Importing a car to Romania from Germany
Romania is one of Europe's biggest used-car importers — and since the registration/environmental tax (timbru de mediu) was abolished, importing a German car is mostly just transport and paperwork. Here's exactly what it costs.
Paperwork difficulty: Easy
Documents you need
- German registration parts (Fahrzeugbrief/Zulassungsbescheinigung I & II)
- Purchase invoice or contract
- Valid technical inspection (ITP)
- ID / fiscal record
What it costs
Step by step
- Buy the car and fit German export plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)
- Pass the RAR conformity check
- Pass the ITP technical inspection
- Register at the DRPCIV
- Take out RCA insurance
Top traps to avoid
The VAT rule that costs thousands
Across every corridor, one EU rule costs buyers thousands: a vehicle that is less than 6 months old OR has under 6,000 km counts as 'new' and VAT is due in your destination country at your rate — whatever the price, even from a private seller. And a 'VAT-qualifying' (ex-lease/company) car should be bought net by a VAT-registered business, not at the gross price. When in doubt, get the VAT treatment in writing before you pay.
Before you import
Figures are indicative for 2026 from official sources; regional and annually-indexed amounts change — verify before you commit. This is general information, not tax or legal advice.
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