What are the requirements for buying a car in Hangzhou?

[Neil]

Residents of the city, local household registration personnel, non-local household registration personnel holding valid "Zhejiang Residence Permit" or "Zhejiang Talent Introduction Residence Permit", aged 18 or above, and have no small passenger vehicles registered in the city or all small passenger vehicles registered in the city are recorded as forcibly canceled. The following is relevant information: Automobile: A non-track bearing vehicle driven by power, with 4 or more wheels, mainly used for transporting people and/or goods; towing vehicles for transporting people and/or goods; special purposes. Engine: The engine is the power device of the car, consisting of 2 major mechanisms and 5 major systems: the crank connecting rod mechanism, the valve mechanism, the cooling system, the fuel supply system, the lubrication system, the ignition system, and the starting system. However, diesel engines have one less ignition system than gasoline engines.

[RyderMarie]

Buying a car in Hangzhou, as a local, I just went through the process last year. First, you need to prepare personal documents, and an ID card is a must. If you have a local Hangzhou household registration, it's straightforward. However, non-locals must obtain a Hangzhou residence permit in advance and have a record of continuous social security contributions, typically for more than two years. The license plate is a major issue—Hangzhou has license plate restrictions. For conventional gasoline cars, you need to participate in a lottery or auction. The lottery odds are very low, and auctions usually cost tens of thousands of yuan, so it's best to apply online in advance. Buying the car itself isn't too troublesome, but you need to budget carefully. Beyond the car price, there's a 10% purchase tax and insurance costs, so don’t underestimate the total cost. New energy vehicles, like pure electric or plug-in hybrids, have much easier license plate registration—direct and free without a lottery, and they also save on purchase tax. I recommend checking the policies on the Hangzhou Vehicle Management Office or government website first to ensure all qualifications are met before proceeding.

[AlessandraMarie]

I came to Hangzhou from another city for work, and the car purchase conditions are quite complicated. You must have a Hangzhou residence permit and provide social security records proving you've lived in Hangzhou for over two years; otherwise, you won't even qualify for a license plate application. License plates are allocated entirely by lottery or auction, with auction fees costing at least 10,000 to 20,000 RMB, and you might have to wait in line for several months. Financially, you can't just consider the car price—purchase tax and insurance add up to a significant portion, so your budget needs to be sufficient. New energy vehicles are a way out, as they enjoy policy support with no lottery requirement—buying a green-plate car allows you to drive directly. I recommend checking out forums and WeChat groups for shared experiences, as out-of-towners can easily fall into pitfalls. Getting your documents sorted in advance can save a lot of trouble and time. Don't rush into signing contracts; make sure your license plate is secured first for peace of mind.

[AliyahLynn]

From an environmental perspective, purchasing a new energy vehicle is the best choice in Hangzhou. My friends who opted for pure electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles got their license plates quickly without going through the lottery. For conventional gasoline cars, they must meet the China VI emission standards, and the approval process is strict. Personal conditions are relatively lenient—non-locals only need a residence permit and social security proof. Ensure sufficient funds are prepared, as insurance and taxes are unavoidable. The policy encourages green travel, and new energy subsidies are still available. It's advisable to choose a fuel-efficient hybrid car, which is both eco-friendly and cost-effective. Don’t overlook the emission certificate when inspecting the vehicle condition. In short, plan ahead to avoid pollution exceedance issues.