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Importing a car from Germany step by step: how much does it cost and what you need to know

29.10.2025
Purchasing and transporting cars from Germany is a well-known and economically viable practice that requires knowledge of the market situation, sales rules and procedures, and the necessary paperwork.
Importing a car from Germany step by step: how much does it cost and what you need to know

Purchasing a Car in Germany — Required Documents and Procedures

There are several ways to purchase and deliver a car:

  • Buying a car independently, then personally completing all necessary documents and arranging personal transport;
  • Alternatively, you can use the services of a logistics company, paying for assistance with document preparation both during the purchase and the import formalities.

We will describe step by step how much it costs to import and transport a car from Germany and which documents the carrier should have.

Purchase and Import Documentation

First, it is necessary to compile a complete set of documents that will serve as the basis for customs and registration procedures.

  1. Purchase invoice. It must include the details of the seller and buyer, full vehicle specifications, and the transaction amount. The invoice serves as the starting point for further import documentation.
  2. Certificate of Conformity. This document confirms that the vehicle meets the technical and environmental requirements in force within the European Union.
  3. Vehicle registration documents. Original documents proving previous registration of the vehicle in the country of origin must be presented.
  4. Insurance policies. Two types of insurance are required for the import process: transit insurance — valid during transportation of the car to Poland, temporary Polish insurance — required after the vehicle enters the territory of Poland.
  5. Customs declaration. The declaration specifies the amount of taxes due: excise, VAT, and any applicable customs duty.
  6. Certificate of the most recent technical inspection. It is required for registration in Poland.

Translation of documents. All original documents in a foreign language — including the registration certificate, inspection reports, and other attachments — must be translated into Polish by a sworn translator.

Taxes and Fees Associated with Vehicle Import

When importing a car from abroad, several fiscal and administrative costs must be taken into account:

  1. Value Added Tax (VAT). Usually, when purchasing a vehicle abroad, the net price is paid. After bringing the car to Poland, the buyer is required to declare and pay VAT at the national rate, which is 23% of the vehicle’s value.
  2. Excise duty. The amount of excise depends, among other things, on engine capacity, fuel type, CO2 emissions, and the age of the vehicle.
  3. Registration fee. This includes the cost of issuing the vehicle card, the fee for a technical inspection, and the cost of license plates.
  4. Customs duty. The amount of duty varies depending on current regulations, but it is usually about 10% of the vehicle’s value.

The entire import process — from customs clearance, paying taxes, to technical inspection and registration — usually takes from 7 to 14 days from the vehicle’s arrival in Poland.

Approximate Cost Estimate

The costs of purchasing and importing a car from Germany, including its transport to Poland, include all the items mentioned above: the vehicle price, customs duty, VAT, excise, registration fees, and insurance.

  • Financial costs:
  • Purchase price;
  • Excise duty;
  • Customs duty at 10% of the vehicle’s value;
  • Technical inspection: 100 PLN;
  • VAT 23%;
  • Registration: 162.5 PLN;
  • Translation of documents: from 150 to 300 PLN;
  • Broker services (optional): approximately 2460 PLN;
  • Insurance: price determined individually;
  • Additional costs: inspection (optional) — 250–400 EUR;
  • Cost of importing the car using own transport: 350–500 EUR;
  • Transport by car transporter: 550–800 EUR.

The exact amount will depend on the specific vehicle and current rates.

Car Transport from Europe on a Tow Truck or Car Transporter

Tow truck services in Poland start from 2 PLN per km, within the European Union from 1 € per km. Transporting goods by tow truck is an ideal method for transporting single vehicles. Its advantages are cost savings (from 400 euros), fast delivery (1–2 days), and the possibility of escort. A car transporter can carry up to 8 cars at once, so this delivery method significantly reduces costs and is the most economical option.

Summary

International transport of a car from Germany to Poland may seem complex, but proper document preparation and knowledge of applicable tax rates and fees help avoid unnecessary complications. Before starting the procedure, it is worth carefully analyzing all requirements and considering potential additional costs. This ensures smooth vehicle registration, making importing a car a safe and cost-effective investment.