Car import costs in Latvia 2026
When importing a car to Latvia from abroad, total additional costs can reach 25-35% of the car's price. Many buyers overlook this and face unpleasant surprises. In this guide, we'll detail all taxes and fees, provide real examples, and help calculate precise total costs.
🧮 Key import costs
Contents
All taxes and fees
When importing a used car to Latvia from another EU country, you must pay these taxes:
1. VAT (value added tax)
21% VAT is calculated on the purchase price. When buying from a private person in the EU, VAT is paid in Latvia. From a company with VAT invoice — VAT is already included.
2. Excise tax
Depends on engine displacement and CO2 emissions. Larger engine and higher emissions mean higher tax. Electric cars are exempt.
3. Registration tax
New car registration tax effective since 2024. Depends on CO2 emissions and car age.
4. CSDD registration fee
Fixed CSDD fee for car registration — approximately €65, including number plates and registration certificate.
Real examples with calculations
Let's look at two typical scenarios:
Example 1: Mid-budget car
VW Golf VII, 2017, 1.6 TDI, 120,000 km — bought in Germany from private seller
Example 2: Premium car
BMW 520d, 2019, 2.0d, 90,000 km — bought in Germany from dealer
Import process step by step
Here's how the car import process from another EU country looks:
Sign the purchase agreement, receive registration documents, and deregister the car in the export country.
Organize transport — by trailer (€200-400) or drive yourself with transit plates.
Get a technical inspection at a CSDD station. The car must be in proper condition.
Pay VAT at SRS, excise tax, and registration tax. Keep all payment confirmations.
Register the car at CSDD — submit documents, pay the fee, and get Latvian number plates.
Hidden costs and traps
Double VAT payment
When buying from an EU company with a VAT invoice, make sure the price is without VAT (net). Otherwise, you might pay VAT twice.
Repair costs after import
Many imported cars need additional investments — tires, brake discs, oil change. Budget €500-1000 as reserve.
Insurance and MTPL
MTPL policy is required before registration. Imported car MTPL can be more expensive, especially without bonus history.
Use our calculators
Calculate exact import costs with autopase.lv tools:
Summary
Key things to remember about car import costs:
Total additional costs are 25-35% of car price — always include them in budget
21% VAT is the largest cost — verify the no-VAT price is really a good deal
Excise and registration tax depend on CO2 emissions — lower emissions = lower tax
Budget €500-1000 for unexpected costs (repairs, insurance)
Use autopase.lv calculators to precisely calculate all costs before purchase
Importing a car can be a good deal, but only when all costs are properly calculated. Use autopase.lv import calculator and tax calculator.