Job Discussion Forums

royce · Joined: 25 Jan 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Konin, Poland

I have seen a bit of discussion about buying cars in Poland on this forum. Unfortunately, most of it seems to be bad news. I can't seem to get a solid answer on my question though:

If I have a residence card, no work visa (yet-the company is working on it) and want to buy, register, and insure a a car in Poland, can I expect to have trouble, specifically with not having the work permit?

I think I will just buy a new car from a dealer in order to gain their experience with expats and avoid paperwork hassles with private parties and small lots. However, I am still not confident that I can get through all three steps of the process without my lack of a work permit coming up. Does anyone have any experience with this situation?

Thanks,
Royce Stricklan
www.stricklanrtw.blogspot.com

Grrrmachine · Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Posts: 265 Location: Warsaw, Poland

I wouldn't have thought that a work permit would get in the way of buying a car - it's more of the registration process. I wrote earlier that you needa PESEL, and have heard from others that you don't. What you DO need is a registered address for the vehicle - from what I last heard, the car has to be registered at the owner's local "ratusz" within six months of purchase, to have the license plates changed, so you need a registered address for that.
You also have to pay a 2% "contract tax" at your local "urząd skarbowy" (tax office) and present that document to the ratusz for processing. As far as insurance goes - if you have a license and some ID (passport?) you're good to go.

Anyone got any info on SELLING a car? Ive had mine for three months and havent re-registered it yet, and I want to change it for something else. Do I have to go through the whole registration process, or can I just pass the ownership contract on to the new buyer?

royce · Joined: 25 Jan 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Konin, Poland

So, when you say the registration might be a problem, you are referring to the issue of the PESEL, which from what I have read, seems to be in discussion of whether it is needed? hmmmm. I am scared to go buy a car and then not be able to register it or insure it. I don't entirely trust a car dealer to give me good advice either. My residence won't be a problem, I have a house and am getting my presence registered so I shouldn't have trouble with that part of the registration process.

royce · Joined: 25 Jan 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Konin, Poland

This guy has some good info on buying and registering cars in Europe. He also fuels some of my fears and it is a commercial site so you can't say for sure his advice is unbiased...

http://www.ideamerge.com/motoeuropa/buying/chapter/

Good points though.

Grrrmachine · Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Posts: 265 Location: Warsaw, Poland

When you get registered you should get a PESEL automatically, which will solve your registration problems. As far as the ownership of the car goes, it's no problem - my 18 year old friend owns a car and he hasn't even got his license yet.
I would say, though, check the insurance. Just call Warka, PZU or similar and say "Im English/American/Foreign, I work here, I want to buy this car - can you insure me?"

Grrrmachine · Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Posts: 265 Location: Warsaw, Poland

Does anyone have any info on buying cars in Germany to register in Poland? How difficult is it to do?

Jetset · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 74

^^It cant be that hard to do, since there are so many German cars coming to Poland.

Might be worth the hassle since the prices for certain cars, like older BMws for example are about half price in Germany compared to when they arrive in Poland.

Grrrmachine · Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Posts: 265 Location: Warsaw, Poland

Thats what I was thinking - plus Im looking for something specific (an Audi coupe UrQuattro.) Im hoping it's just a matter of applying at your local Ratusz