Updated November 2020
If you intend to become a resident of Germany, you can probably bring your personal vehicle in without paying import turnover tax and import duties – provided certain conditions are met.
Importing a car from outside the EU
A car or other motor vehicle imported to Germany from outside the EU is normally subject to a 10% import duty and a 19% import value added tax. (The value-added tax on imports is called import turnover tax (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer).
However, if you are moving to Germany with the intent to become a full time resident you can, if you meet certain requirements, bring in your personal car (and household goods) free of duty and import turnover tax.
To escape the duty and tax you are be required to prove:
- that you have actually given up your residence in the non-EU foreign country you are coming from
- that you are establishing a new residence in Germany
- that you have been residing outside Germany for at least 12 consecutive months (this can be waived if the reasons for your earlier return are beyond your control)
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You can prove that you have given up your residence outside Germany with documents showing the termination of your lease/employment; sale of your residential home, or a statement by your employer that you have been transferred to Germany. You can also prove that you are establishing a new residence in Germany with a lease agreement; with correspondence with your employer in Germany; a registration receipt from the local Registry Office (Einwohnermeldeamt); a residence permit issued by the local authorities.
The duty and import tax free import of a motor vehicle is permitted only if it has been registered in your name as its sole owner and personally used by yourself at your previous residence for at least six months before moving to Germany. For proof you can show the registration certificate issued by your home country department of motor vehicles. The vehicle should arrive in Germany at around the same time you do, and you must usually keep the vehicle for personal use for at least year after arriving in Germany. Both of these requirements can be waived in extraordinary circumstances.
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Registration, Inspection and Insurance
If your stay in Germany is only temporary you can drive your imported motor vehicle for a period of up to 6 months with your home license plates and registration. A registration document with a German translation is required. And you'll have to show proof of insurance. Also, the vehicle may have to undergo a technical inspection to prove its roadworthiness. You should ask the shipping company about this.
If your stay is going to be longer, whether the car is imported duty free or not, it must be registered at your local motor vehicle registration office (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle) and pass a technical inspection for roadworthiness and safety, as well as an emissions control test. This may mean that some cars (especially North American cars) may need to be modified to meet German standards regarding such things as headlights, emissions, brakes, rust and tires.
In order to register the imported car/vehicle you need the following:
- passport or other identification
- proof of official address registration in Germany
- customs clearance papers
- export permit
- proof of ownership
- original vehicle registration papers
- certification from the German Federal Motor Vehicle Registry indicating the vehicle has not been registered in Germany before
- proof of insurance
- proof the vehicle has successfully completed the safety and roadworthiness inspection and emissions control test
Details and the necessary customs forms may be obtained through your shipping company. It is recommended that you choose a shipping company experienced in shipping to Germany, and also that you take out risk insurance for the shipment. For an export permit customs may ask for the original title with two notarized copies.
If you must pay duty and taxes on the vehicle, the actual amount of the 10% import duty and 19% import turnover tax depends on the value of the vehicle. This is usually based on a dealer's invoice, but there is also a "blue book" giving the current value of each car/vehicle by make, model and model year. The vehicle can also be appraised. Vintage cars and collector's cars require only a 7% duty.
Motor Vehicle Tax
A motor vehicle tax is assessed on cars in Germany. According to the website of the German Customs Office (Zollamt):
"Vehicles that are registered in a third country and that are entered for free circulation at German customs offices as, for example, property moved in connection with a transfer of residence are subject to German vehicle tax. The Vehicle Tax Act does not provide for a tax exemption for the journey to the vehicle's place of registration in Germany. The driver submits a tax declaration to the border customs office; the tax is immediately payable there. After payment of the tax, the border customs office issues a tax card and receipt as a record of tax paid."
Importing a car or vehicle within the EU
Moving a car/vehicle from one country to another within the EU is, as would be expected, somewhat easier than importing a non-EU vehicle. But there are some regulations that you need to know about.
If you are bringing a new car/vehicle into Germany you'll probably to pay the 19% German VAT within days of buying the car. (If you paid VAT in the country of purchase already, you should be able to get a reimbursement once you have registered the car in Germany.) A vehicle is considered "new" if it is less than 6 months old or has been driven less than 6,000 kilometers.
Used vehicles can be also be brought into Germany free of any customs duty. However, proof of having paid the VAT in the country of origin is required. Other things you might need include:
- proof of ownership
- original registration papers
- proof of insurance
- Emissions test certificate if the car is over 3 years old
- certification from the German Federal Motor Vehicle Registry indicating the vehicle has not been registered in Germany before
Registration procedures for EU cars is essentially the same as German vehicles and those imported from non-EU countries with one big exception.
An EU regulation from 1996 requires manufacturers to provide cars bought within the EU with a certificate that allows those cars to be imported to other EU countries without having to undergo a technical inspection. You should try to get this for your new or used vehicle to allow it to be brought into Germany. If a vehicle doesn't have a certificate of conformity, it will probably have to undergo an official inspection in Germany to determine whether or not it meets the German safety and emissions requirements.
Also, the motor vehicle tax will have to be paid after your car has been registered in Germany.
Helpful links:
Click here for information in English from the Customs Office (Zollamt) on importing a car from outside the EU.
Information in English about the Import Turnover Tax is here.
This link will take you to the English language web page of the Central Vehicle Registry
This site has information in English on the EU Certificate of Conformity
Click here for an English language page of the Customs Office for information on exporting a car bought in Germany
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Click here for information in English from the Customs Office (Zollamt) on Temporary importation of a vehicle not-registered in the EU.
If you were previously a resident of the UK and have made the move to Germany, you may find yourself wanting to take your vehicle out of the United Kingdom and use it over in Germany. There are various rules and regulations you need to know about before doing this and these vary depending on how long you want to take the vehicle out for.
If you want to take your vehicle out of the UK for 12 months or longer
In the instance that you have a UK-registered vehicle that you want to take out of the country for 12 months or longer (sometimes referred to as a permanent export) you will need to complete these 3 stages:
- Inform the DVLA by completing the V5C/4 section of your V5C registration certificate. This section will have the heading "Notification of permanent export" and the V5C is sometimes called the logbook
- Then you will need to send the V5C to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BD - Keep hold of the rest of your V5C in case you need it to register your vehicle abroad.
If you don't have your V5C you will need to get one by completing a V62 form. When you have filled in the form, the address you need to send it to can be found on the form.
You'll need to obtain a V561 certificate of permanent export if you have already left the UK. You can get one of these by getting and completing a V756 form.
If you have a vehicle with a personalised registration plate, you will need to either transfer or retain it before you begin the process of exporting your vehicle or you will lose your right to the registration number.
If you want to take your vehicle out of the UK for less than 12 months
This process is sometimes called a temporary export and there is no need for any special documents. However, any vehicle that is registered in the UK is subjected to UK laws, which means you will need to make sure your vehicle is taxed in the UK whilst it is abroad. You will also need to make sure you are aware of and follow any rules and regulations for international licensing and taxes.
If you bring your vehicle back to the UK without tax, you cannot drive it into the country. It will have to be transported and you will need to make a SORN immediately.
You will need a VE310 (vehicle on hire) certificate if you plan on taking a hired vehicle out of the country to show you are allowed to use the hired vehicle abroad. You can get a VE103 for a fee from:
- The AA (Automobile Association)
- The RAC (Royal Automobile Association)
- The RHA (Road Haulage Association)
- The BVRLA (British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association)
- The FTA (Freight Transport Association)
Contributed by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). The DVLA is an organisation within the Department for Transport
FAQs
Can I bring my car with me to Germany? ›
The duty-free import of a motor vehicle is permitted only if it has been registered in your name as its sole owner and personally used by yourself at your previous residence for at least 6 months before moving (for proof show registration certificate issued by your Department of Motor Vehicles).
How much does it cost to transport a car to Germany? ›The average cost to ship a car to Germany from the USA is between $900 to $1,300 per car. This is the port to port shipping cost, and does not include vehicle collection, destination fees, import duties and insurance.
How much are German customs fees? ›Customs Duties and Taxes on Imports
Duties range from 0-17%, with the general tariff averaging 4.2%.
- Find The Car You Want. Everything, of course, starts with finding the car of your liking. ...
- Visit The Car Dealership. ...
- Buy The Car. ...
- Get The TÜV Inspection. ...
- Book An Appointment To Register The Car. ...
- Buy Car Insurance. ...
- Buy Your License Plates. ...
- Register The Car.
Importing a car from outside the EU. A car or other motor vehicle imported to Germany from outside the EU is normally subject to a 10% import duty and a 19% import value added tax. (The value-added tax on imports is called import turnover tax (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer).
How do I register a foreign car in Germany? ›Documents required to register a car in Germany
Valid ID (a German passport, foreign one or an ID card) Registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung) Proof of ownership (part II of the car's registration certificate) Proof of car insurance (eVB number)
You're allowed to drive a non-German registered car in Germany for up to 12 months. Any longer, you'll have registered your car at the nearest car registration office.
Do you pay VAT on used cars in Germany? ›Note: All cars which have been owned and registered by private persons have no VAT in the selling price. No matter who is selling now. Used cars, registered in the name of companies or financed/owned by a bank or leasing company are selling with VAT.
Can I drive an American car in Germany? ›As of January 1, 1999, U.S. driver's license holders must be in possession of a German license six months after entering the country, if they wish to continue driving. U.S. citizens planning to stay less than a year, however, may legally drive in Germany for up to 364 days in Germany on their U.S. driver's licenses.
How do I pay import tax in Germany? ›Customs duties and taxes must be paid after the goods have arrived at your destination country. They must be paid by you – the buyer and importer. Most often you may pay this to our partner DHL or FedEx after the delivery, they will charge you later via letter.
How long does German customs take? ›
Between filing the paperwork, perfecting the packaging, cross-border delivery, Customs clearance, and local delivery within Germany it may take anywhere between 3 weeks to 4 months (or more!) to get a parcel delivered to your recipient.
How do you pay import fees? ›- U.S. currency only.
- Personal check in the exact amount, drawn on a U.S. bank, made payable to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. ...
- Government check, money order or traveler's check if the amount does not exceed the duty owed by more than $50.
You won't find a cheaper car in Germany.
For that, you even get a three-year warranty. Finance your new car in Germany with the most lucrative loan provider Auxmoney.
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How much does car insurance cost in Germany? According to the German Insurance Federation (GDV), the average annual car insurance premium in 2020 in Germany costs about 258 euros for liability, plus 329 euros for the fully comprehensive add-on, or 85 euros for the partial cover add-on.
Can you import cars without tax? ›The vehicle needs to be registered in India at the nearest RTO. The charges for registration and road tax are not included in the import duty.
What can I import to Germany? ›Almost all goods - excluding the obviously illegal - can be imported into Germany. Non-EU citizens arriving by sea or air may bring in a total of €430 worth of goods, excluding specific restrictions on alcohol and tobacco.
What is import VAT in Germany? ›The import VAT rate is currently set at 19 percent; there is a reduced rate of 7 percent with respect to selected goods such as food products and books.
Can I register a car in Germany as a non resident? ›In order to register a vehicle one should have a permanent address in Germany. Nonetheless, it is still possible to buy a car without a permanent place in the country if you, for example, want to export it right away.
How long can you drive EU car in Germany? ›If your car is registered within the EU
As long as your car is registered in another EU country, you can drive it in Germany for up to six months.
How long can Non EU car stay in EU? ›
How long can you stay in Europe? Your car can remain in the EU under the temporary admission procedure for up to 6 months. The same goes for buggies and ATVs. If you are bringing a boat, however, you can keep it there for a total of 18 months.
Can my friend drive my car in Germany? ›The form must be in the car when they are driving along with the vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and their international driver's license or an official translation of their stateside license. The authorization is only valid inside Germany and can be granted for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period.
What is the speed limit in Germany? ›German speed limits
For cars and motorbikes, the speed limit in towns and cities is 50 km/h (~31 mph) – unless otherwise stated – and 100 km/h (~62 mph) on non-urban/open roads that are not the motorway/autobahn. Some smaller roads within urban areas have signs showing speed limits of 30 km/h (18 mph).
Most city parking in Germany is paid or restricted to residents. Large cities have large signs to direct you to garages, and some show how many spaces are available at any given time.
Do German car dealers negotiate? ›Most dealerships accept cash payments, and it's generally possible to negotiate a discount. The average cost of a new car in Germany was €36,340 in 2020.
How much is VAT refund in Germany? ›Refund Rates
Germany's refund rate ranges from 6.1% to 14.5% of purchase amount, with a minimum purchase amount of 25 EUR per receipt. You need to be older than 18 and have permanent residence or long-term visa (more than 3 months) in a non-EU country to be eligible.
They check everything: lights, brakes, seats, seatbelts, horn, leaks, emissions, and much more. This inspection is called the Hauptuntersuchung, but people sometimes call it TÜV. TÜV and Dekra are the authorities that inspect German vehicles.
How long is a German driver's license valid? ›Renewing a German driving licence
German driving licences are valid for 15 years from the date of issue. To renew you just need to make an appointment at your local driving licence authority before your current licence expires.
In Germany the amount paid for merchandise includes 19 % value added tax (VAT). The VAT can be refunded if the merchandise is purchased and exported by a customer whose residence is outside the European Union.
Can an American get a German driver's license? ›American citizens, regardless of which U.S. state they are from, can now apply for the automatic conversion of their U.S. driver's license into a German driver's license if they meet certain conditions. Applicants are exempt from having to take any theoretical test and practical exam.
How do I know if I need to pay customs? ›
Formal Entries: If your goods are valued at more than $2500, or for commercial textile shipments (clothes/materials) regardless of value, you will be required to file a formal entry, which can require extensive paperwork and the filing of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection bond.
Do I need a customs declaration for Germany? ›Any person entering Germany from a non-EU country and carrying cash with a total value of 10,000 or more euros is obliged to declare that amount of money, immediately and unsolicited, in writing to the competent German customs authorities.
How do I contact German customs? ›- For further assistance please contact the German Customs authorities directly. ...
- German Customs contact information.
- Address: ...
- Telephone: +49 (0)351/44834-530.
- Website: http://www.mof.ge/
...
- Animal carcasses or products.
- Animal Feed.
- Animal pathogens and rabies virus.
- Animals, Birds and other Livestock.
- Antiques.
- Asbestos.
- Bees and honey.
- Birds.
- Medicinal products and narcotics. You must observe certain requirements if you are bringing medicinal products as normal travel requisites. ...
- Cash. ...
- Fireworks. ...
- Instruments of torture. ...
- Dangerous dogs. ...
- Publications or media likely to harm minors and unconstitutional publications. ...
- Cultural assets. ...
- Food and feedstuffs.
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|---|---|---|
| USPS | Priority Mail International | $35.65 |
| USPS | First-Class International Service | Depends on postage pricing |
| UPS | Worldwide Expedited | $137.40 |
| UPS | Worldwide Saver | $100.84 |
Tell the seller explicitly that the item is for personal use. Import duties typically apply to items imported for commercial use (business or resale)—not personal or retail sales. If you're importing something for your own personal use or as a gift for someone else, you don't have to pay them.
What happens if you don't pay customs charges? ›If you don't pay the customs charges, your parcel will be returned to sender after the 21-day period.
How much are import duties? ›The amount of import tax and duties to be paid depends on the country that the goods are imported from. Duty tax rates are between 0 to 37.5% with the typical rate being 5.63%. A flat rate of 3% applies to e-commerce purchases that are in excess of the US import tax threshold limits.
What do I need to carry in my car in Germany? ›If you wish to drive in Germany you must carry a valid driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents with you in the vehicle at all times. If the vehicle does not belong to the driver, written permission from the registered owner may also be requested.
How long can I keep my car in Germany? ›
You're allowed to drive a non-German registered car in Germany for up to 12 months. Any longer, you'll have registered your car at the nearest car registration office.
Can an American register a car in Germany? ›Officially there is no problem for a foreigner to buy a car in Germany. In fact, many people just travel to the country to make a purchase and go back to their home country. The only problem that can arise with registration. In order to register a vehicle one should have a permanent address in Germany.
Can I keep my UK car in Germany? ›Vehicles from the UK can be temporarily imported into Germany for up to six months in any period of 12 months. In order to stay on the right side of the law, the following documents should always be carried: Full, valid UK driving licence. Proof of ID (passport)
Can my friend drive my car in Germany? ›The form must be in the car when they are driving along with the vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and their international driver's license or an official translation of their stateside license. The authorization is only valid inside Germany and can be granted for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period.
Can you drive old cars in Germany? ›Currently, classic cars that are officially recognisable as such by the letter "H" at the end of the registration plate are exempt from the sticker requirement. They are allowed to drive in the German environmental zones without restriction.
What is the minimum speed on Autobahn? ›...
What is the speed limit on German motorways?
| Type of road | Speed limit |
|---|---|
| Autobahn (red sign) | 130 km/h (recommended) |
| Non-urban area | 100 km/h |
| Urban area | 50 km/h |
| Some city roads | 30 km/h |
Most city parking in Germany is paid or restricted to residents. Large cities have large signs to direct you to garages, and some show how many spaces are available at any given time.
How fast can you drive on the Autobahn in Germany? ›The Autobahn speed limit is actually 120km/h on many sections, as clearly indicated by signs and overhead gantries. If you see the black-and-white sign that indicates a de-restricted section, the official recommended speed is 130km/h - but many drivers will drive much faster than that, as there's no speed limit.
Does Germany have speed limits? ›Germany is the only wealthy country in the world without a general speed limit. A drunk at a bar might tell you that German highways are particularly safe. But you don't need to know much about physics to understand that a car moving twice as fast is going to have a lot more kinetic energy.
Are cars cheaper in Germany? ›You won't find a cheaper car in Germany.
For that, you even get a three-year warranty. Finance your new car in Germany with the most lucrative loan provider Auxmoney.
Do you pay VAT on second hand cars in Germany? ›
Note: All cars which have been owned and registered by private persons have no VAT in the selling price. No matter who is selling now. Used cars, registered in the name of companies or financed/owned by a bank or leasing company are selling with VAT.
How much is car insurance in Germany per year? ›How much does car insurance cost in Germany? According to the German Insurance Federation (GDV), the average annual car insurance premium in 2020 in Germany costs about 258 euros for liability, plus 329 euros for the fully comprehensive add-on, or 85 euros for the partial cover add-on.
How long can you drive EU car in Germany? ›If your car is registered within the EU
As long as your car is registered in another EU country, you can drive it in Germany for up to six months.
The legal speed limit is a black number on a round white sign outlined in red (see sign images below). Sometimes there are also overhead electronic signs indicating the speed limit and warnings. Many autobahn sections have limits of 120 km/h (75 mph), 110 km/h (68 mph) or lower, especially in urban areas.
What road in Europe has no speed limit? ›German Autobahnen are widely known for having no federally mandated general speed limit for some classes of vehicles. However, limits are posted and enforced in areas that are urbanised, substandard, accident-prone, or under construction.