Moving to Denmark permanently? You could save thousands of euros by importing your personal vehicle completely tax-free under Denmark's "removal goods" program. This comprehensive guide explains how qualifying residents can bring their vehicles to Denmark without paying VAT or customs duties—potentially saving €6,000-€10,000+ per vehicle. Whether you're relocating for work, family reunification, or lifestyle reasons, understanding Denmark's vehicle import regulations and documentation requirements can make the difference between a costly import and a tax-free relocation. Learn the step-by-step process, required paperwork, and insider tips for successfully importing your vehicle as removal goods to Denmark.
Ready to start your Danish relocation? Get expert guidance and a personalized quote for your vehicle shipping needs:
International Car Shipping for Relocation
Who Qualifies for Duty-Free Vehicle Import to Denmark?
Key Benefits of Denmark's Removal Goods Program
Complete Cost Analysis for Vehicle Shipping to Denmark
Essential Documentation Requirements
Step-by-Step Vehicle Import Process
Driving on US Plates and Danish Registration
Understanding Danish Motor Vehicle Tax
Danish Customs Clearance Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose West Coast Shipping for Your Danish Relocation
Denmark's customs authority allows qualifying residents to import personal vehicles completely free of VAT and customs duties under specific "removal goods" conditions. This program is designed for genuine permanent relocations, not temporary moves or commercial imports. To qualify for this significant tax advantage, you must meet ALL of the following requirements:
| Requirement | Specific Details |
|---|---|
| Previous Residence Outside Denmark | Your center of life must have been outside Denmark for at least 12 continuous months |
| Vehicle Ownership Duration | The vehicle must be registered in your name for minimum 6 consecutive months before relocating |
| Danish Residency Establishment | You must establish residence in Denmark BEFORE your vehicle arrives |
| Personal Use Only | Vehicle must be for personal, not commercial use |
| Permanent Relocation | You must be permanently moving to Denmark (students and temporary residents are excluded) |
Meeting these criteria allows Danish customs to treat your vehicle as personal household goods, completely waiving VAT and customs duties that could otherwise add substantial costs to your relocation.
Denmark imposes 25% VAT plus customs duties on vehicle imports—potentially adding €8,000-€12,000+ to a $40,000 vehicle. The removal goods program eliminates these charges entirely, making vehicle shipping far more economical than purchasing a replacement in Denmark where car prices are significantly higher than US prices due to heavy taxation.
Your vehicle processes through Danish customs alongside your household goods as a unified relocation shipment, reducing paperwork complexity, processing fees, and clearance time compared to commercial vehicle imports. This integration ensures consistent handling by customs agents familiar with relocation procedures.
Unlike some countries with strict deadlines, Denmark allows reasonable time to complete vehicle registration after import. You can drive on valid US plates temporarily while completing the Danish registration process, providing flexibility for your transition.
You can pack personal items inside your vehicle during shipping (with proper documentation), maximizing the value of your container space and reducing overall relocation costs. This is particularly valuable for valuable or sentimental items that require secure transport.
Understanding the full cost structure helps you budget accurately and appreciate the substantial value of duty-free import qualification:
| Cost Component | Price Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Freight (East Coast → Copenhagen) | $1,600 – $2,400 | Container shipping method |
| Ocean Freight (West Coast → Copenhagen) | $2,300 – $3,100 | Longer transit route |
| Inland Transport (US pickup) | $400 – $1,200 | Distance to departure port |
| Danish Destination Charges | €500 – €800 | Port handling and processing |
| Temporary Danish Insurance | €250 – €400 | Required for driving on US plates |
| Danish Registration Fees | €300 – €600 | SKAT fees and documentation |
| Motor Vehicle Tax | €400 – €1,200 | If US registration still valid |
Critical Savings: When importing as removal goods, you pay ZERO VAT or customs duties. Without this exemption, you'd face an additional 25% VAT plus customs duties—potentially adding €6,000-€10,000+ to your total costs depending on vehicle value and specifications.
Want detailed pricing for your specific vehicle and situation? Our Danish relocation specialists provide comprehensive, transparent quotes:
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Proper documentation is absolutely critical for duty-free import approval. Missing, incomplete, or incorrect paperwork will result in paying full VAT and customs duties. Prepare both digital copies and certified translations for each required document:
Passport Copy - Photo page with current visa/residence status and Danish entry stamps
Danish Address Registration - Official residence registration with Danish authorities
Proof of Previous US Residence - Comprehensive documentation showing your time in the US including:
Employment contracts
Bank statements
Utility bills
Lease agreements
US vehicle registrations covering 12+ months
Vehicle Title or Bill of Sale - Must show 6+ months ownership in your name
US Vehicle Registration History - Last two registrations covering minimum 6 months
Current Vehicle Value - Professional appraisal or Kelley Blue Book documentation
Vehicle Packing List - Detailed inventory if transporting personal items in the vehicle
Residence Establishment Proof: Documentation showing you established Danish residence before vehicle arrival is essential. This includes rental agreements, property purchases, or official registration with Danish authorities.
Registration Surrender: If you cancel US registration before shipping, provide official surrender documentation to Danish customs. This affects motor vehicle tax requirements upon arrival.
Student Exclusion: Students cannot use this duty-free import program regardless of meeting other qualifications. The program is specifically designed for permanent relocations only.
Translation Requirements: All documents must be professionally translated into Danish by certified translators, adding to the timeline and cost considerations.
Establish Danish Residency
Secure housing and obtain Danish address
Register with local Danish authorities immediately upon arrival
Obtain official residence documentation for customs
Ensure residency is established before vehicle shipping
Documentation Assembly
Gather all required personal and vehicle documents
Arrange certified Danish translations for all paperwork
Obtain current vehicle valuation documentation
Research Danish vehicle registration requirements
Professional Shipping Arrangements
Request quotes from experienced Denmark shipping specialists
Choose optimal container shipping method and departure port
Schedule vehicle pickup and US export processing
Arrange comprehensive transit insurance coverage
Export Preparation
Complete US vehicle export documentation
Coordinate timing with Danish relocation schedule
Prepare vehicle for shipping (cleaning, fuel level, personal items)
Vehicle Collection and Export
Professional pickup from your US location
Secure transport to departure port (East or West Coast)
Container loading with complete photographic documentation
US customs export filing and clearance
Ocean Transportation
Real-time tracking throughout voyage
Transit time: 12-16 days (East Coast), 18-24 days (West Coast)
Arrival notifications and Danish customs preparation
Duty-Free Customs Processing
Local agent submits removal goods declaration to Danish customs
Documentation review and verification process
Zero VAT/duties assessment (if qualified)
Vehicle release authorization and port coordination
Vehicle Collection and Insurance
Vehicle condition inspection upon release
Arrangement of temporary Danish insurance
Delivery to your Danish address or port pickup
Initial preparation for Danish vehicle registration
If your US vehicle registration remains valid when your car arrives in Denmark, you can drive immediately on American license plates. However, you'll need to purchase Danish-approved insurance coverage since US policies don't extend to Danish roads. Danish law requires immediate insurance coverage for any vehicle driven on Danish roads.
The timing of Danish motor vehicle tax payment depends on your US registration status:
If US Registration Is Still Valid:
You must pay Danish Motor Vehicle Tax immediately upon import
This allows legal driving on US plates until registration expires
Tax amount varies by vehicle weight, fuel type, and environmental impact
If US Registration Is Cancelled/Expired:
Standard annual tax applies after Danish registration
Payment follows normal Danish tax calendar
When ready to register your vehicle in Denmark, you'll need to complete:
Technical inspection at an approved Danish testing facility
Emissions compliance verification for EU environmental standards
Documentation translation of all vehicle paperwork into Danish
Danish license plates and registration certificate from SKAT
Permanent Danish insurance policy establishment
Denmark requires annual motor vehicle tax (registreringsafgift) payment, with specific implications for imported vehicles depending on registration status.
Danish motor vehicle tax is calculated based on:
Vehicle value (significant component of tax calculation)
Environmental impact (CO2 emissions and fuel efficiency)
Vehicle weight and size categories
Fuel type (gasoline, diesel, electric, hybrid)
Scenario 1: Valid US Registration Upon Arrival
Immediate payment of Danish motor vehicle tax upon import
Allows continued driving on US plates until expiration
Tax collector: Danish customs during import process
Scenario 2: Cancelled US Registration
Standard registration process with tax payment
No immediate large tax payment required
Registration completed through normal Danish procedures
Electric vehicles: Significantly reduced motor vehicle tax rates
Hybrid vehicles: Reduced tax rates based on environmental impact
Environmental incentives: Denmark offers substantial tax benefits for clean vehicles
Danish customs requires a formal removal goods declaration that includes:
Complete inventory of all personal belongings being imported
Vehicle specifications and valuation documentation
Proof of residence both previous (US) and current (Denmark)
Ownership verification for all items including the vehicle
Physical inspection may be required for vehicles and contents
Documentation verification by Danish customs officers
Tax assessment (waived if removal goods status approved)
Release authorization once all requirements are met
Incomplete documentation leading to delays or tax liability
Insufficient residence proof disqualifying removal goods status
Commercial use suspicion if vehicle appears to be for business
Value disputes regarding vehicle assessment
Q: Can I pack personal belongings in my vehicle during shipping?
A: Yes, but you must provide a detailed, itemized packing list for Danish customs. All items become part of your removal goods declaration and may be subject to inspection.
Q: What if my vehicle is financed through a US lender?
A: You'll need written authorization from your lender permitting international export and temporary residence change. This documentation must be included in your customs paperwork.
Q: I've only owned my car for 4 months—can I still qualify for duty-free import?
A: No. Danish customs requires documented ownership for a minimum of 6 consecutive months. Without meeting this requirement, you'll pay full VAT and customs duties.
Q: How much advance notice should I give for shipping arrangements?
A: Begin the process 8-10 weeks before your planned relocation. This allows adequate time for documentation gathering, translation, Danish residence establishment, and shipping coordination.
Q: What happens if I haven't established Danish residence before my vehicle arrives?
A: Your vehicle will not qualify for removal goods status and will be subject to full VAT and customs duties, potentially adding thousands of euros to your costs.
Q: Can I import multiple vehicles under the removal goods program?
A: Yes, the program allows multiple personal vehicles as long as all qualify under the ownership and usage requirements for personal, non-commercial use.
Since 2007, we've successfully coordinated thousands of vehicle relocations to Denmark with a 99.3% duty-free clearance success rate for qualified moves. Our Danish customs specialists understand the intricate documentation requirements and maintain direct relationships with local agents for seamless processing.
Dedicated relocation coordinators managing your entire shipping timeline from start to finish
Denmark customs specialists verifying all documentation before departure to prevent issues
Transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees, surprise charges, or last-minute additions
Real-time tracking and communication throughout the entire shipping and customs process
Danish partner network ensuring professional, reliable destination handling
Climate-controlled storage facilities at both departure and arrival ports
Comprehensive insurance coverage protecting your vehicle throughout transit
Professional container loading with detailed photographic documentation
24/7 customer support providing peace of mind throughout your international relocation
Ready to begin your Denmark vehicle relocation with complete confidence? Our specialists handle every detail to ensure maximum savings and seamless service:
Start Your Danish Vehicle Import Process
Duty-free import can save €6,000-€10,000+ compared to paying Danish VAT and customs duties
12 months previous residence outside Denmark and 6 months minimum vehicle ownership are mandatory requirements
Danish residency must be established BEFORE vehicle arrival to qualify for removal goods status
Students and temporary residents are excluded from the duty-free import program
Complete, translated documentation is essential—missing paperwork results in full tax liability
US license plates work temporarily if registration remains valid, with required Danish insurance coverage
Professional customs expertise significantly increases duty-free approval success rates
Motor vehicle tax payment required regardless of removal goods status, with timing dependent on US registration status
Ready to relocate your vehicle to Denmark without paying excessive taxes? Our Denmark relocation specialists ensure proper documentation, seamless shipping, and maximum savings on your international move.