Import a Car from Germany to Spain in 2026
Everything you need to know before buying: real costs, taxes, documentation and when it makes financial sense. With free calculator.
How much would it cost you exactly?
Calculate VAT, IEDMT, transport and agency fees in 2 minutes. Free, no registration.
How much does it cost to import a car from Germany?
The price on a German listing is not the final price in Spain. You need to add four fixed costs: transport, agency fees, VAT and IEDMT. The table below shows indicative ranges by vehicle price range.
| Vehicle range | Transport | Agency | IEDMT | VAT (21%) | Total extra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact (€15,000–25,000) | €900 | €550 | €0–700 | €3,150–5,250 | ~€4,600–7,500 |
| Mid-range (€25,000–40,000) | €1,000 | €600 | €1,200–2,000 | €5,250–8,400 | ~€8,000–12,000 |
| SUV / Premium (€40,000–70k) | €1,100 | €650 | €2,000–6,000 | €8,400–14,700 | ~€12,000–22,000 |
| Luxury (€70,000+) | €1,200 | €800 | €6,000–12,000 | €14,700–25,000 | ~€22,000–38,000 |
Taxes when importing a car from Germany
VAT — 21% (only if vehicle is “new”)
A vehicle is considered a “new means of transport” if it has less than 6 months since first registration OR less than 6,000 km (either condition alone is enough). In that case, VAT at 21% applies in Spain on the vehicle price plus transport. If it exceeds both thresholds, VAT was already settled in Germany and is not duplicated.
IEDMT — Registration tax (based on CO₂)
Applies to all vehicles registered for the first time in Spain. Paid once. Rates: 0% below 120 g/km, 4.75% at 120-160 g/km, 9.75% at 160-200 g/km, 14.75% above 200 g/km. Electric vehicles: 0%.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Find the vehicle
Search on Mobile.de or AutoScout24 using filters for model, year and price. Verify the history using AutoDNA.com or DAT (accidents, number of owners, mileage history). Professional dealers (Händler) offer more security than private sellers.
- 2
Verify history and condition
Request a recent TÜV or DEKRA report. Check the VIN on AutoDNA to detect accidents or mileage manipulation. If you cannot see it in person, hire a local inspector (€50-150) or request a video call with a full walkthrough of the vehicle.
- 3
Negotiate and purchase
Formalise the purchase with a sales contract and invoice. If buying from a dealer, request an invoice with VAT shown separately. Payment is usually by SEPA bank transfer. Keep all documentation: you will need it for the formalities in Spain.
- 4
Organise transport
Two options: car transporter truck (€900-1,200, 3-7 days, the most common) or drive it yourself with a temporary export plate (Ausfuhrkennzeichen). Transport by truck is safer and does not add kilometres to the vehicle.
- 5
Import technical inspection (ITV)
This is not the regular ITV. It is a specific inspection for imports that verifies homologation according to Spanish regulations. It is carried out at any ITV station authorised for imports. Duration: 1-3 working days.
- 6
Pay IEDMT (form 576)
Submit form 576 at the Tax Agency in your province within 30 days of the vehicle entering Spain. The taxable base is the value of the vehicle. The applicable rates are shown in the emissions table.
- 7
Register with the DGT
With a favourable ITV, IEDMT paid, insurance arranged and complete documentation, you request the Spanish number plate. Usual timeframe: 5-10 working days. The agency can manage this step without you needing to visit the DGT.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to buy a car in Germany than in Spain?
Generally yes, especially for mid-to-high-range vehicles. German market prices are typically 10-20% lower than Spanish prices. The difference is most pronounced for German brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen). The gross saving must be compared against import costs (transport, agent fees, taxes) to determine if the operation is profitable.
What taxes do you pay when importing a car from Germany to Spain?
Two main taxes apply: VAT (21%) if the vehicle has less than 6 months or less than 6,000 km; and IEDMT (registration tax) based on CO₂ emissions: 0% below 120 g/km, 4.75% between 120-160 g/km, 9.75% between 160-200 g/km, 14.75% above 200 g/km. Electric vehicles are fully exempt from IEDMT.
How long does the import process take?
Between 2 and 4 weeks in normal conditions: purchase in Germany (2-5 days), transport by truck (3-7 days), import technical inspection in Spain (1-3 working days), DGT registration formalities (5-10 working days). With a specialist agency the process is more predictable and faster.
Do I need a Spanish agency (gestoría) or can I do it myself?
It is possible to do it yourself, but it involves managing the IEDMT form 576 at the Tax Agency, coordinating the import technical inspection, deregistration in Germany and registration at the DGT. Most private buyers hire a specialist agency (€500-700) to avoid mistakes and delays.
Is the warranty valid on an imported car from Germany?
Official manufacturer warranties granted in Germany are valid throughout the entire European dealer network, including Spain. The EU legal minimum warranty is 2 years for new cars and 1 year for used cars purchased from a dealer. When importing, the remaining warranty transfers with the vehicle.
Can I import an electric car from Germany to Spain?
Yes, and it is particularly advantageous. Electric vehicles are fully exempt from IEDMT (0% since 0 g/km CO₂). Savings when importing an EV from Germany can be €3,000-8,000 on models like Tesla Model 3/Y, VW ID.4, BMW iX or Mercedes EQC. European Type 2 and CCS chargers are 100% compatible with the Spanish charging network.
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