Whether you're an expat, company, or curious car enthusiast, navigating the Polish automotive system can feel like driving stick for the first time — jerky at first, smooth once you know the gears.
This article covers everything you need to know, including:
- How to register a car in Poland (including residence permit rules)
- Who can legally buy a car
- Insurance checks
- Shipping a car to Poland
- Company vehicle rules
- Using rental cars across borders
- UK vehicles in Poland
- Finding a car owner in Poland (legally)
🚗 How to Register a Car in Poland
If you’ve bought a new or used car in Poland (or imported one), you must register it within 30 days at the local Starostwo Powiatowe (district office).
Required documents:
- Proof of ownership (invoice or purchase agreement)
- Proof of identity (passport + residence card or PESEL)
- Proof of address (zameldowanie or lease contract)
- Valid residence permit (for non-EU foreigners)
- EKUZ or insurance policy
- Proof of technical inspection
- OC insurance (mandatory)
- Customs clearance (for imported vehicles)
- Car’s original registration documents and plates
⚠️ Important: A valid residence permit is usually required to register a car if you're a non-EU citizen. No permit = no plates.
🧍♂️ Who Can Buy a Car in Poland?
Anyone can buy a car in Poland, including:
- Polish citizens
- EU residents
- Non-EU citizens with a valid residence permit or business address
There are no nationality restrictions. But registering and insuring the car requires legal presence and documents.
✅ How to Check if a Car is Insured in Poland
Use the UFG (Ubezpieczeniowy Fundusz Gwarancyjny) website.
You’ll need:
- Car’s registration number or VIN
- Date of inquiry
The system tells you:
- Which insurance company covers the car
- Policy validity dates
- Whether the car has valid OC insurance
🚢 Shipping a Car to Poland (Importing)
If you're moving to Poland and want to bring your car, here's what you’ll need:
EU Vehicles:
- No customs duties
- Provide registration documents and proof of ownership
- Get a Polish technical inspection (if expired)
Non-EU Vehicles:
- Customs clearance at the border
- Pay VAT (23%) and possibly customs duty (10%)
- Obtain CoC (Certificate of Conformity) or perform homologation
Imported cars must be registered within 30 days of arrival.
🏢 How to Buy a Car as a Company in Poland
Company cars are common in Poland and offer tax benefits.
To buy as a business:
- Have your company registration documents (KRS/CEIDG)
- Provide NIP and REGON
- Assign an authorized representative
- Keep car expenses separate for accounting purposes
💸 You may deduct:
- 50% of VAT if used privately
- Up to 100% of VAT if used solely for business (with mileage logs)
🚙 Enterprise, Panek, or Avis: Taking a Rental Car Abroad
Yes, most major rental companies allow trips from Poland to the Czech Republic or other EU countries.
But! Before you drive across borders:
- Check your rental agreement
- Inform the rental company — they may charge a cross-border fee
- Make sure your insurance covers other countries
- Keep a green card if you travel outside the EU (e.g. to Ukraine)
🇬🇧 British Cars in Poland — Can You Use a UK Vehicle?
Yes, you can drive a British (right-hand drive) car in Poland if:
- It’s insured
- Has valid MOT/technical inspection
- You carry a UK/EU driving license
For long-term use (over 6 months), you’ll need to:
- Register the car in Poland
- Adapt headlights
- Pass Polish technical inspection
⚠️ UK cars may be hard to sell or insure due to steering layout.
🔍 Can I Find the Owner of a Car in Poland?
Not directly. Personal data is protected by GDPR and Polish privacy laws.
However:
- The police or your insurance company can access this data if there's a legal reason (accident, theft, etc.)
- Some services allow checking if a vehicle was stolen or its mileage history using VIN
There is no public database that gives you the owner's name or contact info.
Conclusion
Whether you're registering your first car, importing your dream ride, or navigating cross-border rentals, Poland’s system is manageable with the right information.
Still confused? Residence Angels can help you handle:
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance setup
- Company fleet management
- Document translation and representation
👉 Contact us today and focus on the road ahead — we’ll handle the paperwork.
