How to import a vehicle to Singapore: regulations, fees, and procedures in
Plan the relocation of your vehicle with absolute legal security. In-depth analysis of OMV valuation, progressive ARF tax, and COE quota management for regulatory compliance with the LTA.
Basic regulations and eligibility requirements
Importing a vehicle to Singapore is a process strictly regulated by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Due to vehicle growth control policies, only models that meet very specific technical standards are allowed for import.
Critical entry requirements:
- 🚫 Age: The vehicle must be less than 3 years old from its first registration date.
- 🚗 Right-hand drive: It is mandatory for the vehicle to be RHD (Right-Hand Drive).
- 🌿 Euro standards: It must comply with current exhaust emission and noise standards.
Used vehicles that do not meet these criteria simply cannot be registered to drive in the city-state.
Cost structure: OMV, ARF, and surcharges
The cost of putting a vehicle on Singapore’s roads often triples its original market value. Understanding the tax base is essential before initiating the asset relocation.
Feasibility simulator: how much will it cost to register your vehicle?
Enter your vehicle’s estimated market value (OMV) in SGD to calculate the tax burden in .
The COE quota system and registration
To drive in Singapore, you must own a Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which grants the right to own and use a vehicle for a 10-year period. This bi-weekly bidding system determines the final price based on market demand.
The COE price fluctuates considerably. In , prices for Category B (large cars) remain at historically high levels, which should be factored into your relocation budget.
Vehicular emissions scheme (VES)
Singapore incentivizes the use of clean vehicles. Depending on carbon emissions and four other pollutants, your vehicle can receive a rebate of up to 25,000 SGD or an equivalent surcharge.
Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids currently enjoy the most favorable conditions under the national green plan framework.
Incentives for electric vehicles and sustainable mobility
Under the national green plan framework for , Singapore offers unprecedented tax benefits to foster the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). These incentives can drastically reduce the final registration cost.
Electric mobility benefits
- ⚡ EV Early Adoption Incentive (EEAI): A 45% rebate on the ARF, capped at 20,000 SGD.
- 🌱 VES Band A1: An additional rebate of 25,000 SGD for zero emissions.
- 🔌 Smart charging: Massive expansion of the charging network managed by the LTA in residential and commercial areas.
Step-by-step import process in
1. Pre-approval
Submission of technical specifications to the LTA to obtain the vehicle type approval (VITAS).
2. Shipping and customs
Freight management and payment of excise duties to Singapore Customs.
3. Physical inspection
Upon arrival, the vehicle must pass a mandatory inspection at an authorized center (VICOM or JIC).
4. COE bidding
Participating in the bidding process to obtain the road-use rights before final registration.
Import of vintage and collector vehicles
Many international investors own high-value vehicle collections. For these cases, Singapore offers the Vintage Vehicle Scheme, a special scheme that allows imports under very different conditions from daily-use vehicles.
35-year rule
The vehicle must be at least 35 years old from its original registration date to qualify as vintage before Singapore Customs.
Restricted use
These vehicles are restricted to 45 driving days per year. However, import taxes and COE costs are significantly reduced or exempt depending on the category.
This scheme is ideal for protecting and enjoying historic assets without the tax burden of the standard registration system.
Frequently asked questions about vehicles
No. With very limited exceptions for diplomatic or collection vehicles (vintage cars older than 35 years), all registered vehicles in Singapore must be right-hand drive for road safety reasons.
Due to high taxes (ARF and COE) and shipping costs, most tax residents choose to buy new or used vehicles directly in Singapore. Importing typically only makes sense for exclusive high-end models.
At the end of the 10 years, you must renew the COE by paying the PQP (Prevailing Quota Premium) or de-register the vehicle for export or scrapping.
Manage your logistics with professionals
Avoid costly mistakes when importing your vehicle. We coordinate all procedures before the LTA and Customs for your complete peace of mind.
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