Can someone living in Finland drive a car registered in another EU country?
The 14-day rule and what happens if you keep using the car.
Short answer
The Finnish Tax Administration says a person living permanently in Finland may use a vehicle for up to 14 days in a row once a calendar year if it is registered in another EEA or EU country and has valid motor insurance. You must give a notice of tax-free use before you start using it. If you keep using the vehicle in Finland, you must give a notice of use and a car tax return, pay the car tax, take the car to a registration inspection and register it here.
Why
- The Tax Administration gives the 14-day limit once a calendar year.
- The Tax Administration requires a notice before use.
- The Tax Administration lists the steps for continued use.
Details
Moottori notes that an imported car can only be registered once the car tax is fully paid, even with a payment plan.
Tip
Make the notice in OmaVero before the first drive. The confirmation letter arrives there at once.
What may differ
Special rules apply to a company car registered abroad and used by a Finnish resident.
Common misconception
As long as the car has foreign plates, Finnish rules do not apply.
What actually happens
Residents may use it only 14 days a year without tax.
People also ask
- Can you drive a foreign-registered car in Finland as a visitor?
- What is car tax when importing a car?
- What counts as permanent residence for car tax?
Sources
- Finnish Tax Administration: Resident brings a vehicle from an EEA countryChecked at:
- Finnish Tax Administration: Extending tax-free use of a vehicle beyond 6 monthsChecked at:
- Moottori: Can you drive an imported car before paying car tax?Checked at:
- Finnish Tax Administration: Resident's company car registered abroadChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Car tax rules depend on your residence and the vehicle, so check the Finnish Tax Administration before you drive.
Transport, roads, car rentalRelated questions
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Do foreign cars need a country sticker in Finland?
The Automobile and Touring Club of Finland says a nationality sign is required on foreign cars in Finland, unless the vehicle is registered in a country that is party to the Geneva or Vienna Road Traffic Convention and carries EU number plates with the country code.
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The Automobile and Touring Club of Finland (Autoliitto) says main roads in Finland have blue direction signs with white text, while motorways have green signs with white text.
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