Importing a car from Germany? Here is the full cost.
The listing price is not the final cost. Here you see transport computed over the route's actual distance, registration fees from each country's own rules, the paperwork at departure and on arrival — and, where we have enough observations, how far apart the same models are priced between the two markets.
What the journey costs
The costs that can be computed in advance. What cannot be computed without the specific vehicle is written out explicitly rather than buried in a round number.
| Transport (share of a car carrier) | €930 |
| Registration and paperwork in Romania | €180 |
| Total cost, excluding the car | €1.110 |
Not included: RAR fee depending on the procedure, RCA insurance, plates and options
Where the price gap is, on real models
Medians from our own aggregates, for years with enough listings in both markets. The gross gap is NOT profit: the costs above come out of it.
| Model | Germany | Romania | Gross gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW Seria 3 2023 | €27.640 | €31.746 | +€4.106 |
| Dacia Duster 2014 | €4.869 | €8.567 | +€3.698 |
| BMW Seria 5 2016 | €12.550 | €15.629 | +€3.079 |
| Volkswagen Golf 2013 | €5.364 | €8.311 | +€2.947 |
| Renault Megane 2014 | €3.085 | €5.449 | +€2.364 |
| BMW X3 2012 | €10.706 | €12.884 | +€2.178 |
| Škoda Octavia 2016 | €8.361 | €10.428 | +€2.067 |
| Mercedes-Benz Clasa E 2021 | €27.437 | €29.390 | +€1.953 |
Gross gap minus the route cost above, minus risk — only then do you have the real margin. Check each car individually before you travel.
Paperwork and steps, on both ends
What to do where you buy, and what to do at home. Technical terms stay in the local language: that exact word is printed on the document you need to ask for.
Germany
- obtain the eVB code
- confirm HU/TÜV
- book the Zulassungsstelle appointment
- registration and plates
- SEPA mandate for the Kfz-Steuer
Required documents
- purchase contract or invoice
- Zulassungsbescheinigung Part I and II
- COC
- valid HU/TÜV inspection
- eVB insurance code
- ID document
Romania
- RAR appointment and CIV issue
- ITP roadworthiness test, if required
- RCA liability insurance
- local tax declaration
- registration at SPCRPCIV
Required documents
- contract or invoice
- foreign registration certificate
- COC, if available
- proof of transport
- ID document
- proof of payment
Official sources
The authorities that issue or verify the documents above. Check with them directly — we cannot query them automatically on your behalf.