Import a Car from Germany 

Buying a car in Germany is often the easy part. The real work starts when you want to import the car from Germany and register it in your home country. Rules can differ by destination, but the process is usually predictable if you prepare the right documents, plan transport, and understand what your local authorities will ask for.

CarCheckFrank helps private buyers and businesses with the practical side of car import Germany: document readiness, export options, transport coordination, and on-site inspections before you buy.

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The 3 things that matter most

1. Documents: Don’t buy a car without complete paperwork. Always ask for the registration documents (Brief & Schein), the COC (if available), and service history. Missing documents can cause major problems later.

2. Import eligibility: Before you commit, confirm with your local authorities that the vehicle can be imported and registered without issues.

3. Total costs: Plan the full budget upfront—import taxes and declarations, transport, and a used car inspection in Germany.

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Quick document checklist 

In most cases, you should have these ready:

• Vehicle registration papers Part I & Part II (Zulassungsbescheinigung I & II)

• Certificate of Conformity (COC)

• Valid TÜV/HU documentation

• Service history

• Purchase contract or invoice 

• If you drive it out: German export license plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)

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Step-by-step: importing a German car 

Step 1: Confirm with your local authorities that the car can be imported.
Check whether your registration office has specific rules on emissions standards, vehicle age, left- or right-hand drive, or any modifications and rebuild work.
Step 2: Make sure the car is in good condition and matches the seller’s description with a used car inspection in Germany.

Step 3: Choose your export method

• Transport on a carrier 

• Driver delivery 

• Export plates so you drive it yourself

Step 3: Prepare the handover properly
Take photos, record condition, keep keys/documents safe, and keep your buyer paperwork consistent (names, VIN, dates).

Step 4: Complete the import and registration process with your local authorities.
This usually means a customs/tax declaration, an inspection or identity check, and then registration + plates.

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Country rules: where you’re importing the car from Germany

Below are practical highlights for common destinations. Always verify the final steps with your local authority, because rules can change and exceptions exist.

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Netherlands (NL)

If you import a car from Germany to the Netherlands, you’ll typically need an RDW inspection appointment. If the vehicle has no Dutch plates yet, you can often use a one-day registration option for driving to the inspection (or transport the car on a trailer). After approval, you proceed with Dutch registration and plates.

​Belgium (BE)

Belgium generally requires a customs step before registration. You can obtain the required customs document via the electronic E705 application or a customs office. Once that’s done, you continue with the technical/registration process required to get plates.

Luxembourg (LU)

Luxembourg commonly requires the customs document known as vignette 705 as part of the import/registration process, alongside foreign registration documents, proof of insurance, and your ID. After that, you proceed with the Luxembourg registration steps.

France (FR)

For France, expect a document-heavy registration. Make sure you keep original papers, proof of ownership, and technical details ready. Many buyers also prepare translations where needed, because missing paperwork is a frequent cause of delays.

Spain (ES)

Spain often requires an ITV step for imported vehicles. You typically bring the vehicle and its origin documents to an ITV station, which verifies the vehicle and paperwork and produces a Spanish-format technical record used for registration.

Portugal (PT)

Portugal usually involves a technical/inspection path and tax/registration steps depending on the vehicle type and emissions data. Plan extra time for the admin side and prepare complete documentation (ownership + German documents + technical details).

Italy (IT)

Italy can be strict on paperwork consistency and technical compliance. Prepare the original German registration documents, purchase contract/invoice, and vehicle technical data. Many imports also involve an inspection/verification phase before plates are issued.

Austria (AT)

Austria generally requires inspection/approval steps and local taxes/fees before registration. Vehicle specs and emissions details matter, so keep your technical documentation ready.

Czech Republic (CZ)

Czech authorities provide guidance for registering a used vehicle from an EU country, and you’ll generally need ID plus proof of roadworthiness and foreign registration documents. It’s a structured process, but it can move quickly when paperwork is complete.

Poland (PL)

Poland is one of the countries where excise tax can be a key step when importing passenger cars. In practice, you handle the excise declaration/payment confirmation and then proceed to registration using your foreign documents and inspection paperwork.

Denmark (DK)

Denmark typically requires an extended registration/customs inspection. You usually present the original registration certificate, and the vehicle may need valuation for tax purposes before final registration.

Sweden (SE)

Sweden typically starts with a verification of origin (to confirm the vehicle’s identity/history). Once approved, you book a registration inspection / technical identity verification before the vehicle can be registered.

Finland (FI)

Finland commonly involves a “declaration of use” path and car tax steps, and imported used vehicles typically need a registration inspection before first registration in Finland.

Norway (NO)

Norway (outside the EU) usually involves customs clearance and VAT handling at the border stage, followed by vehicle import duty steps, and then approval/registration with the Norwegian roads administration. Plan this route carefully because Norway’s tax and registration process is formal and time-sensitive.

Hungary (HU), Slovenia (SI), Croatia (HR), Greece (GR), Romania (RO)

Across these destinations, the pattern is usually: documents + local inspection/approval + tax/fees + registration. If you want a smooth process, bring complete originals, ensure VIN and owner data match everywhere, and plan the local inspection step early.
 

Outside Europe: special attention countries

If you’re exporting from Germany to non-EU destinations, the two biggest risks are local compliance rules and required import documentation. Below are important highlights.

United States (USA)

For the USA, you need to think in “compliance + customs paperwork.” Importers commonly file the DOT HS-7 declaration for safety compliance and an EPA declaration (Form 3520-1) for emissions at the time of import. Customs entry documentation (such as an entry summary) is typically required as proof of proper import before you can title/register at state level. If the vehicle doesn’t meet US standards, special import paths may apply.

Mexico

Mexico has specific rules for used vehicle imports that can change by program and region. Mexico has extended used light vehicle import regulations through November 2026, and requirements can include origin documentation and specific eligibility conditions. Always confirm your route (temporary vs definitive import), because the paperwork differs.

Peru

Peru is documentation-driven. SUNAT guidance indicates that importing used vehicles requires key vehicle identity information on the customs declaration (including VIN and type-approval details). If you’re only entering temporarily (tourist use), you still need specific documents to present at the border/customs.

Morocco

Morocco is known for tighter rules on permanent imports. Moroccan customs guidance (via official circulars) commonly limits permanent customs clearance to vehicles under a certain age (often under 5 years), with exceptions depending on your status and the exact regulation. Morocco also provides official tools and procedures for vehicle customs clearance, so check eligibility before committing to a purchase in Germany.

Nigeria

Nigeria has an official import prohibition list that includes restrictions on used motor vehicles above a defined age threshold. Before exporting from Germany to Nigeria, confirm that your vehicle’s model year is eligible and that your shipping and clearance documentation is complete.

South Sudan

South Sudan can involve additional control documents. The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards indicates that consignments subject to conformity programs require mandatory documents/certificates before shipping, and customs workflows commonly reference ECTN-related fees and formal clearance steps. Work with an experienced clearing agent and confirm the latest requirements before shipping.

China

China can be complex for complete vehicle imports. In many cases, imported vehicles require China Compulsory Certification (CCC) for complete vehicles (or a formal exemption/waiver process where applicable). This is a key checkpoint that should be checked early—before you buy and ship.

Taiwan

Taiwan typically combines customs rules with safety/approval requirements before a vehicle can be registered. Customs valuation methods and local compliance steps can apply, and imported vehicles generally need to meet Taiwan’s vehicle safety/type approval requirements before plates are possible.

South Korea

South Korea generally requires formal customs clearance with standard import documents (such as invoice and transport documents). Vehicle compliance and taxation can depend on the vehicle category and specs, so it’s important to confirm requirements before shipping.

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How CarCheckFrank helps with car import from Germany

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• Used car inspection in Germany before you pay (photos/videos + report)

• Export license plates: German export license plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)