12.01.2022 – This document is still a draft, awaiting feedback
What documents do you need
- Proof of ownership – Proof of purchase / Hire purchase agreement
- Dealers Invoice
- Original Vehicle registration documents – Proof of registration in your name
- Current vehicle insurance documentation
- EU Certificate of conformity (Konformitäts-bescheinigung or EWG – Übereinstimmungsbescheinigung)
- Certificate of exhaust emissions (AU-Bescheinigung) – vehicles older than 3 years
- Tax clearance certificate (Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung). This is to confirm that the vehicle has not previously been registered in Germany
- Drainage certificate for the shipping agent (you will need several copies)
- Packing list
- Documents from the shipping agents for customs. The customs agents will open your container and check your declaration
What else do you need
- A Shipping agent
- You will need a conform container
The process
- Get all the necessary documents together
- Arrange a shipping agent
- Have your vehicle VeriDotted –
- Prepare the vehicle (no fuel, fuel line and battery disconnected etc)
- Deregister the vehicle in SA
- Ship the vehicle
- Collect your vehicle at customs / arrange vehicle delivery to TUV. You will not be allowed to drive your vehicle before all the paperwork is done and you have a TUV certificate
- Customs in Germany will issue you with a Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung to enable you to get your vehicle licensed, registered and insured here in Germany.
- Vehicle is modified to German standards e.g changes to the headlights
- Register your vehicle in Germany – Licensing
Registering your vehicle
You will need the following documentation
- Proof of identification
- Proof of your registration in Germany (home address)
- Original registration documents
- Tax clearance certificate (Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung)
- Proof of duties paid or exemption (Zollrechtliche Bescheinigung)
- Original Certificate of Conformity
- Proof of insurance
- Road tax form
- TUV (Technischer Überwachungsverein) certificate – Testcentre for roadworthiness
- Proof of the original purchase contract
Costs
- As a rule, you have to pay the following:
- Duty Fees – 10% import duty
- Import VAT – 19%
You can get exemption from the duty and VAT if you are establishing a new residence in Germany and have given up your residence in a non-EU country. The vehicle must be registered in your personal name (sole owner) for at least 6 months and be used by you personally. You will have to declare the vehicle as Übersiedlungsgut
- Shipping Fees
- Customs fees
Pitfalls
- In Germany, you drive on the right lane and the driver sits on the left
- Your vehicle will have to go through TUV, there are some adjustments that needs to be done for example the angle of the headlights
Info on the internet
- Your Europe – Car registration documents and formalities
- Zoll (Customs) Transferring residence
- KBA (Kraffahrt-Bundesampt) Central Vehicle Register