We select classic American cars in the USA, handle transport and customs, and deliver the vehicle, cleared through customs in the European Union, directly to your dealership or address in Germany. Local registration is the responsibility of the buyer. Germany has the largest market for classic American cars in Europe and a rare advantage: there is no registration tax. The only demanding step is technical \u2014 the T\u00dcV or DEKRA inspection.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Customs duties.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n VAT.<\/strong> 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 \u2014 to be confirmed with your tax advisor.<\/p>\n Germany does not charge a registration tax. At the Zulassungsstelle (registration office), you only pay the administrative registration fee and for the license plates.<\/p>\n An American car does not have a European Certificate of Conformity (COC). To obtain German registration, a full inspection under \u00a721 StVZO is required, carried out by T\u00dcV, DEKRA or GT\u00dc. The expert checks emissions, noise, lighting and brakes; the tires must have ECE marking.<\/p>\n 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).<\/p>\n If the car is 30 years old or more and in good original condition, it can receive the historic H-Kennzeichen (\u00a723 StVZO) registration after a classic car inspection. Advantages: fixed road tax of approximately \u20ac191.73\/year, regardless of engine size \u2014 crucial for a V8 \u2014 and access to environmental zones (Umweltzonen).<\/p>\n Kfz-Steuer<\/strong> Annual: calculated based on engine displacement and emissions class (or CO2 in newer vehicles). With H-Kennzeichen it becomes the fixed value indicated above.<\/p>\nRegistration tax<\/h2>\n
Approval: Vollgutachten \u00a721 StVZO<\/h2>\n
Classic regimen: H-Kennzeichen<\/h2>\n
Annual tax<\/h2>\n
Indicative costs in Germany (2026)<\/h2>\n