How to import a car from Germany to Czechia: Prices, procedures, and tips

Looking for a new car? While browsing, you came across the option of importing a car from Germany to the Czech Republic. But is it worth it? How much will it cost? Which authorities do you need to visit, and what shouldn't you forget? You'll find the answers to these questions in this article. Learn how to buy a car in Germany step by step.

How to pay for the car without losing money on exchange rates? Wise is a great option, as it transfers foreign payments with the mid-market rate.

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How much does it cost to import a car from Germany?

The first question you're probably asking yourself is: is importing a car from Germany worth it? You need to account for the following expenses:

• Travel costs to Germany. Ticket, flight, or fuel costs.
• The purchase price of the car. The cheapest new car costs approximately EUR 11,900¹ (about 288,504 CZK). A new Škoda Octavia starts at EUR 29,140² (approximately 706,441 CZK), while in the Czech Republic it costs 609,900 CZK³. Used cars are, of course, a different matter. Plus, you need to take into account the possible payment of VAT.
• The cost of importing a car from Germany yourself comes to approximately EUR 45–90 for temporary or export license plates⁴ + mandatory liability insurance + fuel costs.
• Vehicle registration fee – 800 CZK for a four-wheeled motor vehicle. If you register online, you pay 640 CZK.⁵
• Technical inspection – approximately 700 CZK. If the car doesn't have a valid technical inspection (STK) and emissions test, you'll need to arrange that immediately. The price for an STK starts at 1,200 CZK and at 800 CZK for emissions.⁶
• Currency exchange costs – you need to convert Czech korunas to euros, which involves a bank margin on the market exchange rate.

Costs: Importing a car from Germany and VAT

How much Value Added Tax (VAT) you'll pay – and if you'll pay any at all – depends on the age of the vehicle, specifically its mileage, and the seller from whom you purchased the car.

For an overview, see the following table.⁷

Data valid at the time of writing.

As you can see, you don't always have to pay VAT. In Germany, the VAT rate (Mehrwertsteuer – MWSt) is 19%⁸, while in the Czech Republic it's 21%.

Save on large international transfers with Wise

You probably won’t pay a large sum for a car in cash. You'll pay by card or bank transfer. However, this is when your CZK will be converted to EUR.

Where's the catch? Banks use rates with a 2–4% margin. Simply put, the more money you transfer, the more you lose. Fortunately, there's the mid-market rate. This is the market rate, the one that is shown by Google. National banks use it, and Wise uses it for its clients' transfers.

The multi-currency Wise account offers more than just transfers. You can also order a debit card with it, which you can use to pay in over 150 countries worldwide. For secure online purchases, use virtual cards. With the account, you can send, receive, and exchange money in 40+ currencies. You'll also appreciate the unique local account details in 9+ currencies, including euros. And all this with no monthly fees.

How to buy a car in Germany from the right seller?

The days of buying a German car blindly are long gone. Nowadays, you can use German or Czech classified ad sites. The most popular with the largest number of offers are:

• Automarkt.de
• Mobile.de
• Auto.de
• AutoScout24.cz
• mobile.de/cz

On these platforms, you'll find ads from private individuals, verified car dealers, but unfortunately, also from scammers. What should you watch out for when choosing?

• Make sure the other party is serious. Don't even consider a car from a web comparison if the price is suspiciously low compared to similar offers.

• When communicating, ask about:

  • A detailed description of the technical condition, ideally with photos – engine, tires, chassis, but also the interior.
  • The history of the car – is it being sold by its first owner? Or the third? And has it been in an accident?
  • All necessary documents – service book, original and copy of the technical license, and terms of the purchase contract.
  • The final price – is VAT already included in the offer, or is it possible to negotiate a discount?

For inspiration, you can visit the websites of some of the following used car dealers and showrooms in Germany.

What documents do you need for importing a car from Germany to Czechia yourself?

Buying a car in Germany also means a lot of bureaucracy that you'll have to go through. What documents should you never forget throughout the entire process?

At the actual time of purchase, along with the contract, you should also receive:

• The original technical license (large).
• The copy of the technical license (small).
• The service book, including confirmation of the last German technical inspection (HU – Hauptuntersuchung) and emissions test (AU – Abgasuntersuchung).
• Proof of valid third-party liability insurance (green card) – if you don't receive this, you'll need to arrange it.

When temporarily registering the car in Germany and applying for temporary/export license plates, make sure you have the documents that may be required:

• Valid personal identification.
• Previous license plate number.
• Purchase contract.
• Proof of valid third-party liability insurance (green card).
• Potentially a completed SEPA direct debit authorization for the payment of vehicle tax (KFZ-Steuer).
• Valid confirmation of HU and AU.
• Vehicle technical license and original confirmation of previous vehicle registration.⁹

Finally, once you arrive in the Czech Republic with your new car, your steps will lead you to the local vehicle registration office. First, however, make sure the car has a valid technical inspection – it must pass this 4 years after its first registration and then every 2 years. All good? In that case, you can go to the office with the following documents:

• Certificate of technical fitness of the vehicle and proof of technical inspection.
• Certificate of vehicle registration.
• Proof of vehicle ownership.
• Proof of payment (VAT), if applicable.
• Proof of vehicle insurance.
• Certificate of conformity for new vehicles.¹⁰

How to transport a car from Germany?

You have two options. Drive back yourself, or arrange for a company to transport your new car to the Czech Republic on a trailer. There are companies in both Germany and the Czech Republic that specialize in this – for example, those listed below. However, this will cost you several thousand Czech korunas. Here are a few companies that specialize in importing cars from Germany.

• GCT Group
• Dovozautznemecka.cz
• Vodárek transport
• Turinsky Transport

Transporting a car from Germany yourself

Yes. It's simple. Get into your own car and drive. However, you must keep in mind that:

• You'll need a second driver who can manage the return trip in your current car. Or take a trip by plane, train, or bus.
• To import a car from Germany yourself, you'll need temporary transport license plates.
• You’ll also need insurance for the car.

How to arrange temporary registration and insurance for a car in Germany?

Have you decided to transport the car from Germany to the Czech Republic yourself? Then you'll need to obtain temporary license plates (Kfz – Kennzeichen) in Germany. How to proceed to import a car from Germany?

• First, go to an insurance company branch and get third-party liability insurance. Fortunately, insurance companies usually have offices near the registration authorities (Zulassungsstelle). You can also find an official comparison of insurance offers on their websites.
• With your third-party liability insurance, head to the Zulassungsstelle. Just be mindful of their opening hours, as they sometimes only open in the mornings.
• With your assigned license plate number, rush back to the insurance company or another service that can get the license plates manufactured.
• Once you have them, make one last trip to the Zulassungsstelle, where you'll get a sticker for them.
• Phew. You can start your journey.⁹

You need export license plates to import a car to the Czech Republic. These can be valid for 1–12 months; however, expect a higher price, around EUR 45–90.⁴

Registering a car from Germany – where to register a car imported from Germany in the Czech Republic?

It remains to clarify how to register a car from Germany in the Czech Republic. Once you arrive home, go to the technical inspection (STK), where you'll need to undergo an official inspection – prepare approximately 700 CZK for this. You don't need to undergo a technical inspection and emissions test if the car has valid ones for both. If not, prepare at least 1,200 CZK for the technical inspection and 800 CZK for emissions.⁶ Then you can proceed to the actual registration of the car from Germany at the relevant vehicle registration office with the documents mentioned above. You're probably also interested in the price of registering a car from Germany. Expect a fee of 800 CZK for a standard passenger vehicle, or 640 CZK if you register the car online.⁵

Do you have to insure a car imported from Germany?

Of course. Third-party liability insurance is, as the name suggests, mandatory. In addition, you can take out comprehensive insurance at your discretion.

Carefully review the terms and conditions of various insurance companies and make an informed decision. Among the large, reputable insurers in the Czech Republic are:

• Allianz
• Česká podnikatelská pojišťovna
• ČSOB Pojišťovna
• Direct pojišťovna
• Hasičská vzájemná pojišťovna
• Kooperativa
• Slavia pojišťovna
• UNIQA

Importing a car from Germany – all steps in a nutshell

How to import a car from Germany? You know now. Just a quick recap:

• Browse German car sales portals. Find yours.
• Thoroughly research the seller. Request photos.
• Enjoy the trip to Germany. Have the car inspected. Ask to see all documents. Everything must match.
• Sign the purchase contract and pay the agreed price. Wise will help you with this, as it will convert your Czech korunas to euros at the best possible rate.
• Transfer the car to the Czech Republic. Either pay a company specializing in importing cars from Germany, or do it yourself. However, if you do it yourself, be prepared to run around the German authorities.
• You won't avoid Czech authorities in any case. Remember – visit the STK, registration office, insurance company.
• Hooray! From now on, you can legally drive your new four-wheeled friend on the roads of the Czech Republic.

Buying a car in Germany and its subsequent transport might seem like a lengthy process now. But just follow the tips above, and you'll handle it with ease. Viel Glück!

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Sources:

Sources checked on 27. 2. 2026