Skip to main content
Import Guide

Importing a Car from Germany

Complete guide to buying and importing a used car from Germany. Find the best deals, verify vehicle history, and navigate the import process with confidence.

Check a VIN Before You Buy

Why Buy a Car from Germany?

Germany is Europe's largest and most trusted used car market. Here's why millions of buyers across Europe look to Germany first.

Largest Market

Over 7 million used cars sold annually. The widest selection of makes, models, and price ranges in Europe.

Strict TUV Inspections

Mandatory bi-annual safety inspections ensure German cars are well-maintained and roadworthy.

Lower Prices

German market prices are often 20-40% lower than in many Eastern and Northern European countries.

Documentation

German sellers typically provide complete service books, inspection reports, and maintenance records.

How to Find Cars in Germany

The two largest German online car marketplaces are mobile.de and AutoScout24. Together, they list over 2 million vehicles at any given time. Here is how to use them effectively:

mobile.de

Germany's largest vehicle marketplace with over 1.4 million listings. Available in multiple languages including English, Polish, and Romanian.

  • Filter by "Export" to find export-ready vehicles
  • Look for "MwSt. ausweisbar" (VAT reclaimable) if you're a business
  • Check seller ratings and reviews

AutoScout24

Pan-European marketplace popular across Germany, Italy, and the Benelux countries. Around 700,000 listings in Germany alone.

  • Available in 18 languages
  • Detailed filter options for vehicle specifications
  • Dealer quality seal program

When browsing listings, always note the VIN (Fahrgestellnummer). Many dealers display it in the listing. If not, request it before traveling to see the car. Running a VIN check before you travel can save you the cost and time of a wasted trip.

What to Check Before Buying

Before committing to a purchase, thoroughly verify the vehicle. German cars are generally well-maintained, but fraud exists in every market. Here are the essential checks:

Run a VIN Check

Decode the VIN to verify specifications, check for safety recalls, look up accident history, and confirm the odometer reading hasn't been tampered with. This is the single most important step.

Request Documentation

Ask for the Fahrzeugbrief (vehicle title), Fahrzeugschein (registration), service book with dealer stamps, TUV report, and any repair invoices. A well-documented car is worth more.

Check for Odometer Fraud

An estimated 30% of used cars traded across European borders have tampered odometers. Compare the mileage on the dashboard with service records, TUV reports, and historical data from our VIN check.

Verify TUV Status

Check when the last TUV (HU/AU) was performed and whether it passed without defects. The TUV sticker on the rear plate shows the expiry month and year. A fresh TUV pass adds value and confidence.

Physical Inspection

If possible, inspect the car in person or hire an independent inspector. Check paint thickness, panel gaps, undercarriage condition, tire wear patterns, and test drive the vehicle.

Import Process Step by Step

Importing a car from Germany to another EU country is straightforward thanks to the EU single market. Here is the typical process:

1

Find and Verify the Vehicle

Search on mobile.de or AutoScout24. Run a VIN check to verify history. Contact the seller, negotiate the price, and arrange a viewing.

2

Complete the Purchase

Sign the Kaufvertrag (purchase contract). Pay the agreed price (bank transfer is standard for larger amounts). Obtain all documents from the seller.

3

Deregister the Vehicle in Germany

The vehicle must be deregistered (abgemeldet) at the local Zulassungsstelle. The seller usually handles this. You receive the Abmeldebescheinigung.

4

Get Export/Transit Plates

Apply for German export plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen) if you plan to drive the car home. These are valid for up to 12 months and include short-term insurance. Alternatively, arrange transport on a trailer.

5

Transport to Your Country

Drive the car with export plates or have it transported via a professional car transporter. Keep all documents accessible for potential border checks.

6

Register in Your Country

Present the German documents to your local registration authority. Pass any required local inspections (e.g., technical inspection, emissions test). Pay applicable taxes and fees. Obtain local plates.

Costs and Taxes

Understanding the full cost of importing a car helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. Here are the typical expenses:

Cost ItemTypical Range
Export plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)EUR 100 - 150
Transport (trailer within EU)EUR 500 - 1,500
Fuel (if driving yourself)EUR 100 - 400
Local registration feesVaries by country
Technical inspectionEUR 50 - 200
VAT (if applicable)17-27% of value
VIN Check (full report)EUR 8.90

VAT rules within the EU: If you buy from a private seller and the vehicle is more than 6 months old with more than 6,000 km on the odometer, you generally do not pay VAT again, as it was already paid in Germany. If buying from a dealer, check whether the invoice includes VAT ("MwSt. ausweisbar") or is sold under the margin scheme ("Differenzbesteuerung").

For non-EU countries (e.g., UK post-Brexit), import duties of typically 6.5% plus local VAT apply. Additional country-specific registration taxes may also be due.

VIN Check — Your Essential Safety Net

Before spending thousands on a car from Germany, invest EUR 8.90 in a comprehensive vehicle history report. Check accident history, odometer readings, theft status, and original specifications. The free check already reveals key specs and safety recalls.

Free VIN Check Calculate KFZ-Steuer

Country-Specific Import Guides

Read our detailed guides for importing a car from Germany to your specific country, with local tax rates, registration requirements, and step-by-step instructions.

Poland flagPolandRomania flagRomaniaCzech Republic flagCzech RepublicLithuania flagLithuaniaNetherlands flagNetherlands

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about importing a car from Germany

Is it worth importing a car from Germany?
Germany is Europe's largest used car market with over 7 million vehicles sold annually. German cars are typically well-maintained due to strict TUV inspections, often come with full service history, and can be significantly cheaper than in other European countries. The savings can range from 20-40% depending on the make, model, and your home country's market prices.
How do I check a German car before buying?
Before buying a car from Germany, always run a VIN check to verify the vehicle's history, including accident records, odometer readings, theft status, and original specifications. You should also request the TUV inspection report (HU/AU), service book, and Fahrzeugbrief (vehicle title). Our free VIN checker can decode the vehicle's specifications and check multiple databases.
What documents do I need to import a car from Germany?
You typically need: the Kaufvertrag (purchase contract), Fahrzeugbrief (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II / vehicle title), Fahrzeugschein (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I / registration certificate), COC (Certificate of Conformity) if available, valid ID or passport, proof of insurance, and the Abmeldebescheinigung (deregistration confirmation) from the German authorities.
Do I need to pay VAT when importing from Germany?
Within the EU, if you buy from a private seller and the car is more than 6 months old with more than 6,000 km, you generally don't pay VAT again (it was already paid in Germany). If buying from a dealer, VAT rules depend on whether it's sold under the margin scheme or with VAT shown on the invoice. For non-EU countries, import duties and local VAT typically apply.
How much does it cost to transport a car from Germany?
Transport costs vary by distance and method. Within Europe, expect EUR 500-1,500 for professional car transport on a trailer, or EUR 300-800 for an open transporter. You can also drive the car yourself using German export plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen), which cost around EUR 100-150 for temporary registration and insurance. Fuel costs for driving depend on distance.
What is a TUV inspection?
TUV (Technischer Ueberwachungsverein) is Germany's mandatory vehicle inspection. Every car must pass HU (Hauptuntersuchung) every two years to remain road-legal. The TUV report lists all defects found, making it an invaluable document when buying a used car. A recent TUV pass (indicated by the sticker on the rear license plate) suggests the car is in reasonable mechanical condition.
Importing a Car from Germany — Guide | Carlytics