Car Shipping to Sweden
2026 Guide
Car shipping to Sweden is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to Sweden, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Swedish and EU regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to Sweden
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to Sweden – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to Sweden — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to Sweden – Key Takeaways
Transit time: 4–6 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
Customs duty: 10% (also CIF-based)
Cost: $1,700–$7,000+ (ocean), $15,000+ (air)
Main ports: Gothenburg, Malmö, Stockholm (Värtahamnen)rg
VAT: 25%, calculated on the customs value using the CIF method (purchase price + shipping + insurance + customs duty)
Required inspection: Swedish registration inspection and verification of origin; registration with the Swedish Transportation Agency (Transportstyrelsen)
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to Sweden
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in Sweden
Our local broker handles all Swedish customs paperwork, the 10% customs duty and 25% VAT.
Delivered & Registered in Sweden
Your vehicle passes the registration inspection before registration with the Swedish Transportation Agency and release.
Sweden Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to Sweden starts around USD $1,700, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. Gothenburg, Malmö and Stockholm (Värtahamnen) are the principal Swedish ports of entry, with additional service available across the country. The estimated transit time is approximately 21 days, but this can vary depending on routing and method.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US East Coast → Gothenburg | $1,700 | $2,700 | $3,700 | |
US West Coast → Gothenburg | $2,000 | $3,500 | $6,000 |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
Sweden Destination Ports
LogisticsHere are the entry ports in Sweden that we can ship a car to.
Ports Served in Sweden
Gothenburg
Malmö
Stockholm (Värtahamnen)
Karlshamn
Karlskrona
Lödöse
Oskarshamn
Smygehuk
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the Sweden government. Some of these fees could include:
Sweden Import and Registration Fees
Customs duty (10%, CIF basis)
VAT (25%, CIF basis including duty)
Swedish Vehicle Tax (fordonsskatt), assessed after registration
Verification of origin, registration inspection and technical identity verification fees
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
Vehicle modification costs (if non-conforming)
Compulsory traffic insurance (trafikförsäkring)
Registration fee
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. When importing from outside the EU, you can generally expect a 10% customs duty and 25% VAT, both calculated on the CIF value of the vehicle (purchase price + shipping + insurance + duty, where applicable). The Swedish Vehicle Tax (fordonsskatt) is assessed separately by the Swedish Transportation Agency after registration is activated.
Sweden Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 10% VAT plus excise — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Transfer of Residence (Removal Goods) | People moving to Sweden may qualify for duty-free import of personal belongings, including vehicles, under certain conditions. Typical requirements include owning and using the vehicle before moving, and importing it as part of household goods within the relevant time window. |
Returning EU Citizens | EU citizens (including returning Swedish citizens) who have lived outside the EU and meet the standard prior-ownership requirements may be able to import a personal vehicle free of customs duty and VAT under the Transfer of Residence rules. |
Classic / Vintage Vehicles |
Classic vehicles may qualify for reduced rates or special inspection treatment. Eligibility should be confirmed with Swedish Customs (Tullverket) and the Swedish Transportation Agency before shipping. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in Sweden.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to Sweden, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to Sweden.
- Your vehicle must comply with Swedish and EU safety and emissions standards.
- You’ll need to submit a verification-of-origin application together with a signed application, registration certificate, proof of customs clearance, and a sales document or receipt.
- You must arrange Swedish traffic insurance (trafikförsäkring) — temporary insurance issued in the US can be acceptable at the start of the process, but you’ll need a Swedish policy to register.
- New and used vehicles may have different requirements for inspection and registration.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to Sweden:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or Swedish authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in Sweden, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Customs declaration to Swedish Customs (Tullverket)
Declaration of Use to Customs
Vehicle Tax Declaration
Verification of origin application (signed)
with registration certificate, proof of customs clearance, and sales document/receipt
Registration inspection certificate
Technical identity verification
Proof of Swedish traffic insurance (trafikförsäkring)
Identification (passport or other ID)
Vehicle Registration in Sweden (Swedish Transportation Agency)
RegistrationAll vehicles shipped to Sweden must be registered with the Swedish Transportation Agency (Transportstyrelsen) before they can be legally driven on public roads. The standard sequence is: clear customs and pay duty and VAT → submit the verification of origin application → arrange Swedish traffic insurance → undergo registration inspection and technical identity verification → receive temporary registration → receive registration certificate and plates at your permanent Swedish address → activate registration with the Swedish Transportation Agency and pay the Swedish Vehicle Tax.
During temporary registration, the use of the vehicle is restricted. Once your registration certificate and plates arrive, you can activate registration with the Swedish Transportation Agency and receive the Vehicle Tax (fordonsskatt) payment information.
If your vehicle requires modifications to meet Swedish and EU standards, such as lighting or emissions compliance, these will need to be handled before the registration inspection. Our agent can assist you with finding a homologation specialist mechanic where needed.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in Sweden, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
Start the Process of Shipping Your
Car Overseas Now!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
Sweden Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to Sweden.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in Sweden?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Electric vehicles
- Personal vehicles imported under the Transfer of Residence rules (often tax-exempt)
For standard vehicles, the combination of 10% customs duty, 25% VAT and the Swedish Vehicle Tax can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
What is the verification-of-origin application?
Verification of origin is the Swedish process for confirming that an imported vehicle has been properly cleared through customs and has a documented chain of ownership. It’s submitted with the signed application form, registration certificate, proof of customs clearance, and a sales document or receipt. There is an application fee for verification of origin, registration inspection and technical identity verification.
What is the Swedish Vehicle Tax (fordonsskatt)?
Fordonsskatt is Sweden’s annual vehicle tax, assessed by the Swedish Transportation Agency once your registration is activated. The exact amount depends on the vehicle’s CO₂ emissions, weight and other factors, with cleaner and lighter vehicles generally attracting lower rates.
Can I drive on temporary registration while waiting for plates?
Yes, but only with restrictions. Temporary registration limits how and where you can use the vehicle. Once your plates and registration certificate arrive at your Swedish address, you can activate full registration and use the vehicle normally.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.