Import countries

Import a car from Germany.

The most popular import route: how to bring your desired vehicle from Germany to Austria.

Germany is by far the most popular import country for Austrian car buyers. Europe's largest vehicle market offers wide selection, strong price competition and short transport routes. This guide explains the process from vehicle search and purchase to transport, NoVA and registration.

At a glance

Key points

Germany is Austria's most popular import market: large selection and short routes.
Price differences of 5 to 15 percent versus the Austrian market are common.
NoVA applies when the vehicle is first registered in Austria, regardless of origin.
Austrian approval document or individual approval is required for registration.
The complete import process usually takes 2 to 6 weeks.

Why Germany is the most popular import country

Germany is the largest automotive market in the European Union. The supply on platforms such as mobile.de and AutoScout24 is many times larger than in Austria.

Austrian buyers benefit from lower prices, stronger competition, broader model and equipment choice and short transport distances.

Germany is especially attractive for young used cars, premium vehicles and rare equipment combinations.

Price gap Germany-Austria

For vehicles from around 30,000 euros, the price difference is often 5 to 15 percent. Whether importing pays off depends on NoVA, transport and the specific market situation.

Step by step: importing a car from Germany

Importing a vehicle from Germany to Austria follows a clear process. Knowing the steps helps avoid mistakes and unnecessary costs.

1. Find and check the vehicle

Search on mobile.de or AutoScout24. Check complete vehicle data, especially WLTP CO2 emissions, dealer reviews and meaningful photos.

2. Calculate total costs

Before purchase, vehicle price, NoVA, transport costs, document fees and service fees should be known.

3. Sign the purchase contract

The contract is signed with the German dealer. Make sure all vehicle data is complete and clarify whether regular or margin taxation applies.

4. Transport to Austria

After purchase, transport is arranged. Professional carriers bring the vehicle insured to Austria.

5. Declare and pay NoVA

NoVA is due on first registration in Austria. The amount mainly depends on CO2 emissions and vehicle price.

6. Register in Austria

For registration you need approval document or individual approval, insurance and proof of paid NoVA.

VAT and price advantages

VAT is an important cost factor. Germany applies 19 percent VAT, Austria 20 percent. The key question is whether the car is sold under regular taxation or margin taxation.

Regularly taxed vehicles

For regularly taxed vehicles, German VAT is generally not charged on export; Austrian VAT may apply instead.

Margin-taxed vehicles

Many used-car dealers sell under margin taxation. VAT is included in the price and is not refunded on export.

Important for calculation

The taxation type is usually stated in the listing or invoice and can significantly affect total costs.

Transport from Germany to Austria

Transport is a central part of the import. Self-collection is possible but carries risks around registration, plates and insurance.

Autohaus Zwer works with established transport partners. Costs depend on distance, vehicle and service level.

Typical delivery times range from a few working days to several weeks depending on route and service.

Transport insurance

All transports arranged by Autohaus Zwer are insured during the full transport. At handover, careful visual inspection and photo documentation are recommended.

Registration in Austria after import

For registration in Austria, NoVA, insurance and technical approval must be completed.

Approval document

For many common models, an Austrian approval document or database entry exists.

Individual approval

For rare models, US imports or heavily modified vehicles, individual approval may be required.

Valid liability insurance
Proof of paid NoVA
Purchase contract or dealer invoice
Approval document or individual approval
ID and residence confirmation

Typical mistakes when importing from Germany

Even though Germany imports are relatively straightforward, some mistakes can cost time and money.

Underestimating NoVA costs
Ignoring margin taxation
Driving the vehicle without suitable insurance cover
Not checking approval availability before purchase
Missing NoVA deadlines
Skipping a vehicle condition check before purchase

Frequently asked questions

Can I import a car from Germany without a dealer?

Yes, private import is possible. You then handle NoVA, transport, approval and registration yourself.

How long does import take?

With a smooth process, usually 2 to 6 weeks.

Do I pay NoVA for a German car?

Yes, NoVA applies on first registration in Austria, except for fully electric vehicles.

Do I pay German VAT?

That depends on regular or margin taxation. This must be checked before purchase.

Which platforms are useful?

mobile.de and AutoScout24 are the largest search platforms in Germany.