Country Guide

Importing a Car from Germany to Czech Republic

The Czech Republic shares a long border with Germany, making car imports especially convenient. Many Czech buyers regularly visit German dealerships in Saxony and Bavaria. The price advantage, combined with easy cross-border access, makes Germany the top source for Czech used car imports.

Check a VIN Before You Buy

Key Import Facts: Germany to Czech Republic

VAT Rate

21%

Registration Tax

Registration fee CZK 800 (approx. EUR 33) + emission-based eco-tax for older vehicles

Technical Inspection

STK (Stanice technicke kontroly)

CZK 800-1,200 (approx. EUR 33-50)

Typical Savings

15-30% compared to Czech market prices

Import Duties

Eco-tax for vehicles below Euro 3: CZK 3,000-10,000

Currency

CZK

Why Czech Buyers Choose German Cars

Proximity is the biggest advantage — the German border is often just an hour's drive away. German cars are 15-30% cheaper, and the Czech Republic's low registration fee (CZK 800) makes the total import cost minimal compared to the savings.

Most Popular Models Imported to Czech Republic

Skoda OctaviaVW GolfBMW 3 SeriesAudi A4VW Passat

Import Duties and Taxes

No customs duty within EU. Registration fee is CZK 800. An eco-tax (ekologicka dan) applies to vehicles that do not meet at least Euro 3 emission standards.

Cost Summary

Customs Duty (EU)EUR 0 (free movement)

Registration / Excise TaxEco-tax for vehicles below Euro 3: CZK 3,000-10,000

Technical InspectionCZK 800-1,200 (approx. EUR 33-50)

VIN Check (recommended)EUR 8.90

Required Documents

Make sure you have all the following documents when importing a car from Germany to Czech Republic:

German Fahrzeugbrief (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II)

German Fahrzeugschein (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I)

Kaufvertrag (purchase contract)

Valid STK inspection certificate

Proof of insurance (POV - pojisteni odpovednosti)

COC (Certificate of Conformity) or individual approval

Valid ID / passport

Proof of ownership and deregistration from Germany

Registration Process in Czech Republic

Once you have the vehicle in Czech Republic, follow these steps to complete the registration at Municipal Authority (Obecni urad):

Get the vehicle inspected at an STK station (technical inspection)

Obtain mandatory insurance (POV) from a Czech insurer

Submit all documents to the Municipal Authority (obecni urad) registration department

Pay the registration fee (CZK 800) and eco-tax if applicable

Receive Czech registration plates and technicka prukaz (vehicle registration certificate)

Tips for Czech Buyers

German border towns like Chemnitz, Dresden, and Passau have many dealers catering to Czech buyers

The eco-tax only applies to vehicles with emissions below Euro 3 standard, so most modern cars are exempt

A COC speeds up registration significantly — without it you need individual vehicle approval (jednotlive schvalovani)

Run a VIN check to verify the odometer reading and accident history before purchasing

You have 10 working days to register after importing — shorter than most EU countries

Check the Vehicle Before You Buy

Before importing a car from Germany to Czech Republic, run a comprehensive VIN check. Verify accident history, odometer readings, theft status, and original specifications. The free check already reveals key specs and safety recalls.

Free VIN Check All Import Guides

Importing to Czech Republic — FAQ

How much does it cost to register a German car in the Czech Republic?

The base registration fee is CZK 800 (approximately EUR 33). If the vehicle does not meet Euro 3 emission standards, an eco-tax of CZK 3,000-10,000 may apply. Most modern vehicles are exempt from the eco-tax. There is no additional registration or import tax for EU vehicles.

How long do I have to register an imported car in the Czech Republic?

You have 10 working days from the date of import to register the vehicle at the local Municipal Authority. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the EU, so prepare all documents in advance to avoid delays.

Do I need a COC for Czech registration?

A COC (Certificate of Conformity) makes registration much easier and faster. Without it, you need to go through individual vehicle approval (jednotlive schvalovani), which involves additional inspections and costs around CZK 2,000-5,000. Always ask the German dealer for the COC.

Can I drive with German plates in the Czech Republic?

You can drive with German export plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen) until their expiry date or until the registration deadline (10 working days after import), whichever comes first. Regular German plates are not valid once the vehicle is deregistered in Germany.