Shipping your vehicle to Germany

There are a lot of rules when it comes to shipping your car to Germany and it is different if you are shipping it from within an EU country or outside an EU country.

If you want to move to Germany and become a resident, you may be able to bring your own car in without paying import taxes or customs if certain conditions are met.

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)

Documents indicating the end of your lease/employment, the sale of your residential house, or a statement from your employer stating that you have been moved to Germany can all be used to establish that you have given up your residence outside of Germany. A leasing agreement, communications with your German employer, a registration receipt from the local Registry Office (Einwohnermeldeamt), and a residence permit granted by the local authorities can all be used to verify that you are establishing a new residence in Germany.

A motor vehicle may be imported tariff and import tax free only if it has been registered in your name as the only owner and personally operated by you for at least six months at your former location before moving to Germany.

Foreigners staying in Germany for a limited time are permitted to drive their imported vehicles in Germany with their home license plates and registrations for up to 12 months as long as the registration does not expire.

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

If you want to import your car to Germany from within the EU then there are a different set of rules, the rules also differ if car is new or old

Importing a new car within the EU

New cars that are bought in a different EU country and imported into Germany are subject to 19% VAT (USt). A vehicle is defined as “new”: if:

It has been in use for less than six months, or
It has been driven for no more than 6.000km.

Importing a used car within the EU

You do not have to pay VAT on an old car that you bring into Germany from another EU nation. (An “old” car is one that has been in service for more than six months or has traveled more than 6.000 kilometers.) However, you must register the vehicle in Germany and pay the corresponding registration fees, insurance, and vehicle taxes.

Importing a car from outside the EU

If you bring a car to Germany from outside the EU, you are liable to pay an import duty of 10% of the car's value, plus VAT , this doesn’t apply if they are planning to reside in Germany.

Transport paperwork

For the transport itself, several documents will be necessary, the most important of which is the sale bill. You should find the information mentioned below on the purchase invoice:

The seller.
The buyer.
The car’s manufacturer.
The type of car.
The price.
The VIN or vehicle identification number.
The Signature and date.

License/number plates

Depending on the state you live in, the plates may stay with the car or go back to the previous owner when you change ownership. In the latter situation, you must purchase plates before bringing the vehicle to the shipping port. You can get a one-day permit from your dealer if the port is near enough. Otherwise, you'll have to go to the DMV.

You must submit your US license plates to the German regulatory body. Any other European country is in the same boat. If you want to save the license plates as mementos, you can take them off before the shipper arrives and pack them in your baggage.

Importing your car to Germany can be put into a 10 step process:

1) Find out if the car meets your country’s compliance regulations.

Many countries have regulations about types of cars that can be driven within that country.

2) Register the car if you’re within the EU.

you must register the vehicle in Germany and pay the corresponding registration fees, insurance, and vehicle taxes

3) Complete the necessary paperwork.

Cars that do not automatically fulfill your country's compliance rules or safety requirements may require a special declaration form to be submitted before they may be temporarily imported.

4) Work with a registered importer for the best results.

A qualified vehicle importer can assist you in determining if the automobile you want to import complies with compliance and safety laws, as well as filling out the essential documentation.

5) Find a reliable shipper.

You're ready to have your car transported to you once you've established that it fulfills compliance rules or that you'll modify it to satisfy them.

6) Buy insurance for protection.

Damage can occur in any shipping process, so you’ll want to have protection in place if the damage occurs during shipment.

7) File the car with customs.

Customs and border protection agencies require entries to be filed on vehicles at the time of their arrival.

8) Pay the necessary fees and taxes.

For the importing of foreign cars, various nations have varied tax requirements. Learn about the import automobile tax rules in your country.

9) Inspect the car upon its arrival.

A reliable shipping company will usually check the car for scratches and dents, and record this information, prior to starting shipment.

10) Register your car locally.

To drive your imported car, you will need to have it registered according to your state’s regulations.

Why choose Alpha Worldwide to import your car to Germany?

World wide acclaimed car shipping reputation:

Our clients give us glowing testimonies for the excellent customer service

we provide as per as the impeccable packing and safety techniques we

have demonstrated in the past.

All-round Professional service:

We create solutions for your unique needs, and can ship any type of

vehicle, in different units and packaging. We also provide assistance to

ensure a hassle free shipment delivery for you.

Affordable and Tax Free:

Premium services, at affordable rates to provide the ultimate hassle-free

shipping experience for our esteemed clients.

We hope you find this guide useful. To get additional information about shipping

your vehicle to Germany, please contact our team for a free consultations

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