Germany Car Relocation (UK → Germany) 2026 – Costs, Rules & Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Relocating a car from the UK to Germany in 2026 is no longer a simple drive across borders.

Since Brexit, your vehicle is treated as a formal export (UK) and import (Germany). That means:

• export declaration in the UK (CDS)
• import declaration in Germany (Form 0350)
• strict eligibility rules for duty-free import

If done correctly:

👉 0% duty + 0% VAT

If done incorrectly:

👉 10% duty + 19% VAT

This guide explains the complete process, including the part most guides miss:

👉 what must happen before your car leaves the UK

Can You Move a Car from the UK to Germany?

Yes — but only if it is handled through the correct customs process.

To import your car legally:

• it must be exported from the UK via a CDS declaration
• it must be imported into Germany via Form 0350
• it must qualify as Übersiedlungsgut (relocation goods)

When Is a Car Considered “Relocation Goods” (Übersiedlungsgut)?

To import your vehicle duty-free, it must meet German customs requirements.

Core Requirements

Your car must:

• be owned and used for at least 6 months before the move
• be part of your main residence relocation
• be registered again in Germany under your name
• be used for private purposes only

Important Clarification (6 vs 12 Months)

Many guides get this wrong.

• 6 months → vehicle ownership requirement
• 12 months → residence outside the EU requirement

👉 These are separate rules — both must be satisfied.

Post-Import Restriction (Critical Rule)

After import:

👉 You cannot:

• sell
• lease
• gift

the vehicle for 12 months

If you do:

👉 German customs will charge retroactive VAT + duty

Step 1: UK Export Process (CDS Declaration)

Before your car leaves the UK, it must be declared as an export.

👉 This is mandatory — and one of the most common failure points.

How the Car Is Declared

Your vehicle is:

👉 included as a separate line item within your household goods inventory

Required Documents (UK Export)

You must provide:

• V5C logbook
• proof of ownership
• proof of use ≥ 6 months
• proof of relocation to Germany

CDS Declaration Details

Your mover or customs agent will include:

• Commodity code: 8703 (passenger vehicles)
• Procedure code: export of personal goods
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• make and model
• current market value

Transport & Border Linking (GMR)

For UK → EU crossings:

👉 your export declaration must be linked to a GMR (Goods Movement Reference)

• if driving → linked to your vehicle
• if transported → linked to the trailer/container

Key Risk

If the CDS export is incorrect or missing:

• the car may be stopped at the port
• export is not legally valid
• duty-free import in Germany may be denied

Step 2: German Import Process (Form 0350)

When your car arrives in Germany:

👉 it must be declared using Form 0350 (Zollanmeldung für Übersiedlungsgut)

Purpose of Form 0350

• declares your car as relocation goods
• enables duty-free import
• links the vehicle to your household move

What Must Be Included

• vehicle listed in inventory
• VIN number
• vehicle type
• estimated value

Required Documents

• V5C / registration documents
• purchase invoice
• proof of residence outside the EU
• proof of deregistration from the UK
• inventory list

Where It Happens

👉 At a German customs office (Zollstelle)

Step 3: Delayed Import (Driving the Car Later)

Your car does NOT need to arrive at the same time as your household goods.

Real Scenario

• movers transport your goods
• you stay behind (e.g. property handover)
• you drive the car later

👉 This is fully allowed

Critical Rule

👉 The car must be linked to the same Form 0350 relocation process

What You Must Have Before Driving

• processed Form 0350
• inventory list including the vehicle
• customs reference

What German Customs Will Do

They will:

• NOT start a new import
• attach the vehicle to your existing relocation declaration

If This Is Done Incorrectly

👉 The car becomes a separate import:

• 10% duty
• 19% VAT

Important: Importing the Car Before Your Move

If the car is imported before your relocation is complete:

👉 German customs may require:

• a security deposit (Sicherheitsleistung)

Why?

Because relocation status is not yet proven.

Step 4: Registration in Germany

After customs clearance:

Vehicle Compliance

Your car must:

• pass TÜV inspection
• have headlights adjusted
• meet German road standards

Registration

At the Zulassungsstelle, you will receive:

• German number plates
• registration certificate

Costs of Car Relocation (UK → Germany)

If You Do NOT Qualify for Relief

• 10% customs duty
• 19% import VAT

Most Common Mistakes

❌ Car not listed in inventory
❌ Missing CDS export declaration
❌ Ownership under 6 months
❌ Selling within 12 months
❌ Driving without customs documents
❌ Importing separately without linking
❌ Missing Form 0350

Full Process Checklist

1. Prepare inventory (include vehicle)
2. Submit UK export (CDS)
3. Link declaration to GMR
4. Submit Form 0350 in Germany
5. Import car (same time or later)
6. Register vehicle in Germany

FAQs

Do I need to export the car from the UK first?

Yes — without a CDS declaration, the car cannot legally leave.

Can I drive the car myself to Germany?

Yes — but you must carry customs documentation.

What happens if I import the car separately?

It will be treated as a normal import → duty + VAT apply.

Can I import a newly purchased car duty-free?

No — it must be owned and used for at least 6 months.

How long do I have to import the car?

Up to 12 months, if linked to your relocation.

Key Takeaway

Relocating a car from the UK to Germany in 2026 is a two-stage customs process:

👉 UK export (CDS)
👉 German import (Form 0350)

The biggest risks are:

• missing export declaration
• not linking the car to your relocation
• misunderstanding eligibility rules

Done correctly:

👉 your car enters Germany tax-free and legally

📚 Related Reading

👉 Moving from the UK to Germany in 2026 – The Ultimate Guide to Customs, Costs & Checklist

👉 What Documents Do I Need for Customs Clearance UK ↔ Germany (2026 Guide)

👉 How Long Does Customs Clearance Take UK ↔ Germany in 2026?

👉 Customs Clearance Costs UK ↔ Germany (2026 Guide)

👉 UK–Germany Moving Costs in 2026 – Full Comparison & Money-Saving Guide

👉 Hidden & Overlooked Moving Costs UK ↔ Germany (2026 Guide)

👉 Insurance & Safety for UK ↔ Germany Moves in 2026

👉 Ultimate Packing & Disassembly Guide for International Moves (2026)