How do You Import a Car into Vietnam?

Are you looking to import a car to Vietnam? Find out what are the requirements and how you can do it here in this article.

Are you relocating to Vietnam but aren’t ready to let go of your car? A foreigner who would like to import a car to Vietnam and follow them around the world can do so, but the procedure can be a complicated one. Therefore, there are many things you need to consider before going ahead with the process.

Read About Cekindo’s Product Registration & Import services in Vietnam

This article will guide you through how you can import a car into Vietnam with ease.

Vehicle Import Options in Vietnam

Before going into the details of the vehicle import process, you need to consider the following important factors.

These factors will dictate if you can import your vehicle to Vietnam.

  • Define if you will keep your vehicle permanently in Vietnam or if it is just a temporary solution
  • Determine if you are the owner of your vehicle for more than a year
  • Know if your vehicle has more than 20 years of age

Based on the things to consider stated above specifically for cars, first and foremost, the present owner of the car must be the original owner.

So if the car has changed ownership after the original title was issued, car import to Vietnam is prohibited. You need to also note that the car owner must have already registered the car legally in his or her country of origin for a minimum of six months.

In addition to the 6-month legal registration requirement, the car should be less than five years old and have a minimum mileage of 10,000km. Both left-hand drive and right-hand drive cars are allowed to be imported to Vietnam even though people drive on the right side of the road in the country.

Shipping Methods Available

  • Roll-on or roll-off
  • Shared container load
  • Full container load

Requirements to Importing a Car into Vietnam

After the prerequisites are identified, all necessary documents must be compiled and submitted to the Vietnamese customs:

  • An application form
  • An import license of the car
  • A bill of lading
  • A registration certificate of the vehicle

The owner of the car is also required to present the following documents to the customs officer:

  • A valid work permit
  • A valid passport
  • A household registration book
  • A visa with a minimum of three-month validity

RELATED: Your Simple Guide to Customs Procedures for Vietnam Import Export

What to Do after the Arrival of the Vehicle

Once the customs are clear for the vehicle, as the owner of the car, you have a maximum of three business days to apply to register your car with the Vietnamese authorities. The car will then be examined based on safety and environmental standards.

If the car passes the test, the owner will obtain a certificate of technical safety and environmental protection. Then, you will have to submit the certificate to the customs to complete the entire import process.

Then, the car must be registered at the local police traffic office and all the following necessary documents must be submitted:

  • Certificate of Vehicle Inspection
  • Vehicle Registration Declaration
  • Proof of insurance

Once the registration is done at the police traffic office, the foreigner will get a Vietnamese license plate. Do note that a foreign license plate may not be permitted.

How Cekindo can Assist

When you import a car into Vietnam, our expert team will guide you through all the processes, information and paperwork to ensure a stress-free experience.

We are a regulated business consultant and import agency that understands the complexities of Vietnam’s import and export customs formalities.

Once Cekindo has submitted all the documentation and your car has departed from the country of origin, you will be sent the bill of lading and shipping documents. We will also advise you on the expected arrival date and the port of import. On arrival of your import car to Vietnam, Cekindo can act on your behalf to clear customs and pay local duties, taxes and any other charges.

Disclaimer: Cekindo does not assist with importing cars to Vietnam at this time.

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Tomas Svoboda - Cekindo - Vietnam Country Manager

Verified by:​

Ing. Tomas Svoboda

Tomas is the co-founder & Chief Business Development Officer responsible for Vietnam. His role is to define the key potential of the Vietnamese market and to ensure that Incorp's branch in Vietnam provides its clients with smooth and hassle-free market entry solutions.