Driving a company car abroad often requires more documentation than many people expect. As a general rule, a company car should be registered in the country where the company is established, if the vehicle has been purchased or leased in the company’s name. This applies both to employees and to people who own the company themselves.
The rules are mainly affected by how the vehicle is used, how long it is driven in another country, and whether it is used privately or only for work purposes.
Private use of a company car
If a company car is to be used privately abroad, this should be clearly stated in the employment contract or in a separate written authorisation from the employer. This is especially important when the vehicle is not registered in the driver’s own name.
During a check, the police, customs authorities or another authority may want to see proof that the driver actually has the right to use the vehicle outside the country of registration. It is therefore wise to carry documentation showing who owns the vehicle, who is allowed to use it and whether private use is permitted.
Such documentation may include an employment contract, a certificate from the employer or another form of authorisation. Anyone who wants a specific document showing that the vehicle owner has approved international use can also order AMVI card. AMVI card is an authorisation for the international use of a vehicle driven by someone other than the registered owner.
It is important to remember, however, that such a document does not replace local rules on registration, tax, insurance or permits. It mainly serves as supporting documentation to show that the vehicle is being used with the owner’s approval.
Driving in another country for less than 6 months
If the company car is used in another EU country for a shorter period, for example less than 6 months, the vehicle can normally remain registered in the country where the company is established. This is especially the case when the vehicle is used for work, such as customer visits, sales, assignments or travel between different workplaces.
When driving regularly in other countries, the driver should still be prepared to present documentation. This may become relevant during police checks, especially if the vehicle is driven in the evening, at night, on weekends or in a country where the driver also spends time privately.
The driver should therefore carry documents showing:
that the vehicle is a company car,
that the company owns or has the right to use the vehicle,
that the driver has the right to use the vehicle,
whether private use is permitted,
and the work-related purpose of the journey.
In this context, AMVI card can also be a supplementary document if the vehicle is not registered in the driver’s name and there is a need to show that the use has been approved by the vehicle owner. It should be seen as practical supporting documentation, not as a guarantee that all national requirements have been met.
Driving in another country for more than 6 months
If a company car is used in another country for more than 6 months, the assessment often becomes stricter. In many countries, authorities may require the vehicle to be registered in the country where it is actually being used.
This means that a company car used for a longer period by someone who lives or works in another country may need to be re-registered there. This may apply even if the vehicle is still owned by a company in another country.
Some countries have exceptions to the registration requirement. In such cases, a special permit from the competent authority may be required so that the vehicle can be driven with foreign registration plates for a longer period.
The main rule is therefore that short-term use in another country can often be managed with the right documentation, while longer-term use can generally lead to a requirement for re-registration or a special exemption.
Summary
When a company car is used privately abroad, the right to use the vehicle should be clearly stated in an agreement or authorisation. When driving for less than 6 months, it is especially important to be able to show that the vehicle is being used with the company’s approval and, where relevant, that private use is permitted.
If the vehicle is used in another country for more than 6 months, it should be checked in advance whether the vehicle must be registered there. In many cases, re-registration may be required unless a special exemption applies.
Anyone who wants to supplement their documentation can order AMVI card, but it should be used as supporting documentation to show permission from the vehicle owner and not as a substitute for checking the rules that apply in the country where the vehicle will be used.