How much does importing a car from Germany cost?

The complete cost structure

Add inspection, transport, paperwork, technical inspection, number plate, registration tax, annual road tax and guidance to the purchase price. Budget for tyres, maintenance or required repairs as well.

• Purchase price and VAT treatment
• Inspection, transport and administration
• Inspection, registration and regional taxes
• Guidance fee and a realistic reserve

Registration tax depends on the region

The competent region depends on the registered keeper. Flanders considers factors such as CO₂, fuel, Euro standard and age for many recent cars. Wallonia and Brussels use their own rules.

Use the official regional calculator with the correct certificate-of-conformity data.

Check VAT before signing

EU rules distinguish vehicles considered new for VAT purposes. A used-car invoice can also use the standard VAT or margin scheme. Have this checked before signing.

All estimates remain indicative; the competent authority makes the final tax assessment.