Required documents for importing a car from Germany (Guide 2026)
Buying a used or new vehicle from the German market is consistently one of the top choices for Greek drivers. However, the paperwork and customs clearance process in Greece requires attention. To make everything run smoothly, the key is to have all the necessary paperwork in advance. In this guide to 2026, we have collected in detail all the Required documents for importing a car from Germany which you must have in your hands from the moment of purchase until the issuance of Greek license plates.
What are the necessary supporting documents from Germany?;
Before the car begins its journey to Greece (either by road or by car trailer), the German private seller or dealership (Autohaus) must deliver the following documents to you:
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Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I (Fahrzeugschein): This is the small green vehicle registration certificate, which includes the current technical specifications.
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Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (Fahrzeugbrief): The large registration certificate (ownership title). It is the most important document, as it proves who the owner is and is mandatory in Greece. In the event that the car is imported from another country such as Belgium, the Netherlands, France... the permits are different and in many cases there is only one.
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Certificate of Conformity (COC): The manufacturer's document that certifies the vehicle's emission standards (Euro 6, etc.) and lists all the car's characteristics.
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Purchase Invoice (Rechnung) or Private Agreement (Kaufvertrag): If you are buying from a trader, you need an official invoice (with VAT or with a profit margin regime – §25a). If you are buying from a private individual, a notarized private contract is required.
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Technical Inspection Certificate (TÜV): It must be valid, be original as it proves the suitability of the vehicle and is requested upon import.
Documents for transporting the vehicle to Greece
Depending on how the car will arrive in Greece, you will additionally need:
1. If the car arrives by road:
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International Export Signs (Ausfuhrkennzeichen): The well-known signs with the red strip on the right side (showing the expiration date). ATTENTION: there are also plates with a yellow stripe, these are not suitable for export, they are suitable for driving within the country.
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Temporary Car Insurance: Matches the duration of export plates so you are covered during the trip.
2. If the car arrives by Truck (Logistics)
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International Transport Bill of Lading (CMR): The document issued by the transport company. It constitutes official proof of the date of entry of the vehicle into Greek territory and is mandatory for the submission of the DAO (Vehicle Arrival Declaration).
What documents are needed at Greek Customs?;
Upon the arrival of the car in Greece, the customs clearance process begins. Required documents for importing a car from Germany that your customs agent will ask for is:
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Vehicle Arrival Declaration (VAD): It is submitted electronically to the customs authority immediately upon entry into the country.
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The Original German Licenses (Part I & Part II).
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The Original Invoice or Kaufvertrag.
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The Certificate of Conformity (COC).
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The CMR Bill of Lading (or the International Traffic signs if you came by road).
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Identity Document: Police ID or passport of the buyer, along with his/her tax ID number.
💡 Smart Tip: The correct indication of pollutant specifications in the COC and their cross-check with the LPFA is the only way to accurately calculate the Registration Fee and avoid unpleasant surprises with extra taxes.
Why trust Car For You for your import?;
Gathering and checking documents from abroad can be fraught with pitfalls — from incomplete information on the invoice to incorrect emissions that drive up customs clearance costs.
In the Car For You, we take care of the entire process for you:
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Document control and history of the vehicle in Germany before purchase.
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Safe transport with privately owned or partnered trucks and CMR issuance.
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Complete customs clearance processing and registration, delivering the car to you with the Greek license plates in hand.
Contact us today to find and import your next car with complete security and transparency!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
In all European countries, does their registration always consist of two documents?;
No, for example
A car can be imported without a COC certificate of conformity:
Yes, it is possible to import cars without a certificate of conformity. According to 2025 legislation, this can be done by presenting one of the following to customs and then to the Directorate of Transport:
- A document from the official dealership stating that the car does not have a certificate of conformity.
- A certificate from the importers association confirming that the specific dealership does not exist in Greece or that the specific car brand has now closed. For example, SAAB.
Can a car be registered without a MOT certificate?;
The technical inspection certificate issued by the KTEO of the same country as the vehicle registration certificate is a necessary document for the issuance of the Greek registration certificate. The certificate must be valid and original or a copy thereof issued by the KTEO of the foreign country where the vehicle was inspected.
MOT technical inspection report It is NOT necessary. when it was not required to have it in the country we are importing it to. For example, if we import a two-year-old car from Germany, then it is NOT necessary. This is because cars in Germany first undergo an MOT 3 years from the date of their first registration. In France, for example, if we import a car from France and it has a French registration certificate, it must have an MOT from the moment it completes 4 years of registration, just like in Greece.
What should I look for on the invoice for the purchase of an imported car?;
The car purchase invoice certifies that the car has paid VAT. In the case of Germany we have 2