Importing an American Car to Germany: 2026 Guide

This guide summarizes what you are responsible for when registering a car in Germany and the indicative costs for 2026. These amounts should be confirmed with the authorities or a registration agent before each purchase.

How does delivery work in Germany?

• Selection in the USA. Licensed dealer in the USA, with access to thousands of cars in every state. Before any commitment, you will receive photos, available documents, and the type of title (clean, salvage, rebuilt).
• Maritime transport. From the USA to Europe, with assistance until arrival.
• Customs processed. The car is cleared through customs upon entry into the EU: customs duties are never paid a second time in Germany.
• Delivery in Germany. Delivery to your dealership or your address. You can also choose a car from our stock in Portugal.

Customs duties and VAT

Customs duties. From July 1, 2026, cars manufactured in the USA, with proven origin, enter the EU with 0 % duty (Regulation (EU) 2026/1455, in force until 12/31/2029). Classic cars 30 years old or more, in original condition and of a discontinued model, enter as collector's items (code 9705), also with 0 % duty. In both cases, nothing to pay in Germany.

VAT. For a reseller with a valid VAT number (VIES), the sale is made without Portuguese VAT, and VAT is self-assessed in Germany. For a private individual, the VAT rate from the Portuguese invoice or the margin scheme applies. The exact framework is specified in each proposal. Since 2025, the reduced German rate of 7 % for collectibles may also apply to the intra-community acquisition of a classic that meets the collector's criteria — to be confirmed with your tax advisor.

Registration tax

Germany does not charge a registration tax. At the Zulassungsstelle (registration office), you only pay the administrative registration fee and for the license plates.

Approval: Vollgutachten §21 StVZO

An American car does not have a European Certificate of Conformity (COC). To obtain German registration, a full inspection under §21 StVZO is required, carried out by TÜV, DEKRA or GTÜ. The expert checks emissions, noise, lighting and brakes; the tires must have ECE marking.

The price is set on a case-by-case basis and can increase significantly when emissions tests or adaptations are required (amber turn signals, headlights, speedometer in km/h).

Classic regimen: H-Kennzeichen

If the car is 30 years old or more and in good original condition, it can receive the historic H-Kennzeichen (§23 StVZO) registration after a classic car inspection. Advantages: fixed road tax of approximately €191.73/year, regardless of engine size — crucial for a V8 — and access to environmental zones (Umweltzonen).

Annual tax

Kfz-Steuer Annual: calculated based on engine displacement and emissions class (or CO2 in newer vehicles). With H-Kennzeichen it becomes the fixed value indicated above.

Indicative costs in Germany (2026)

Heading	Indicative value
Registration tax	It doesn't exist.
Registration (Zulassung) and license plates	Administrative fee
Vollgutachten §21 (TÜV/DEKRA)	Based on the expert's budget.
Classic expertise §23 (H)	Around €80–200
Kfz-Steuer with H-Kennzeichen	≈ €191.73/year

Indicative prices, excluding transport and car price. Taxation changes frequently: confirm with the German authorities or a customs broker.

For resellers and individuals

• Resellers. Dealer prices and terms negotiated on a case-by-case basis, with access to B2B program.
• Private individuals. We also sell directly, with the legal guarantee of conformity.
• Pre-purchase inspection. Upon request, made by an industry professional (paid service).

Want an American car in Germany?

Tell us the model, year, and budget: we'll search in the US or suggest a car from our stock. Contact us on WhatsApp, see the cars available or make one customized search.

Frequently asked questions

Does Germany have a registration tax? No. You pay the registration fee, the license plates, and then the annual road tax (Kfz-Steuer).

Can a muscle car have H-Kennzeichen? Yes, from the age of 30 onwards, provided it is in its original condition. The expert appraisal §23 assesses its originality and state of preservation.

Who handles TÜV? The buyer, or their usual expert. Before the purchase, we indicate what we know about the car and send photos and documents so that the expert can evaluate it.

Other destinations in Europe

Portugal · France · Belgium · Netherlands · Spain · Italy · Poland · Austria · Switzerland · Luxembourg · Ireland · Sweden · Denmark · Norway

All destinations: importing an American car to Europe

Sources: TÜV SÜD — import of American vehicles; gesetze-im-internet.de (KraftStG §9). Last checked: October 2026.

In stock or on its way

Public prices, without Portuguese registration.

1972 Chevrolet C10 Short Bed — LS 6.0 engine, 22/24-inch wheels61 500 €1966 Ford Mustang Convertible — California car, automatic convertible top.49 000 €1969 Plymouth Road Runner — Drag car, new 440 engine64 500 €1982 Chevrolet Corvette — 24,251 original miles, Cross-Fire Injection34 000 €1966 Ford Mustang — Red, V8, Carfax report37 500 €1968 Chevrolet K10 4x4 — Restored show truck, 46,000 original miles.64 500 €

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