Bring your own car from a non-EU country to Germany and register it
6 tasks in suggested order
1. First clarify customs status and secure proof of import
For a vehicle from a third country, first clarify how it is imported into the EU/Germany for customs purposes. Someone moving their normal residence from a third country to the EU may, under certain conditions, qualify for duty-free treatment as transfer-of-residence goods; this exemption does not automatically apply to every vehicle import.
Before or during import and before German registration.
At the competent customs office or according to the official procedure of German customs.
Vehicle and ownership evidence, foreign registration documents and, if transfer-of-residence relief is claimed, evidence of previous residence, ownership and prior use of the vehicle plus the required customs form.
Make sure you receive the import/customs evidence required for registration. Lili tip: Keep purchase, transport and customs documents together; they may later be important for registration and proof of origin.
Official source: Generalzolldirektion
2. Clarify technical approval or expert report for Germany
Check whether the vehicle has a type approval/COC usable in Germany. If no recognised EU type approval exists, registration may require an expert report or individual approval under German vehicle rules.
After import but before the registration appointment; ideally clarify technical requirements with an approved inspection body before expensive modifications.
At an officially recognised technical inspection body/supervision organisation according to the approval route required for the vehicle.
Vehicle, foreign vehicle papers, technical data/manufacturer documents and any existing type approvals or COC.
Imported vehicles may need technical modifications. Lili tip: Before modifications, have it recorded in writing which evidence or changes are required for this exact vehicle.
Official source: Bundesportal
3. Complete the main inspection or other required inspection evidence
German registration requires evidence of the necessary technical inspection status. For third-country vehicles, a valid main inspection or corresponding inspection report may be needed in addition to an approval/full expert report.
Before registration, once it is clear which inspection the registration authority requires for your vehicle.
At an approved inspection organisation.
Vehicle, foreign vehicle papers and the technical/approval documents from the previous step.
If both approval inspection and HU are required, schedule them in the correct order; the inspection body can tell you which documents must be available first.
Official source: Bundesportal
4. Prepare eVB insurance and the SEPA mandate for motor vehicle tax
Before registration, you need an electronic insurance confirmation (eVB) and the details for collecting motor vehicle tax. This allows the registration authority to initiate the insurance and tax procedures.
After the vehicle’s technical eligibility for registration has been clarified and before the registration appointment.
Obtain the eVB from a German motor insurer; prepare the SEPA mandate and bank details for motor vehicle tax as part of the registration procedure.
Vehicle details, personal details, the eVB number, IBAN and the signatures/details required for the SEPA mandate.
Lili tip: Compare several insurers or contact a broker. Look not only at the price but also at coverage, deductible, permitted drivers and exclusions. Imported vehicles may be classified differently depending on the type.
Official source: Bundesportal
5. Register the vehicle for the first time at the local vehicle registration authority
Submit the foreign vehicle papers, proof of ownership and customs documents together with the technical, insurance and tax documents to the competent registration authority. The authority checks the first registration in Germany and, if the application is successful, issues German vehicle documents.
Once the customs status, approval/inspection, eVB and the SEPA mandate for tax are fully prepared.
At the vehicle registration authority responsible for your place of residence or business.
Proof of identity, foreign registration documents, proof of ownership, customs/import proof, technical reports/COC if available, HU/inspection proof, eVB, SEPA mandate and any additional documents required locally.
Original documents and foreign licence plates may be requested and may be retained or invalidated during the procedure. Lili tip: Scan all originals beforehand and clarify what you will still need for the later deregistration in the country of origin.
Official source: Bundesportal
6. Finally, complete the deregistration/export formalities in the previous country of registration
After German registration, check with the previous country of registration whether the vehicle is still actively registered there and which licence plates or documents must be returned for final deregistration. This depends on that country’s rules.
After German registration, or as soon as the authority in the country of origin accepts the German registration proof; do it earlier only if safe transfer of the vehicle is otherwise ensured.
At the competent official registration authority in the previous country of registration.
German registration confirmation/vehicle documents, previous foreign vehicle papers and licence plates, insofar as the authority in the country of origin requires them.
The German registration authority cannot replace deregistration in the country of origin for every country. Therefore, check only with the official registration authority of the specific country of origin whether licence plates or original documents must be returned. Lili tip: Keep the German registration and customs documents together with the confirmation from the country of origin.
Official source: Bundesportal
