→ Import route
Importing a car from Italy into Germany
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 Italy → Germany matched 96 models by registration year, mileage band and fuel. The median model's dealer asking price was 2% lower in Italy than in Germany, with 60% of models listed lower in the origin country. Germany has no registration tax; the calculator adds VAT where due, transport and registration fees, with the annual Kfz-Steuer shown separately.
Like-for-like asking prices: Italy and Germany
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 Italy
| Model | Matched difference | Destination median |
|---|---|---|
| Škoda Karoq | −19% | €22,900 |
| Škoda Scala | −18% | €18,500 |
| SEAT Arona | −18% | €17,700 |
| Škoda Kamiq | −17% | €20,000 |
| SEAT Ibiza | −17% | €13,000 |
| Citroën C3 Aircross | −16% | €15,000 |
| Volvo XC40 | −14% | €32,900 |
| Škoda Kodiaq | −14% | €27,100 |
| Audi Q7 | −13% | €35,000 |
| Škoda Octavia | −13% | €15,500 |
| Nissan Qashqai | −12% | €18,000 |
| Ford Puma | −12% | €19,000 |
Models with higher asking prices in Italy
| Model | Matched difference | Destination median |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Beetle | +43% | €7,950 |
| Audi A3 | +32% | €17,000 |
| Volkswagen Golf | +26% | €12,900 |
| Hyundai i20 | +24% | €13,000 |
| BMW 2 Series | +21% | €24,300 |
| smart forfour | +18% | €8,400 |
| BMW 1 Series | +16% | €13,000 |
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | +13% | €17,500 |
Estimate the cost of importing a car from Italy into Germany
Enter the asking price and the car's details to see the taxes with their legal basis and clearly labelled estimates.
Registration taxes in Germany
No registration tax; Kfz-Steuer is annual.
Germany has no registration tax. A new means of transport (≤ 6 months or ≤ 6,000 km) owes 19% German VAT. 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. Kfz-Steuer is annual, by engine size and CO2.
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 Germany: 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 Italy than in Germany?
On 3 Nov 2026, 60% of 96 models compared like for like had lower dealer asking prices in Italy than in Germany, with the median model listed 2% lower. Transport and registration costs come on top.
What taxes do I pay to register a car from Italy in Germany?
Germany has no registration tax. A new means of transport (≤ 6 months or ≤ 6,000 km) owes 19% German VAT. 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. Kfz-Steuer is annual, by engine size and CO2.
Do I pay VAT again when I import a used car from Italy into Germany?
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 Germany. If VAT is shown separately, a VAT-registered buyer can buy without the VAT charged in Italy 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 19% in the destination country, whoever buys it.
How do I bring the car from Italy into Germany?
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.