How to register a car in Germany as a non-resident

Registering a car in Germany used to require a Meldebescheinigung — proof of a registered German address. That's no longer the only path. Since the FZV reform, non-residents can legally register a vehicle in Germany through a German-based service that acts as the address of record. Here's exactly how it works.

Step 1 — Decide who will hold the registration

You have two options: (a) register the car in your own name using a German service address, or (b) register it in the name of a German GmbH that leases or hires the vehicle back to you. Most non-residents go with option (a). You remain the legal owner; the Berlin-based service handles all correspondence with the Kfz-Zulassungsstelle.

Step 2 — Gather the documents

For a standard EU-import or already-EU-registered vehicle, you'll need:

• COC (Certificate of Conformity) — supplied by the manufacturer
• Bill of sale or purchase contract
• Your passport or national ID
• Previous registration certificate (if applicable)
• Valid TÜV / HU certificate (or we coordinate the inspection)

Non-EU imports additionally need customs clearance papers and EU type approval.

Step 3 — Insurance (eVB number)

German law requires proof of liability insurance before plates are issued. The insurer sends an electronic eVB number directly to the Zulassungsstelle. We broker this through AXA or Zurich at cost — no markup.

Step 4 — KFZ-Steuer mandate

You sign a SEPA mandate so the German tax office can debit annual KFZ-Steuer. For a typical 3.0L petrol car: €200–€450/year. For an EV: €0 until 2030.

Step 5 — Plates and Zulassungsbescheinigung

The Berlin Kfz-Zulassungsstelle issues your German license plates (Kennzeichen) and the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I (Fahrzeugschein, stays with the car) and Teil II (Fahrzeugbrief, stays with the owner). We courier everything to you EU-wide — typically 24–48 hours by DHL Express.

Total cost and timeline

End-to-end: 3–5 business days from complete documents to plates in your hand. Cost via our service: €149 setup + €99/month covering registration, plate handling, KFZ-Steuer admin, insurance brokerage and ongoing compliance.