Importing a Car to Germany with Crypto | Bitmalo

Germany is Europe's car central, and bringing in a vehicle here needs a lot of care. The whole process involves customs duties, import VAT, and the TÜV (Technischer Überwachungsverein) inspections that are a must for registration. Bitmalo makes this journey easy: you pick the car, pay with crypto or bank transfer, and we sort out the inspection, shipping, customs clearance, and registration support, making sure your car arrives smoothly whether you're in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg.

The German Import Landscape

Germany drives on the right, and LHD vehicles are the norm. RHD imports are allowed technically but usually need big modifications, especially for lights and mirrors, to pass inspection. All cars must meet EU emissions and safety rules. Cars bought from within the EU can use their Certificate of Conformity directly; vehicles from outside the EU must pass Einzelabnahme (individual approval) through TÜV or DEKRA. This can be tough but is predictable if planned ahead.

Customs clearance happens under Zoll (German Customs) rules. Cars brought in from outside the EU get hit with a 10% customs duty and 19% import VAT, calculated on the car's value plus shipping costs. Bitmalo gives you all the documents customs needs: original bill of sale, export title, and VIN-aligned conformity paperwork.

Step-by-Step Import Process

1. Find your car: Look through Cars, pick your vehicle, and get in touch with us.
2. Inspection: Paid separately. We check the VIN, emissions data, and if it's ready for TÜV, then give you a report in German.
3. Purchase & transport: Pay 100% upfront (crypto or bank). We sort out the export and arrange ocean freight to Hamburg/Bremerhaven or air freight to Frankfurt (FRA).
4. Customs & delivery: Our broker handles Zoll clearance. Once duties and VAT are paid, we arrange covered delivery to your city and get things ready for registration.

Taxes, Fees, and Compliance

• Customs duty – 10% for imports from outside the EU.
• Import VAT – 19%, applied to the customs value + duty.
• Registration costs – local fees change depending on the state.
• TÜV inspection – a must-do test for roadworthiness and emissions.
• Umweltplakette (environmental sticker) – you need this to enter most German cities' low-emission zones.

Bitmalo makes sure your paperwork is correctly formatted for Zoll submission and that all the technical data needed for TÜV is included, so you don't have to go back and forth.

Shipping Options

Air freight to Frankfurt usually gets delivered within 3–6 days door-to-door. Ocean freight to Hamburg or Bremerhaven is cheaper, taking 3–6 weeks transit depending on the route. We handle bonded terminal operations, making sure EVs comply with dangerous goods rules, and give you all-risk insurance until the car gets to your door.

Why Bitmalo for Germany?

• Crypto-friendly payments — USDT/BTC/ETH or USD bank transfer, complete with invoices and TXIDs.
• TÜV readiness — inspections include notes on conformity for emissions, lighting, and safety systems.
• Smooth customs handling — Zoll clearance handled directly through our broker.
• Delivery all over the country — Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, and far beyond.

FAQ

Do all imported cars need TÜV?
Yes. Even EU vehicles need a valid TÜV certificate to register, though having a CoC makes the process easier.

What is the Umweltplakette?
It's a low-emission zone sticker that you need in most cities. Bitmalo gives you the emissions data so you can get the correct class.

How much time does the process take?
Air freight: 3–6 days to your door. Ocean freight: 3–6 weeks to your door. Registration time depends on TÜV approval, usually within 1–2 weeks after clearance.

Final Word

Germany has one of Europe's most thorough systems for vehicle inspection and registration, but with the right groundwork, it's predictable and works well. Bitmalo offers the expertise to make sure every step—from Zoll clearance to TÜV inspection and registration—is handled professionally.

Disclaimer: This article is just for information. Import rules, taxes, and inspection results differ based on VIN and model year. Bitmalo confirms if it's possible and the costs before you commit.