If you’re thinking of buying a car in Germany — whether to own, travel, or simply have your own vehicle freedom in Europe — you're in the right place. At MyGermanCar, we’ve built our entire service around helping non-residents and expats do exactly that. Germany may be famous for its punctual trains and public transport, but sometimes nothing beats having your own set of wheels, especially when you're travelling between countries or living without a fixed address.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying a car in Germany. From the types of cars available and where to find the best deals, to registration, insurance, taxes and avoiding common mistakes — we've got you covered. And yes, we’ll explain how we make the process easier, even if you’re not a German resident.
Who Can Buy a Car in Germany?
Anyone can buy a car in Germany — including tourists, digital nomads, and foreign business owners. But in order to legally drive it, insure it, and register it in your name, you’ll normally need to have a German address and be a registered resident. That’s where most people run into trouble — and where MyGermanCar comes in. We act as your proxy registration partner in Germany and handle everything legally on your behalf. Our €99/month EuroDrive Plan includes ongoing registration, local address provision, tax filing, insurance guidance and more.
What You’ll Need to Buy a Car in Germany
If you’re going it alone, here’s what’s generally required to buy and register a car in Germany:
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You must be at least 18 years old
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Have a valid passport or ID
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Show proof of address (Anmeldung/registration certificate)
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Hold a valid driving licence
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Own a German bank account
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Get car insurance (eVB number)
Most of our clients don’t meet all of these requirements — and that’s okay. We provide a legal framework that allows you to register the vehicle under our German company name while using our address and support services.
Types of Cars in Germany
Germany has one of the most active car markets in the world. Here's a breakdown of what you might find:
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New Car (Neuwagen) – Fresh from the manufacturer, untouched by any previous owner.
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Used Car (Gebrauchtwagen) – The most cost-effective option, often well-maintained.
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One-Year Car (Jahreswagen) – Driven for a year or less, typically by dealership employees.
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Demo Car (Vorführwagen) – Used for test drives; low mileage and excellent condition.
We can help you buy any of these — whether it’s from a dealership, a private seller, or even online. You don’t need to be in Germany to make the purchase — just let us know the car you’ve found and we’ll take it from there.
Buying a New Car in Germany
Buying new gives you freedom of choice in make, model, and features — plus factory warranties and peace of mind. The downside? German new car prices are among the highest in Europe.
That said, many dealerships offer excellent financing packages. If you’re a resident or have credit history in Germany, you may qualify. If not, buying with cash is easier — and we can help arrange everything remotely.
Where to Buy a Car
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Dealerships (Autohaus): Reputable and offer new + certified used options.
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Online platforms: mobile.de and AutoScout24 are the top marketplaces.
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Private sellers: Good deals, but be cautious.
If you find a car on mobile.de, we can often take care of everything: arrange purchase, handle inspection, registration, and insurance — even deliver it to you in Europe.
Used Cars in Germany
Germany is a haven for high-quality used cars. Many are impeccably maintained, thanks to strict roadworthiness inspections. Whether you want a diesel touring wagon or a small city runaround, there’s no shortage of options.
Some things to check:
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Mileage (under 100,000 km is ideal)
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TÜV inspection report (HU)
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Maintenance logbook
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Original parts and paperwork
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Sales contract (Kaufvertrag) — we can prepare this for you in German or English.
Used car dealers must provide at least a one-year warranty, and optional extended guarantees may cover electrical or mechanical issues.
The Registration Process (Normally a Headache)
In Germany, registering a car involves paperwork, appointments, and bureaucracy. You need:
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Insurance (eVB number)
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Roadworthiness certificate (TÜV)
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Proof of ID and address
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Registration certificates (ZB1 & ZB2)
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German bank details for tax (SEPA)
That’s a lot, especially if you’re not fluent in German or don’t live here. MyGermanCar handles all of this — including registering the car in our name using our address and setting up vehicle tax payments with the customs office.
Licence Plates and Emissions Sticker
Plates in Germany must be linked to a specific city or region (e.g. “B” for Berlin). Once registration is approved, you buy the plates (about €20) and get them sealed by the vehicle office. You’ll also need a low-emission sticker if driving in German cities — we provide this as part of our setup.
How Much Does a Car Cost in Germany?
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New car average (2024): €44,630
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Used car average (2024): €18,800
On top of that, there’s:
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Vehicle tax (based on CO2 emissions)
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Insurance (we quote separately)
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Registration fees
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Maintenance and inspection costs
We break all of this down for you transparently — no hidden fees. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying and why.
Selling Your Car in Germany
Thinking ahead? We also help with resale. Whether you’re leaving Europe or just upgrading your car, we can list and sell it for you through our resale partners or networks. All legal transfer paperwork is handled on your behalf.
Buying Online: A Growing Trend
Many dealers now offer 100% online car sales — and we can work with them on your behalf. These services often include delivery and registration but are usually only in German. That’s where our team comes in — translating, coordinating, and making sure everything runs smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Buying a car in Germany as a foreigner doesn’t have to be stressful. At MyGermanCar, we’ve created the easiest way for non-residents to legally own and drive a car in Germany — no matter where in Europe you are. With our €99/month EuroDrive Plan, you get a legitimate German registration, dedicated address, ongoing support, and access to reliable German insurance and tax compliance — all from a single point of contact.
We’ve helped digital nomads, remote workers, travellers, and business owners get on the road quickly and confidently. Let us do the same for you.