Guide to importing and registering your vehicle in the Czech Republic

If you are thinking of moving to Prague or any other city in the Czech Republic and want to take your own car with you, this guide is for you. 

Registering a vehicle in another country can be a complex process, especially if you don't speak the language.  

We can't teach you Czech, but we can give you step-by-step instructions on how to import and register your car, motorbike or caravan in the country. 

When is it necessary to register a vehicle in the Czech Republic? 

As is generally the case in European Union countries, you must register a vehicle if you plan to drive it for more than 6 months in a calendar year in the country.  

So, whether you are thinking of moving or planning a road trip around the country, bear in mind that if you exceed 185 days, you will have to register it. 

This will allow you to drive legally and avoid fines.  

Steps to follow  

To bring the vehicle into the country, you simply need to present your personal documentation and all the vehicle documentation that you consider important. 

The customs check can be quite simple and quick, especially if you are a European resident. 

Having both your personal and vehicle documentation to hand will always speed up this step. 

If you are coming from a country outside the European Union, such as the United Kingdom, the process may be somewhat longer and more thorough. You will also likely need a type approval for your vehicle to ensure that it complies with European safety and emissions regulations. 

To register your vehicle, you will need:  

1. Have insurance for the vehicle. You will need insurance to transport and import the vehicle into the country if you are driving, and you will need to take out Czech insurance afterwards. 
2. Pass a technical inspection (STK). Make an appointment at any of the centres near your place of residence. Once you have passed, you will receive a certificate that will be essential for registering the vehicle. 
3. Make an appointment at the nearest traffic office. There you will need to present all the vehicle documentation and pay the registration fee. The price of the fee will depend on the type of vehicle. 
4. Obtain your registration plate. Once you have submitted all the documents and paid the fee, you can collect your registration plate from the same office. If you are lucky, you will receive it immediately. Otherwise, you will have to return a second time to collect your plate, presenting the receipt. 

What documents do you need? 

The documents you will need to present are:  

• Vehicle registration application. 
• Valid ID. 
• If the vehicle belongs to a company, you will need an original or certified copy of the business licence or an extract from the commercial register. 
• Technical certificate or proof of previous registration. 
• Certificate of Conformity (COC). 
• Vehicle inspection certificate. 
• Proof of vehicle registration. 
• Proof of third-party liability insurance (green card). 
• Proof of permanent or long-term residence or asylum in the Czech Republic; if you are a citizen of another EU member state, proof of temporary residence for at least 6 months in a calendar year. 
• Proof of payment of value added tax (in the case of registration within six months of the first registration or with less than 6,000 kilometres). 

How much does registration cost? 

The cost of the administrative fee will depend on the type of vehicle:  

• Vehicle with at least 4 wheels: 800 CZK (32.23 euros) 
• Trailer weighing more than 750 kg: 700 CZK (28.20 euros) 
• Trailer weighing up to 750 kg: 500 CZK (20.14 euros) 
• Motorcycles over 50 cm3: 500 CZK (€20.14) 
• Motorcycles up to 50 cm3: 300 CZK (€12.09) 

To this cost, you must add the insurance premium, the cost of the technical inspection, or the Certificate of Conformity (COC), if you need to obtain a new one. 

For vehicles from outside the European Union, customs and administrative fees may be higher. In addition, you will need to add the cost of the individual approval, if required. 

Helpful Resources: 

Registration of motor vehicles - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic  

Forms - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic 

Registration of a used vehicle from an EU country - Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic 

Road vehicle registration forms - Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic