment and the tax procedure |
Important notes
- Bringing in from the EU and importing from a third country are not the same: only import requires customs clearance.
- Submit the PP-MV tax return within 15 days of bringing in or importing.
- Before purchase, check whether the vehicle can meet conformity-assessment conditions.
Common mistakes
- Buying the vehicle without an original COC document or checking whether a manufacturer certificate can be obtained.
- Missing the 15-day deadline to declare special motor-vehicle tax.
- Confusing special motor-vehicle tax with customs duty or VAT.
Institutions
Official sources
Information was editorially reviewed on 02/09/2026. Before applying, check the latest information on official websites.
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