→ Import route
Importing a car from Germany into Italy
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 → Italy matched 96 models by registration year, mileage band and fuel. The median model's dealer asking price was 2% higher in Germany than in Italy, with 40% of models still listed lower in the origin country. The calculator estimates the total cost of registering the car in Italy, including registration tax (IPT), 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 Italy
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Beetle | −30% | €12,500 |
| Audi A3 | −24% | €24,500 |
| Volkswagen Golf | −21% | €19,900 |
| Hyundai i20 | −19% | €13,900 |
| BMW 2 Series | −17% | €26,900 |
| smart forfour | −15% | €10,900 |
| BMW 1 Series | −14% | €22,400 |
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | −11% | €22,500 |
| Volkswagen up! | −11% | €9,550 |
| Audi A4 | −11% | €21,000 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA | −10% | €31,900 |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | −9% | €25,700 |
Models with higher asking prices in Germany
| Model | Matched difference | Destination median |
|---|---|---|
| Škoda Karoq | +23% | €20,000 |
| Škoda Scala | +22% | €14,500 |
| SEAT Arona | +22% | €14,400 |
| Škoda Kamiq | +20% | €17,000 |
| SEAT Ibiza | +20% | €11,200 |
| Citroën C3 Aircross | +19% | €13,500 |
| Volvo XC40 | +17% | €21,600 |
| Škoda Kodiaq | +16% | €28,900 |
Estimate the cost of importing a car from Germany into Italy
Enter the asking price and the car's details to see the taxes with their legal basis and clearly labelled estimates.
Registration taxes in Italy
IPT (imposta provinciale di trascrizione)
Italy has no CO₂ registration tax for a used import: the ecotassa ended in 2021. What you pay is the provincial registration tax (IPT) when the car is entered in the PRA register: €150.81 up to 53 kW, otherwise €3.51 for every kW of power, plus the province's increase (30% in most provinces, 20–25% in some, none in Aosta, Bolzano and Trento), rounded to whole euros. Some provinces discount electric and hybrid cars.
Then come the PRA emolument (€27), the stamp duty for the registration and the documento unico (€64), the Motorizzazione rights (€10.20) and plates (€41.78). A periodic inspection (revisione) is only needed if one is due. Cars above 185 kW also pay the yearly superbollo (€20 per kW above 185, less with age).
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 Italy: 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 Italy?
On 3 Nov 2026, 40% of 96 models compared like for like had lower dealer asking prices in Germany than in Italy, although the median model was listed 2% higher. Transport and registration costs come on top.
What taxes do I pay to register a car from Germany in Italy?
Registration tax for this destination: IPT. Italy has no CO₂ registration tax for a used import: the ecotassa ended in 2021. What you pay is the provincial registration tax (IPT) when the car is entered in the PRA register: €150.81 up to 53 kW, otherwise €3.51 for every kW of power, plus the province's increase (30% in most provinces, 20–25% in some, none in Aosta, Bolzano and Trento), rounded to whole euros. Some provinces discount electric and hybrid cars.
Do I pay VAT again when I import a used car from Germany into Italy?
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 Italy. 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 22% in the destination country, whoever buys it.
How do I bring the car from Germany into Italy?
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.