→ Import route
Importing a car from Germany into Austria
Compare dealer asking prices like for like in both countries, read the registration taxes and steps, and estimate the cost with the free calculator.
In short
On 3 Nov 2026, the comparison Germany → Austria matched 98 models by registration year, mileage band and fuel. The median model's dealer asking price was 8% lower in Germany than in Austria, with 84% of models listed lower in the origin country. The calculator estimates the total cost of registering the car in Austria, including registration tax (NoVA), VAT where due and fees.
Among advertised cars in Germany whose VAT status is known, 36% are marked VAT-deductible. For a used car with VAT shown separately, a VAT-registered buyer can buy without the origin country's VAT and account for VAT in the destination. For a used car under normal VAT rules, a private buyer collecting it abroad generally pays the seller-country VAT. Seller-arranged delivery can change the VAT treatment; confirm the invoice and delivery arrangements.
Like-for-like asking prices: Germany and Austria
Each model is compared using only the registration years, mileage bands and fuels listed in both countries, with the same weights on both sides. A negative figure means a lower asking price in the origin country, before transport and import taxes.
Differences compare matched cars. Destination medians include all listed cars of each model.
Models with lower asking prices in Germany
| Model | Matched difference | Destination median |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz V-Class | −28% | €56,900 |
| Volkswagen Sharan | −22% | €17,900 |
| Ford S-Max | −21% | €17,000 |
| BMW X2 | −21% | €30,000 |
| Porsche 911 | −20% | €176,000 |
| Volkswagen Multivan | −20% | €53,000 |
| Audi A6 | −20% | €34,900 |
| BMW X5 | −19% | €55,000 |
| SEAT Alhambra | −19% | €18,900 |
| Ford Ranger | −19% | €37,000 |
| Ford Galaxy | −19% | €17,500 |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | −18% | €29,900 |
Models with higher asking prices in Germany
| Model | Matched difference | Destination median |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai i30 | +10% | €15,000 |
| Volkswagen Polo | +10% | €14,000 |
| SEAT Ibiza | +8% | €14,000 |
| Hyundai i20 | +7% | €14,000 |
| Kia Ceed | +7% | €16,000 |
| Volkswagen ID.3 | +6% | €28,900 |
| Škoda Scala | +5% | €21,200 |
| Hyundai Kona | +4% | €22,000 |
Estimate the cost of importing a car from Germany into Austria
Enter the asking price and the car's details to see the taxes with their legal basis and clearly labelled estimates.
Registration taxes in Austria
NoVA (Normverbrauchsabgabe)
Austria charges NoVA once, when the car is first registered there. A percentage of the price without VAT, (CO₂ − a deduction) ÷ 5 rounded to a whole percent, up to a maximum, plus a malus per gram above a threshold, less a fixed deduction. A used car imported directly from another EU country pays under the law in force when it was first registered there (for example 112 g/km and 50% at most for a car from late 2021, 91 g/km and 80% in 2026), and its malus and deduction shrink by one eighth per full year of age. Electric cars pay none.
The base for a car bought from a dealer is the price without the foreign VAT; for a private sale the tax office uses the market value. Then come registration (€247), plates (€23) and the entry in the approval database (up to €180).
Official sources
The steps
- Check the listing's asking price against comparable cars, the mileage history and whether the car is sold under the margin scheme or with VAT shown separately.
- Get the registration certificate, including all parts issued by the country, the Certificate of Conformity (CoC), the invoice or contract, and the service records from the seller.
- Arrange a car transporter, or drive the car on temporary or export plates with insurance valid for the trip. The calculator includes a transport estimate you can change.
- Register the car in Austria: pay any registration tax and fees due, complete any required inspection and get local plates.
Questions about this route
Is it cheaper to buy a used car in Germany than in Austria?
On 3 Nov 2026, 84% of 98 models compared like for like had lower dealer asking prices in Germany than in Austria, with the median model listed 8% lower. Transport and registration costs come on top.
What taxes do I pay to register a car from Germany in Austria?
Registration tax for this destination: NoVA. Austria charges NoVA once, when the car is first registered there. A percentage of the price without VAT, (CO₂ − a deduction) ÷ 5 rounded to a whole percent, up to a maximum, plus a malus per gram above a threshold, less a fixed deduction. A used car imported directly from another EU country pays under the law in force when it was first registered there (for example 112 g/km and 50% at most for a car from late 2021, 91 g/km and 80% in 2026), and its malus and deduction shrink by one eighth per full year of age. Electric cars pay none.
Do I pay VAT again when I import a used car from Germany into Austria?
A car that is used for VAT purposes, bought from a dealer under the margin scheme or from a private seller in another EU country, carries no VAT again in Austria. If VAT is shown separately, a VAT-registered buyer can buy without the VAT charged in Germany and account for VAT at the destination. For a used car under normal VAT rules, a private buyer collecting it abroad generally pays the seller-country VAT. Seller-arranged delivery can change the VAT treatment; confirm the invoice and delivery arrangements. A car first used six months ago or less, or driven 6,000 km or less, is a new means of transport for VAT and is taxed at 20% in the destination country, whoever buys it.
How do I bring the car from Germany into Austria?
Use a car transporter, or drive the car on temporary or export plates with insurance valid for the trip. Keep the registration certificate, Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and invoice for registration at the destination.