Import a used car from Germany: VAT, costs, papers

Buying a used car in Germany is tempting for the huge choice and often lower prices, but whether it is a bargain depends on VAT, paperwork and the cost of registering the car in Italy. Here is how the process works step by step, what to check before paying a deposit and where the hidden costs erase the saving.

Why people look at Germany

The German market offers a very large used supply, especially premium brands and well-kept cars. German VAT is 19% against Italy's 22%, so on a car sold with VAT shown the theoretical saving is about three percentage points. That does not guarantee a lower final price: transport, plates, paperwork and the risk of buying at a distance without seeing the car all count.

The VAT question: new or used for tax purposes

The key question is whether the car counts as new or used for tax. According to the EU's Your Europe portal, a car is new if you take possession of it less than six months after it was first used, or if it has under 6,000 km. A car that passes both thresholds is treated as used. The portal also states that VAT on cars is paid in the country of registration.

In practice, if you buy from a private seller a car older than six months with more than 6,000 km, no extra VAT is added in Italy. If the car is fiscally new, the rule changes and you must clarify with the tax office and the seller where and how much VAT is due: this is where many deals go wrong. A June 2026 report described a 6 million euro fraud tied to VAT on luxury cars imported from Germany, a good reason not to improvise.

The purchase contract

You need a written contract between buyer and seller with both parties' details, VIN, declared mileage, price and payment method. Have someone who reads German review it: clauses such as sold as seen, no warranty can strip away your protection. If you buy from a dealer, ask in writing for the legal and commercial warranty terms.

Documents for Italian registration

You will generally need the original EU certificate of conformity (COC), which for older cars can be replaced by a technical data sheet from a body such as TUV; the German registration document and the de-registration certificate in the previous owner's name; the German ownership document; the invoice or purchase contract and proof of any VAT paid. Which translations or authentications are required can change, so before buying ask the Motorizzazione or a car-paperwork agency to confirm.

Getting the car to Italy

To drive between purchase and registration you need export plates. Under a 1993 agreement between Italy and Germany, these temporary plates let you drive the car to Italy for a few days. After the transfer you register the car, receive Italian plates and take out liability insurance before driving. Alternatively, you can have the car delivered by a car transporter, a cost to factor in.

What it really costs

On top of the car price, add travel insurance, export plates, possible transport, translations if required, Motorizzazione and PRA fees, the provincial transcription tax (IPT) and any adjustments to documents or equipment. Figures vary by province and engine power, so ask an agency for a written quote before you buy. As a rule of thumb, if the saving against a similar car in Italy is under a couple of thousand euros, it is often not worth the risk.

The risks not to underestimate

The main risk is buying at a distance. Check the history from the VIN, look at accidents, servicing and mileage (tampering happens abroad too) and, if possible, have a technician inspect the car on site or collect it yourself. Be wary of anyone asking for advance deposits to foreign accounts without a contract, and of prices that look too low.

The takeaway

Importing a used car from Germany can save money, but only if the car is fiscally used, the contract is clear and you have counted every cost. Before paying, get a registration quote, check the vehicle history and compare the total with Italian offers. If the gap is small, a used car bought in Italy is often the simpler and safer choice.

Further reading

1. Your Europe, VAT when you buy or sell a car
2. SicurAuto.it, Auto importata dalla Germania (1 May 2026)
3. SicurAuto.it, IVA auto nuove e usate d'importazione
4. Money.it, Auto importata dall'estero, come funzionano IVA e tasse
5. SicurAuto.it, Auto di lusso dalla Germania: frode da 6 milioni