If you’ve already found your dream car and the in-person inspection went as expected—congratulations! You’re on the right track. Once you decide to buy, several formal steps follow to ensure the car is successfully registered in Slovakia and that the entire process remains simple and free of unnecessary fees.
No Customs Duties or VAT
One of the biggest advantages of importing a car from Germany is that you don’t pay customs duties or VAT. Thanks to both countries being members of the EU, the entire process is much simpler and cheaper than importing from non-EU countries such as Switzerland or the USA.
You don’t need to go through any customs procedures required for third countries—just deregister the vehicle in Germany and continue directly with the registration process in Slovakia.
Purchase Agreement and Vehicle Deregistration
The first step after agreeing with the seller is to sign a purchase contract (Kaufvertrag). It’s important that the contract includes all essential details:
- Vehicle VIN number
- Mileage
- Date of sale
- Purchase price
- Signatures of both parties
- Ideally, a clause confirming that the vehicle is not encumbered by third-party rights
After signing, the vehicle must be deregistered from the German registry (Abmeldung). This step is mandatory, as Slovak authorities will not register a car that’s still officially registered abroad.
How to Transport the Car to Slovakia
1. Towing the Vehicle
Towing is the safest option, especially if you’re unsure about the car’s technical condition.
You’ll need:
- A vehicle capable of towing a trailer of the required weight (check the vehicle registration document)
- A category BE driving license
- A car trailer (owned or rented; typical rental cost: €30–€60 per day)
Advantages:
- Full control over transport
- No need for insurance or export plates
Disadvantages:
Towing is ideal if you want peace of mind that your car will arrive home safely without the risk of a breakdown during the journey.
2. Driving the Car Yourself
If you plan to drive the car home, you’ll need export plates (Exportkennzeichen) with mandatory insurance. These plates are valid for 15–30 days and allow legal export from Germany.
Beware of the types of plates:
Germany issues two kinds—yellow and red.
- Yellow plates are valid only within Germany.
- Red plates are export plates for international travel.
Don’t be tempted by the lower price of yellow plates—using them for a cross-border trip could result in a hefty fine. The seller or a specialized service can arrange export plates for you.
Average price: €150–€250 (depending on validity).
Advantages:
- You can immediately test the car on the road.
Disadvantages:
- Risk of mechanical failure during the journey
- Must have all documents and insurance in order
3. Professional Transport
Some companies specialize in collecting the car directly in Germany and delivering it to your home—or even straight to the originality inspection center. This option is perfect for those who prefer a completely worry-free process and are willing to pay extra for convenience.
Advantages:
- No administrative work on your part
- No transport risk
Disadvantages:
- Higher price, usually €500–€1000 depending on distance
Certified Translation of Documents – The First Step You Can’t Skip
After importing the car to Slovakia, the certified translation of documents is the first step you must complete before proceeding with registration. Without the translations, you can’t move on to the next stages, such as the originality inspection or technical and emissions checks.
Documents that need to be translated:
- Vehicle registration certificate (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and II) – usually, only Teil I (small registration) is required; Teil II (large registration) is needed only in specific cases
- Purchase contract (Kaufvertrag) or invoice – mandatory proof of vehicle ownership
The COC certificate (Certificate of Conformity) does not need to be translated, as it’s a unified EU document valid across all member states.
To speed up the process, simply send photos of your documents to Translata. You’ll promptly receive a price quote, and once approved, translators begin work. Translations are typically ready the next day, or within 4 hours in express cases—saving you time and avoiding delays.
Originality Inspection (KO)
The originality inspection is one of the key steps when importing a car. Without it, the car cannot be registered in Slovakia. The purpose is to verify that the car is in its original condition, that all identification data match, and that no unauthorized modifications have been made.
What’s checked:
- Identification numbers – VIN, chassis, or frame numbers compared with the documents
- Authenticity of documents – to ensure they’re original and unaltered
- Condition of the body and structural parts – checking for undocumented repairs or replacements
- Extent of modifications – verifying that dimensions and structure match factory specifications
- Preparation of an expert report – including all recorded findings
After successfully passing the inspection, you’ll receive an official report, required for registration. Its validity is 15 days; after that, a new inspection is needed.
Cost: €70–€100, depending on vehicle type and inspection center.
Technical and Emissions Inspection
If the imported car was first registered over four years ago and doesn’t have valid technical and emissions certificates from its home country, you’ll need to undergo both inspections in Slovakia.
These legally required checks assess the vehicle’s technical and emissions condition to confirm it’s roadworthy. Appointments are typically available within a month, and the inspections take about an hour.
Cost: €80–€100 for both.
If your car already has valid German certificates, simply submit them with certified translations. Slovak authorities recognize them, and you won’t need to repeat the process.
Recycling Fee
Before visiting the district office, you must pay a one-time recycling fee. This ensures proper handling of waste from the vehicle at the end of its life cycle. You can check and pay this fee on idovoz.sk by entering the vehicle’s VIN number.
Approval of Individually Imported Vehicle
When importing a car, you must submit an application for individual vehicle approval at your district office. Bring the originality inspection report and official translations with you.
Processing times:
- Standard: 30 calendar days, fee €100
- Express: 5 business days, fee €300
This step is mandatory for every imported vehicle. The application form is available on the district office website, on the Ministry of Transport portal, or directly at the office.
Mandatory Liability Insurance (PZP)
Every vehicle registered in Slovakia must have valid PZP (mandatory liability insurance). It protects you and others from financial damages in the event of an accident.
You can arrange it easily:
- In person at an insurance company
- Over the phone
- Online via portals
At this stage, you only need the vehicle’s VIN number. After registration and receiving license plates, notify your insurer to update the policy.
Registration at the Traffic Inspectorate
Submit all documents from the district office along with valid PZP insurance.
Fees:
- Vehicle registration: from €33 (depending on type, power, and emissions category)
- License plates: €25 per plate, total €50 for a pair
It’s best to book an appointment in advance to avoid long waiting times.
Final Step: Post-Registration Inspections
After registration, you must complete administrative, technical, and emissions inspections within 7 days. It’s easiest to do this at the same inspection station where you completed previous checks.
Cost: around €30 total.
Importing a car from Germany may seem complex, but with a clear overview and proper preparation, it’s a straightforward process. From choosing the vehicle, signing the purchase contract, and arranging transport, to translating documents, passing inspections, and final registration—each step brings you closer to legally and safely driving your car in Slovakia.
By following the procedure carefully, you’ll save time, avoid unnecessary complications, and fully enjoy your new car—stress-free.