Buying a used car in Germany for export to Finland is quite easy, as changing the registration, getting traffic insurance (comprehensive insurance is arranged from Finland) and new number plates can all take place in almost adjacent offices in Germany. Importing the car into Finland is also quite straightforward with customs, tax, inspections etc.
This time I'm interested in bringing a car from Sweden. The problem in Sweden is that you have to live in Sweden to register a car there. If you live abroad and are exporting the car, then you have to apply for export registration which takes about two weeks to get. Not really helpful when all you want to do is drive that day to the ferry terminal...
Possible ways around this are:
- to put the car on a truck to the ferry (expensive!)
- ask the seller to drive it the the ferry terminal and take the number plates off there (needs a co-operative seller!)
- if a dealer use their transfer plates to drive to the ferry (not strictly legal if you already own the car...)
Plus you now have a car on the ferry which is not covered by traffic insurance.... the ferry companies usually have an extra charge as the car is now "freight".
Anyone have a solution to this other that having a trusted friend/relative in Sweden who can register in their name?
Thanks!