Ship Cars to Germany: Get Instant Shipping Rates

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The cost to ship a car to Germany ranges between $1,050 and $1,800 for port-to-port container shipping.

Additional fees include destination charges starting at $600, import duties of 10%, and 19% VAT.

It typically takes 12–45 days from the USA to Germany, including customs clearance and transit time.

Yes, classic cars over 30 years old are eligible for reduced VAT at 7% and are exempt from import duties. This makes shipping vintage vehicles more affordable.

You will need the original vehicle title, bill of sale, EIN letter (for US citizens), or a copy of your passport (for international citizens). Additional documents may include a power of attorney form and a completed shipping form.

Import duties for cars in Germany are 10% of the vehicle's value, plus 19% VAT. Classic cars over 30 years old qualify for reduced VAT at 7% with no import duties.

For more information about import duties in Germany you can learn more here

Duty-free imports are possible if you meet specific criteria, such as moving permanently to Germany and owning the vehicle for more than six months prior to importation.

To register your car, you must pass a TÜV inspection and provide documents like the customs clearance certificate, bill of sale, vehicle insurance certificate, and proof of German residency.

Germany has a 10% import duty for cars imported from the US. Vehicles over 30 years old have no import duty, and VAT is reduced to 7%.

Yes, it is possible to import cars from Germany. For vehicles over 25 years old, you'll benefit from exemptions to EPA and DOT regulations, allowing most classic cars to be imported. Vehicles 25 years old and newer, will require DOT/EPA compliance to allow for permanent imports. Otherwise, they must be imported under the Show & Display law, which is limited to exclusive low production vehicles. You always have the option to import vehicles temporarily and keep them in the US for up to 1 year, however you must apply for an EPA exemption before shipping your vehicle.

The import process involves shipping the car, typically via container shipping, clearing import customs, and registering the car for the road in your state. West Coast Shipping can manage the entire import process, including shipping, import clearance and assist on Show & Display and temporary car imports.

To read more about how to import cars from Germany you can visit this page

Yes, when importing a car from Germany to the USA, import duties are calculated at  2.5%, based on the vehicle's value, plus a Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125%) and Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%). When importing to Germany, you'll typically pay 10% import duty plus 19% VAT, though vehicles over 30 years old qualify for reduced 7% VAT and duty exemption.

Second-hand cars from Germany are often more affordable than in many other countries due to Germany's large automotive market and high turnover rate. German vehicles typically have excellent maintenance records and may offer better specifications or equipment levels than equivalently priced vehicles elsewhere. However, you must factor in shipping costs, import duties, and potential modification expenses when calculating the total cost.

Yes, foreigners can purchase cars in Germany. You'll need identification (passport), proof of address (either in Germany or your home country), and payment means. For registration in Germany, you'll need a local address or use an import service to handle the export documentation. Companies like West Coast Shipping can assist with the entire purchase and export process, including temporary registration plates if needed.

The United States is the largest importer of German cars, followed closely by China and the United Kingdom. The US market particularly values German luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche, with these vehicles representing a significant portion of premium car sales in America. German automotive exports to the US exceed $20 billion annually.

To export a vehicle from Germany:

1. Obtain the vehicle's original title and registration documents
2. Complete an export declaration form (Ausfuhranmeldung)
3. Deregister the vehicle at the local vehicle registration office (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle)
4. Arrange shipping through a reputable company like West Coast Shipping
5. Prepare customs documentation including proof of ownership and purchase invoice
6. Obtain export plates if you need to drive the vehicle before shipping
7. Ensure the vehicle meets the import requirements of your destination country

Yes, you can purchase a second-hand car in Germany as a foreigner. Germany has a robust used car market with dealerships and private sellers offering well-maintained vehicles. Popular platforms for finding used cars include Mobile.de and AutoScout24. When purchasing, ensure you receive all necessary documentation including the vehicle title (Fahrzeugbrief), service history (Serviceheft), and a valid inspection certificate (TÜV).

Yes, you can buy a car in Germany and ship it to the USA. The process involves purchasing the vehicle, arranging shipping (container or RoRo), clearing US customs, and complying with EPA/DOT regulations. Vehicles over 25 years old are exempt from emissions and safety standards. Expect to pay shipping costs ($2,750-$3,350), 2.5% import duty, and additional fees. West Coast Shipping offers door-to-door service for this entire process.

To learn more about buying cars in Germany to import to the US you can read this article

Yes, you can buy a car in Germany and import it to Switzerland. As Switzerland is not in the EU, you'll need to complete export formalities in Germany and import procedures in Switzerland. You'll pay Swiss import duty (approximately 12-15 CHF per 100kg of vehicle weight) and 7.7% VAT on the vehicle's value plus shipping costs. The vehicle must also meet Swiss technical requirements and pass inspection before registration.

Importing a vehicle from Germany to the USA typically costs between $2,750-$3,350 for shipping alone, depending on the method (container, RoRo, or air freight). Additional costs include:

• 2.5% import duty (for vehicles under 25 years old)
• Customs processing fees ($280-$500)
• Marine insurance (1-2% of vehicle value)
• Inland transportation in both countries ($300-$1,200)
• Potential modifications for compliance
• State registration fees ($50-$200)

The most commonly imported cars from Germany to the USA include luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Audi. Classic models are particularly popular for import, including the BMW E30 M3, Porsche 911 variants, Mercedes-Benz SL series, and classic Volkswagens like the Beetle and Bus. Performance models and limited-edition vehicles that weren't originally sold in the US market are also frequently imported.

To learn more about what are the most popular cars imported from Germany you can read this article

Customs clearance fees in Germany typically range from €150-€300 for passenger vehicles. This includes processing the import documentation and handling the customs declaration. Additional costs may apply for physical inspections or specialized handling. For high-value vehicles, expect to pay towards the higher end of this range. These fees are separate from any import duties or taxes that may be applicable.

Import duty for vehicles entering Germany from non-EU countries is typically 10% of the vehicle's value. Additionally, you'll pay 19% Value Added Tax (VAT) calculated on the combined value of the vehicle, shipping costs, and import duty. However, vehicles over 30 years old qualify as classic cars and benefit from a reduced VAT rate of 7% and potential duty exemptions if they meet originality requirements.

Yes, the United States and Germany have a comprehensive tax treaty that helps prevent double taxation for individuals and businesses operating in both countries. This treaty includes provisions related to income tax, capital gains, and inheritance taxes. However, this treaty generally doesn't eliminate import duties or VAT on vehicles shipped between the countries, which remain subject to standard customs regulations.

The 1% rule (Ein-Prozent-Regel) in Germany is a taxation method for company cars used privately. If you have a company car that you also use for personal purposes, you're taxed monthly on 1% of the vehicle's gross list price as a benefit-in-kind. This amount is added to your taxable income. For example, if your company car's list price is €50,000, you'll be taxed on an additional €500 per month (€6,000 annually) as imputed income.

Disadvantages of German cars include:

• Higher maintenance costs compared to Japanese or American vehicles
• More expensive replacement parts
• Specialized service requirements often necessitating dealer servicing
• Complex electronics that can be costly to repair
• Higher insurance premiums due to repair costs
• Stricter maintenance schedules that must be followed to maintain reliability
• Potential for expensive repairs once out of warranty
• Some models have known reliability issues with specific components

German cars are worth buying if you value engineering quality, driving dynamics, and premium features. They typically offer superior performance, build quality, and advanced technology compared to many competitors. However, they require more maintenance investment and have higher ownership costs. For enthusiasts who appreciate their driving characteristics and are willing to maintain them properly, German vehicles can provide an exceptional ownership experience and strong resale value, especially for well-maintained classic models.