Relocating to Germany with a Car: Import, Costs & Registration

Bringing your own car when you relocate to Germany can save money on a like-for-like replacement — but the customs, tax, and registration process is genuinely complex, especially when the car is coming from outside the EU (as is the case for the Brazil → Germany route). This guide breaks down what you'll actually pay, when you might qualify for a duty-free "moving exemption," and the technical inspection every non-EU vehicle must pass before it can be legally driven in Germany.

1. Should you bring your car at all?

Before paying for shipping, weigh it against buying locally. Relevant factors for the Brazil → Germany route:

• Left-hand drive is the same — both Brazil and Germany drive on the right, so unlike UK/Ireland moves, there's no steering-side conversion issue.
• Shipping cost: ocean freight for a standard car from a Brazilian port to a German port (e.g. Hamburg or Bremerhaven) typically runs into the low thousands of euros, plus local transport on both ends — get a quote from a licensed international car shipper before deciding.
• Emissions & safety standards: Brazilian-market vehicles are not built to EU type-approval standards, so expect additional inspection, and in some cases modification costs, to meet German road rules.
• Resale value: Brazilian-spec trims and parts availability can make the car harder (and costlier) to service or resell in Germany later.

2. Customs duty and VAT for non-EU vehicles

If you don't qualify for the moving exemption below, a car imported into Germany from a non-EU country (like Brazil) is subject to standard import charges:

• Customs duty: 10% of the vehicle's declared customs value.
• Import VAT: 19%, calculated on the customs value plus the 10% duty plus transport and insurance costs to the EU border.
• The "customs value" is based on the purchase price, shipping costs, and insurance up to the EU border — have your original purchase invoice and shipping documents ready.
• Vehicles over 30 years old (classic cars) are exempt from the 10% duty and pay a reduced 7% VAT instead of 19%.

3. The duty-free "moving" exemption

If you are relocating your normal residence to Germany permanently, you may be able to import your personal vehicle without paying customs duty or VAT, provided you meet conditions similar to:

• You have owned and regularly used the vehicle for at least 6 months before your move.
• You are establishing your permanent residence in Germany (not a temporary stay).
• You agree not to sell, lend, or otherwise dispose of the vehicle within 12 months of import.

You'll need to apply for this exemption directly with German customs and provide proof of your prior residence abroad, ownership history, and relocation. Do this before the car arrives — retroactive exemption claims are far harder to win.

4. Technical inspection (TÜV individual approval)

Vehicles with EU type approval can usually be registered directly. Vehicles from third countries — including Brazil — typically do not have EU type approval, so before registration you'll usually need:

• An individual approval (Einzelbetriebserlaubnis) under Section 21 of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), performed by TÜV, DEKRA, or another officially recognised inspection organisation.
• This inspection checks emissions, lighting, safety equipment, and general roadworthiness against German/EU standards — some Brazilian-spec vehicles may need modifications (e.g. headlight beam pattern, emissions equipment) to pass.
• Budget for both the inspection fee and any required modification costs, and get a pre-assessment quote if possible before shipping the car.

5. Registering the car (Zulassung)

6. Realistic cost summary

7. Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to import a car into Germany from Brazil?

Without an exemption, expect 10% customs duty plus 19% VAT on the customs value, on top of shipping and TÜV inspection costs. The moving exemption can eliminate the duty and VAT entirely if you qualify.

Can I drive my Brazilian car in Germany temporarily before importing it?

Temporary importation rules exist for non-EU registered vehicles for visitors, but they are not designed for permanent relocation — check the Zoll temporary importation page for exact conditions and time limits.

Do I need a special inspection for a car imported from outside the EU?

Yes — an individual approval under Section 21 StVZO, typically via TÜV or DEKRA, is usually required before a non-EU-type-approved vehicle can be registered.

Is it cheaper to just buy a car in Germany?

Often, yes — factor in shipping, duty/VAT (if no exemption), TÜV modification costs, and reduced resale value before deciding to import rather than buy locally.