How to buy a car in Belgium and bring it to Romania: Car-Pass and X plates

Yes, a Romanian resident can buy a car in Belgium and register it in Romania. Before paying a deposit, check the car, seller, Car-Pass and originals; then choose transport and budget for Romanian formalities. Paperwork and registers show only what has been recorded, a physical inspection shows the accessible condition on the day of inspection, and RAR, the tax authority and SPCRPCIV decide Romanian formalities; no check replaces another. 1 2 3

Before the deposit: VIN, seller and Car-Pass

Compare the stamped VIN and identification plates with the Belgian certificate, contract or invoice and any technical document. Check the seller’s identity, their right to sell and continuity of ownership. Request the signed contract or invoice, relevant technical documentation and both original parts of the latest Belgian certificate, where issued in the two-part format. The registration certificate identifies the vehicle and registration holder, but does not prove ownership; missing originals must be officially clarified before money changes hands or travel. 4 1 5 6

For the ordinary sale of a used vehicle already registered in Belgium to a Romanian individual, the seller must provide a Car-Pass no more than two months old when the contract is concluded. The obligation includes a foreign private buyer. The rule must be checked again if the purchaser is a motor trade professional or the car is not registered in Belgium at the time of sale. 7 8

Scan the QR code or enter the Car-Pass identification number and compare the online display with the paper document, VIN and mileage. Any mismatch stops the transaction until clarified. Even if authentic, a Car-Pass does not prove a complete accident or servicing history, nor the current mechanical condition. Compare the chronology with invoices and check repairs, the accessible underside, corrosion, alignment, tyres, brakes, cold starting and diagnostics. Record as unchecked anything that remains inaccessible; Belgian origin does not prove damage. 9 8

How to bring the car from Belgium

A private individual resident in Romania who has bought the car in Belgium may apply to DIV Brussels for transit registration with an X plate. The ordinary-branch file requires originals for identity and residence, a temporary contact in Belgium, the contract or invoice, registration certificate, green card and evidence of the applicable inspection. Not all insurers provide temporary cover. 14

The ordinary X plate is valid for 30 calendar days and is automatically deregistered on expiry. For a used car under four years old whose fourth anniversary falls after the plate expires, an inspection is normally not required for this application. Over four years old, the technical certificate must remain valid until the plate expires; if it has expired, an inspection is required. Check the vehicle dates because some VAT-exemption cases have different durations. 14

Belgian issuance of the X plate and green card does not automatically confirm recognition or cover in Belgium, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Romania. Before departure, request written confirmation for the exact plate, named driver, period, territorial insurance and every state transited. If confirmation is missing, choose carriage on a vehicle transporter. Do not include the cost of both options in the budget. 14 15

RAR, VAT and taxation in Romania

For a used vehicle last registered in an EU state, RAR issues a CIV directly only if there is EU type approval and the approved configuration has not been modified; otherwise it may require individual approval. RAR carries out the technical check and authenticity certification. A CoC is mandatory in the WLTP branch specified by RAR, generally for vehicles manufactured after 31 August 2018, although the year is not the only legal test. 1 5 13

RAR authenticity concerns the identification elements and previous document. The certificate is for a single registration and valid for no more than 60 calendar days; it does not certify civil ownership, condition, absence of finance or complete history. 2 13

Separate the road-use meaning from the VAT classification. For tax purposes, a car is new if it has no more than 6,000 km or is supplied no more than six months after first registration. It is used only when it has more than 6,000 km and supply takes place after more than six months. Equality at either threshold keeps the “new” branch. 10 11

For a private buyer not registered for VAT, the intra-Community acquisition of a car new for VAT purposes is taxable in Romania at the standard rate of 21%. For a used vehicle exceeding both thresholds, no additional acquisition VAT in Romania normally arises, but the invoice and price depend on the seller and the normal or margin scheme; do not assume a net price, deduction or automatic refund. 10 11 12

If you made the intra-Community acquisition and apply for registration, the file requires the ANAF certificate confirming VAT paid or not due. For a car new for VAT purposes, deal with D301 and payment before registration, no later than the applicable tax deadline. Foreign supporting documents filed with ANAF need authorised Romanian translations. The ANAF certificate is neither the local tax certificate nor a customs procedure for Switzerland. 4 17 18 11

From 25 February 2026, Article 159(5²) requires the purchaser of a means of transport to have a tax clearance certificate concerning obligations to the local budget at their domicile, or electronic verification; paragraph (6) provides for the nullity of acts concluded in breach of paragraphs (5) and (5²). The primary text does not expressly explain territorial application or the mechanics of a direct contract with a foreign seller. Before signing, confirm the exact process with your own competent local tax authority; do not assume that contract is automatically valid, void or exempt. 19 20 4

From CIV to permanent registration

After the CIV, declare the car bought abroad to the competent local tax authority within 30 days of RAR issuing the CIV, not from the contract. Then record the ownership document in the local tax records. 21 4

At the SPCRPCIV competent for your domicile, prepare, as applicable: the tax-recorded ownership document, identity, CIV, valid RCA in the name of the owner or authorised holder, valid ITP and authenticity certification, fees, originals of the Belgian documents and plates, and the ANAF certificate in the applicable intra-Community branch. Some checks may be electronic. 4 17 18 22

Romanian provisional authorisation is issued in the owner’s name and permits driving only in Romania. The normal cumulative duration is a maximum of 90 days; if foreign registration documents are missing for a vehicle previously registered in another state, the special branch is a maximum of five days. RCA for the required person remains compulsory. Separately, the limit of a maximum 90 days from entry into the country for a foreign-plated car held by a Romanian resident applies only while it is insured and does not extend a plate, registration, ITP or insurance that expires earlier. 17 23

On 10 September 2026, the registration certificate is 49 lei and two ordinary type-A plates are 52 lei: 101 lei for these three items only. From 15 September, the certificate is 76 lei, so the same items total 128 lei if the plates remain 26 lei each; provisional authorisation will cost 25 lei. RAR, RCA, transport, translations, Belgian fees and local tax remain to be determined for the specific case. 22 25 24

Checklist before you travel and before appointments

RAR Auto-Pass costs 42 lei when the register contains data, is valid for 60 days and issues a free negative document when there is no data. It covers only information in the RAR register; a negative document does not prove a clean or complete external history. The legal obligation to hand it over concerns vehicles registered, recorded or placed on the market in Romania and does not automatically transfer to the Belgian seller on the first direct import. 26 29

Frequently asked questions

Is Car-Pass compulsory if I live in Romania?

Yes, in the ordinary sale of a used car registered in Belgium to a foreign private individual. On the contract date, the Car-Pass must be no more than two months old. The rule differs for a motor trade professional buyer or if the vehicle is not Belgian-registered when sold. 7, 8

Can I drive to Romania on Belgian X plates?

Only after written confirmation for the plate, driver, period, territorial insurance and recognition in every state on the BE–DE–AT–HU–RO route. The ordinary X plate lasts 30 days, but issue in Belgium does not guarantee acceptance along the route. 14, 15

When is the car “new” for VAT?

It is new if it has no more than 6,000 km OR is supplied no more than six months after first registration. It is used only if it has more than 6,000 km AND more than six months. Equality at either threshold still means a car new for VAT purposes. 10, 11

Do the 30 days for the tax declaration start from the contract?

No. For a vehicle acquired abroad, the deadline under Article 471(3) starts when RAR issues the CIV. Separately, before the contract, clarify with the competent local tax authority the certificate or electronic verification required from the purchaser from 25 February 2026. 19, 20, 21, 4

What does the ANAF certificate in the registration file prove?

For the intra-Community acquisition made by the applicant not registered for VAT, it certifies that VAT has been paid or is not due. It is not the buyer’s local tax clearance certificate. For a car new for VAT purposes, deal with D301 and payment before registration. 17, 18, 11

Can I leave Romania on Romanian red provisional plates?

No. Romanian provisional authorisation permits driving only in Romania. The normal cumulative duration is a maximum of 90 days; if foreign documents are missing for a previously registered vehicle, the special authorisation is a maximum of five days. 17

Does an RAR Auto-Pass with no data confirm that the car has no problems?

No. The free negative document says only that the RAR register contains no data. It does not confirm a clean or complete external history. When data exists, Auto-Pass costs 42.00 lei and is valid for 60 days. 26, 29

Is a CarAudit inspection available in Belgium?

Belgium is included in the published coverage: 239 EUR including VAT and technician travel; the report is available within a maximum of 48 hours of the inspection, excluding weekends and holidays. Confirm the location and date. The inspection can cover up to 270 points, depending on vehicle access, lift availability and lawful test-drive conditions, without dismantling. Coverage excludes faults arising after the inspection; the service does not promise the absence of future faults and is not a civil warranty. 27, 28, 3

Have you chosen a car in Belgium? You can request an independent inspection before paying a deposit. Confirm availability for the exact location and date, as well as access to the vehicle: the check depends on real conditions, does not involve dismantling and does not include transport, RAR, taxation or registration. 27, 28, 3

Sources

1. RAR — CIV for used vehicles last registered in the EU
2. RAR — authenticity certification
3. CarAudit Romania — what we inspect
4. Bucharest Prefecture — vehicle-registration guidance
5. RAR — documents for DOIIT activities
6. FPS Mobility — registration certificate
7. FPS Economy — Car-Pass frequently asked questions
8. Car-Pass — when the document is required
9. Car-Pass — checking document authenticity
10. Your Europe — VAT when buying or selling a car abroad
11. ANAF Brașov — VAT and vehicle acquisitions
12. ANAF — Romanian VAT rates
13. RNTR 7 — authenticity and individual approval
14. FPS Mobility — export, transit registration and X plates
15. Your Europe — Buying or leasing a car abroad
16. Your Europe — Buying or leasing a car abroad
17. MAI Order No. 181/2024 — registration and provisional circulation
18. ANAF Order No. 1611/2022
19. Romanian Tax Procedure Code, consolidated text — Article 159
20. Emergency Ordinance No. 7 of 24 February 2026
21. Law No. 296/2020 — amendment to Article 471(3)
22. MAI service hub — vehicle registration
23. Emergency Ordinance No. 195/2002 — Article 82(4)
24. Buzău Prefecture — fee notice dated 2 September 2026
25. MAI Order No. 55/2025 — registration-plate tariffs
26. RAR Auto-Pass — official service information
27. CarAudit Romania — home and order section
28. CarAudit Romania — frequently asked questions
29. Law No. 142/2023 — RAR Auto-Pass