Car Registration in Germany (Tax & Insurance)
Vehicle Registration for New Arrivals
If you have brought your car to Germany and wish to continue using it, you must register it without delay (which legally means as soon as possible). As a resident of Berlin with your principal address in Germany, you are required to register your car with the local authorities.
Your work contract qualifies as a "well-founded reason" for staying in Germany. Even if you are on probation for the first few months, this does not count as a temporary stay, and you must register your vehicle accordingly.
Foreign License Plates
Only certain individuals may use their foreign license plates for a limited time:
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Foreigners on a business trip in Germany can use their foreign plates for up to one year.
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Those working in Germany for less than a year (as specified in their contract) may keep their foreign license plates during that period.
German License Plates
To comply with German regulations, you will need to obtain German license plates and ensure your vehicle meets all technical requirements. This is usually straightforward for newer cars, but some vehicles may require modifications to meet local standards, which can be costly.
The TÜV (Technischer Überwachungsverein) is the official inspection authority in Germany. They assess and specify any necessary adjustments needed for vehicle registration.
Additionally, you are required by law to:
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Pay vehicle taxes
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Obtain car insurance (Driving without insurance is a criminal offense in Germany.)
German License Plates
To comply with German regulations, you will need to obtain German license plates and ensure your vehicle meets all technical requirements. This is usually straightforward for newer cars, but some vehicles may require modifications to meet local standards, which can be costly.
The TÜV (Technischer Überwachungsverein) is the official inspection authority in Germany. They assess and specify any necessary adjustments needed for vehicle registration.
Additionally, you are required by law to:
-
Pay vehicle taxes
-
Obtain car insurance (Driving without insurance is a criminal offense in Germany.)
Registering Your Car
To register your car, you must book an appointment at your local car registration office (Kraftfahrzeug-Zulassungsstelle).
Costs:
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Registration fees: EUR 20.04 – EUR 37.48
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Additional costs: If you choose a specific license plate number or need to purchase new plates.
Service Providers
There are providers that offer an all-round service for all car related matters, such as Kfz Zulassung RuckZuck Berlin. They assist with getting an appointment and assembling of documents for registration, such as support with the issuance of a new license plate.
There are service providers that offer a full range of assistance with car registration, such as KFZ-Zulassung RuckZuck Berlin.
They can help with:
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Booking an appointment
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Preparing required documents
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Assisting with license plate issuance
For further assistance, please contact a local registration service provider.
