Buying a car in Poland

Buying a car in Poland is becoming increasingly popular among foreigners due to the wide selection of cars, affordable prices and a clear procedure for registration. In this article, we will look at the main stages of buying and registering a car in Poland, including choosing a car, checking documents, concluding a contract, registering, paying taxes and insurance.

Choosing a car

Before buying a car, it is important to determine the key characteristics:

• Type of car: car, family car, truck or SUV.
• Budget: determine how much you are willing to spend, including the cost of the car, insurance, taxes, and registration.
• Market: You can buy a car on the secondary market (through private individuals or car dealerships) or buy a new one from an authorized dealer.

Popular car search platforms:

• Otomoto
• Gratka
• OLX

Checking the car

Before making a deal, be sure to check the condition of the car:

• Technical inspection: visit an independent diagnostic station (Stacja Kontroli Pojazdów) to get accurate information about the technical condition of the car.
• Vehicle history: check the VIN number on platforms such as HistoriaPojazdu.gov.pl or CarVertical. This allows you to find out about possible accidents, mileage and the legality of the car.

Concluding the deal

After choosing a car, you need to sign a purchase agreement. There are two main options:

• Private transaction: a contract is concluded between the buyer and the seller. The document must include:
  • Full details of the parties (name, address, passport/PESEL number).
  • Description of the car (model, year of manufacture, VIN, mileage).
  • The amount of the transaction.
• Buying through a car dealership: the car dealership usually provides standardized contracts and guarantees.

Important: Make sure that the seller has handed you all the documents, including the Karta Pojazdu(depending on the year of manufacture, it may or may not be available), the registration certificate (Dowód Rejestracyjny), the proof of inspection (Przegląd Techniczny), and the current OC insurance.

Car registration

To register a car in Poland, you need to contact the communication department (Wydział Komunikacji) in your city. List of required documents:

• Purchase agreement or invoice.
• Preliminary certificate of registration (Dowód Rejestracyjny).
• A Pojazd card, i.e. a “Vehicle Card” (Karta Pojazdu) – if available.
• Valid OC insurance.
• Application for registration (can be filled in at the department).
• Payment of fees (about 180-250 PLN depending on the license plate).

The procedure takes from several hours to several days. You will receive a temporary license plate (Tablice Tymczasowe), and permanent license plates are made within 2-4 weeks.

Payment of taxes

• PCC-3: If the car is bought from a private person, you need to pay the tax on civil law transactions (Podatek od Czynności Cywilnoprawnych). It amounts to 2% of the transaction amount and is submitted to the tax office (Urząd Skarbowy) within 14 days.
• If the car is bought from a company, the tax is included in the price.

Insurance

OC (third-party liability) insurance is mandatory in Poland. You can take out a policy with any insurance company:

• Popular insurance companies: PZU, Warta, Allianz, Generali.
• The price depends on the driver’s age, length of service, and car specifications.

You can additionally take out:

• AC (motor hull insurance) – coverage for your own losses.
• Assistance – roadside assistance.

Exporting a car outside of Poland

If you plan to take the car to your country of origin (citizenship):

1. Get temporary license plates and transit insurance.
2. Pay customs duties when crossing the border.
3. Complete the registration procedure in your home country.

Useful tips:

• Negotiate the price, especially on the secondary market.
• Avoid hasty purchases: always check the car before buying.
• Be careful with the documents: even a small mistake can complicate the registration.

Buying a car in Poland is a convenient and transparent procedure if you follow all the rules. Plan your actions in advance, and you will be able to enjoy the trouble-free operation of your new car.