Renting a car by country
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
What a visitor needs to rent a car: whether a foreign licence is accepted, whether an international driving permit is required, the minimum age set by law and compulsory insurance. Pick a country for the full list of rules, each with its official source.
| Country | Foreign driving licence accepted | International driving permit | Minimum age set by law | Compulsory insurance | Statutory rules for rental contracts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Valid for visitors; 6 months after moving | Translation needed for some non-EU licences | 18 for a class B licence | Compulsory for the vehicle keeper | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| United Kingdom | 12 months from last entry (Great Britain) | Not required by the Order (domestic permit accepted) | 17 for a car (licence age) | Compulsory for any motor vehicle on a road | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Poland | Accepted; 6 months for residents under conventions | IDP accepted under 1949/1968 conventions | 18 for category B | Compulsory OC insurance | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Sweden | Valid; non-EEA licence ends after 1 year of residence | Translation or IDP if not EN/DE/FR or standard model | 18 for a car on a foreign licence | Compulsory traffic insurance | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Austria | 12 months for visitors (non-EEA licence) | IDP or translation if licence not in German/EU model | 18 for class B | Compulsory for registered vehicles | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Japan | 1 year from landing; IDP or licence + translation | IDP, or designated-country licence + translation | 18 for an ordinary car | Compulsory liability insurance for every vehicle | ⚠ Not yet verified |
How to read the comparison
The table compares these points:
- Foreign driving licence accepted
- International driving permit
- Minimum age set by law
- Compulsory insurance
- Statutory rules for rental contracts
Before you rely on it
These are rules set by law. Car rental companies set their own conditions, such as a higher minimum age, a minimum time holding the licence, a young-driver fee and a deposit, and those are contract terms that this site does not cover. A rule marked “to verify” has not yet been confirmed against an official source. Check the rental company’s terms as well as the official sources linked on each country page.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.