Importing a Car to Germany Made Simple

How to Import a Car to Germany: Step-by-Step

If you’ve found your dream car in another EU country—whether new or used—the seller should deregister the car and state that it’s being exported to Germany. Make sure to obtain the following from the seller:

1. Registration Documents: Part I and Part II (names vary by EU country).
2. Original License Plates: These will be needed for transport.

Important: You cannot transport the car to Germany using German temporary plates. Instead, you must apply for export plates in the car’s country of origin. Check the local requirements and deadlines in advance.

Key Points About Car Import to Germany

• Export plates required: German plates cannot be used for transportation.
• COC Papers: Obtain a "Certificate of Conformity" (COC) from the manufacturer.
• Secure Purchase Contract: Ensure all details about the buyer, seller, and car are included.
• No customs duties: If importing from an EU country.
• No VAT on used cars: Only new cars are subject to VAT.

Why Are COCs Important

The Certificate of Conformity proves that the car meets EU standards and has type approval. Without it, you may face difficulties registering the car in Germany. If the documents are missing, services like 321COC can help.

Exceptions apply if:

• The car has been previously registered in another EU country.
• The car was originally exported from Germany.

To be safe, always check with your local registration office.

Costs When Importing a Car to Germany

The costs depend on several factors, including transport and potential taxes:

1. Transport Costs: Vary based on the distance and method (truck, ship, or driving it yourself).
2. VAT for New Cars: A new car is defined as having less than 6,000 km on the odometer or being less than six months old. For these, VAT at 19% must be paid within 10 days of purchase.
3. Customs Duties: Not applicable for EU imports but required for non-EU imports (usually 10% of the car’s value).

Necessary Documents for Import

When purchasing a car abroad, ensure you receive:

• A signed purchase contract (including details about the buyer, seller, car specifications, and price).
• Registration documents (Parts I and II).
• Warranty documents (if applicable).

These, along with the COC papers, are required for registering the car in Germany.

Benefits of Importing a Car from the EU

• Lower Prices: EU car prices are often up to 30% cheaper than in Germany.
• Lower Taxes: Some EU countries have reduced VAT rates.
• No Customs Fees: Applies to cars imported from within the EU.
• No VAT on Used Cars: This can make used cars an especially good deal.

Tips for a Safe Purchase Abroad

• Be cautious with used cars, as they may have been in accidents. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly or bring an expert.
• For new cars, request proof that the car is factory new.
• Avoid paying large deposits without receiving adequate proof of purchase.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Importing a car from the EU to Germany may seem complicated at first, but the process is manageable and can save you a significant amount of money. For new cars, prices abroad can be 30% lower, while used cars from countries like the Czech Republic or Lithuania can also offer great savings.

Note: Cars with foreign registrations can only be used temporarily in Germany (up to one year). After that, the car must be registered in Germany and become subject to German taxes.

With a bit of preparation and attention to detail, importing a car to Germany can be a cost-effective choice!