Germany remains the most popular country for purchasing used cars among residents of Poland and foreigners. A wide selection, transparent service history, and competitive prices make the German market highly attractive. However, after the purchase, a logical question arises: how to properly clear a car in Poland from Germany and how much does it actually cost?
Unlike imports from non-EU countries, the procedure for cars from Germany is simpler. However, this does not mean there are no taxes or formalities. In this article, we will подробно outline all stages — from purchase to registration at the Polish office — taking into account the current requirements for 2026.
Is Customs Duty Required When Importing a Car from Germany?
Germany is part of the European Union, and Poland is also an EU member state. This means that when importing a vehicle between EU countries, customs duty is not charged. This factor makes the German market one of the most выгодных for purchasing a car.
However, the absence of customs duty does not mean there are no expenses. When registering the vehicle in Poland, you will need to pay excise duty and, in certain cases, VAT (if the car is new or purchased under specific conditions).
Excise Duty When Clearing a Car from Germany
Excise duty is the key tax paid when registering a vehicle in Poland. Its rate depends on engine capacity and fuel type. It must be paid before the vehicle is registered.
Excise rates in 2026:
- 3.1% — for petrol cars up to 2000 cm³;
- 18.6% — for petrol cars above 2000 cm³;
- reduced rates may apply to hybrids;
- electric vehicles are exempt from excise duty.
Excise duty is calculated based on the market value of the vehicle. Tax authorities may verify whether the purchase price stated in the contract has been undervalued.
Is VAT Required?
In most cases, when purchasing a used car from a private individual in Germany, VAT is not paid again. However, if the vehicle is new (up to 6 months from the first registration or up to 6,000 km mileage), VAT may need to be paid in Poland.
Additional нюансы may arise if the car is purchased from a company issuing a VAT invoice. Therefore, the purchase format matters and affects the final cost.
Step-by-Step Clearance and Registration Procedure
After purchasing a car in Germany, the procedure in Poland consists of several stages. It is important to follow the correct sequence to avoid penalties or delays.
- Signing the sale and purchase agreement or invoice.
- Obtaining transit license plates and insurance.
- Paying excise duty in Poland (via the electronic system).
- Passing a technical inspection.
- Registering the car at the local office (wydział komunikacji).
Each of these steps has specific deadlines. For example, vehicle registration in Poland must be completed within the legally defined period after the vehicle is brought into the country.
Required Documents
To successfully register a vehicle in Poland, a complete set of documents must be prepared. Missing even one document may delay the process.
- original sale and purchase agreement or invoice;
- vehicle registration certificate;
- confirmation of excise duty payment;
- technical inspection certificate;
- OC insurance policy;
- identity document.
In some cases, a sworn translation of documents into Polish is required.
How Much Does It Actually Cost to Clear a Car from Germany?
The final cost consists not only of excise duty. Additional expenses must be considered to calculate the real import budget.
- excise duty (3.1% or 18.6%);
- transit plates in Germany;
- insurance;
- technical inspection in Poland;
- registration fees.
On average, clearance costs may amount to several thousand PLN depending on the car’s value and engine capacity.
Is It Worth Importing a Car from Germany in 2026?
For most buyers, importing from Germany remains profitable due to transparent service history and the absence of customs duty. However, the market is constantly changing, and price fluctuations, demand, and tax burden must be taken into account.
This is especially relevant for vehicles with larger engines, where the 18.6% excise rate can significantly increase the final cost.
