Registering and licensing a car from France
Full Hungarian administration for a vehicle imported from France. We tell you what it costs, which papers you need and how long it takes.
What to watch out for when importing a French car
France is an EU member; there is no customs procedure. The French sale has its own routine, though: the seller strikes through, dates and signs the corner of the carte grise (certificat d'immatriculation), then reports the sale online — which produces the code de cession. Ask for the certificat de situation administrative (non-gage) as well: it shows whether the car carries a lien or an official restriction.
Which documents are needed for a car imported from France?
- bilingual sales contract or original invoice
- the owner’s personal documents
- for a company, a company extract and specimen signature
A downloadable bilingual contract template. No certified translation needed.
Is customs duty payable?
No. France is an EU member, so there is no customs procedure. Registration tax and transfer duty are still payable, though.
Since 2004 the carte grise also shows the number of previous owners. If that is strikingly high, it is worth asking why — a fleet or rental past is often behind it.
How much does it cost to register a car from France?
For an average 90 kW, five-year-old passenger car the basic official cost 150,000 – 210,000 Ft , depending on whether there is a valid foreign inspection.
These are basic official fees. On top come our service fee and, for a priority case, its fee.
Precise calculation →Registration cost calculator — cars from France
Enter the vehicle details to see the basic official cost. We give the full quote by phone, tailored to your case.
Which procedure applies is decided by the papers, the vehicle’s characteristics and the urgency, case by case. Please call us and we will help. If you do not know, the calculator uses the highest fee.
On the second page of the Hungarian registration certificate, the V.9 field. For a foreign vehicle, look for it in the CoC or on the technical data sheet.
Supplementary official examinations▾
These come on top of the procedure fee above, depending on the vehicle’s build.
Itemised breakdown▾
These are basic official fees. On top come our service fee and, for a priority case, its fee.
An indicative estimate based on the 2026 official fee tables. The final amount payable is set by the official procedure; we give the full quote by phone.
The amounts shown on this site have been compiled to the best of our knowledge, based on official information publicly available in August 2026. The content is for informational purposes only, does not constitute a formal offer, and Alba Prémium Otthon Kft. accepts no liability for its accuracy, completeness, or currency.
I want the registration Prefer the phone: +36 70 755 5705How does it work?
You send the struck-through carte grise, the certificat de cession and the contract. We give a fixed quote.
Inspection slot, identity check, tax office, registry office — all prioritised.
Hungarian registration certificate, vehicle title and plate.
Frequently asked questions about cars from France
What does a “barré” carte grise mean?
That the seller has struck it through diagonally, written the date of sale on it and signed. In France that is a formal requirement of the sale — without it the paper does not prove it.
What is a code de cession?
The code generated when the sale is reported online. In France the buyer would use it for their own transfer — it is not mandatory for Hungarian registration, but it strengthens the paper trail of the sale.
Is the non-gage certificate needed?
The Hungarian authority does not require it, but it is strongly advised before buying: it reveals any lien or official restriction.
How long does registering a French car take?
With complete papers and a priority slot, as little as one day.
Bringing home a car from France?
Send us photos of the documents and we will give a fixed quote within 24 hours.
What we handle for a car imported from France
Registering and licensing a car from France is one single process with us: from the import to the Hungarian plate we handle every step.
The whole registration process: identity check, official procedure, government office.
Details →First Hungarian registration: moving a car from France onto Hungarian plates.
Details →Car sourcing, on-site inspection and transport home, if you need help buying as well.
Details →Registration inspection or full technical inspection — with the authority’s 2026 fees.
Details →A downloadable bilingual contract template — no certified translation needed.
Details →Customs and VAT exemption when moving home: the conditions, the deadlines and the full process.
Details →Calculating the registration tax and the whole tax office process, including age-based depreciation.
Details →If you do not want to wait 2–3 months for an inspection slot.
Details →Obtaining and replacing the certificate of conformity if the vehicle has none.
Details →