Buy a car in Germany and bring it to Spain

Car from Germany to Spain — purchase, delivery and DGT registration

We source and buy the car in Germany, deliver it to Spain and register it with the DGT turnkey: full cost calculated upfront, taxes, ITV and DGT registration — no surprises.

Import a car from Germany to Spain turnkey — we work in Alicante, Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona.

We source the vehicle at a German auction or from a dealer, transport it to Spain and register it with the DGT. You receive a car on Spanish plates — no bureaucracy, no language barrier, no dealer markup.

Importing a car from Germany to Spain is possible through auction, official dealer or direct private purchase. The final price depends not on where you buy, but on the full cost of registration in Spain. We calculate everything upfront: car price + delivery + insurance + ITV + DGT + registration tax (IEDMT). No surprises after payment.

If you are based in Alicante province or on the Costa Blanca, you can read more about how we work in the region on the Car from Germany in Alicante page.

The most common mistake when importing a car from Germany

Comparing the purchase price in Germany with Spanish market prices without adding transport and taxes. The correct calculation: purchase price + transport + ITV + IEDMT + gestoría = the real cost of the car on Spanish plates.

How much does it really cost to import a car from Germany to Spain
AND HOW TO AVOID OVERPAYING

Is buying a car in Germany and bringing it to Spain actually worth it — or just a myth?

Short answer: it depends on the vehicle segment. Let's be honest.

When it's clearly worth it:

For cars priced from €20,000 and above, the gap between a German auction and the Spanish retail market is consistently €12,000–€20,000. This isn't a marketing claim — it's arithmetic: leasing companies sell returned vehicles without the dealer's retail markup (15–25%), while transport and Spanish registration costs are fixed and don't scale with the car's price.

The most profitable segments: crossovers and SUVs (Audi Q5/Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes GLC/GLE, Volkswagen Touareg), executive saloons (BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6) and premium vehicles in general — exactly where the dealer markup is highest.

When the savings are smaller:

For cars under €15,000, delivery and registration costs represent a significant portion of the total value, and the net saving shrinks considerably. Importing a budget hatchback from Germany to save €1,500–€2,000 simply doesn't make financial sense.

The bottom line:

Importing from Germany isn't an insider trick. It's the exact same channel Spanish dealers use to stock their own forecourts — at the same auctions. The difference is that they add their margin on top. You don't.

If your car falls into the profitable segment — we'll run calculation for your specific model so you can see the real numbers before making any decision.

Hidden taxes and mandatory payments in Spain

Germany and Spain are EU countries, so there are no customs duties between them. But that does not mean ‘no taxes’. In Spain you will face registration payments and procedures — and they are what most often eat the expected savings.

Key risk points: registration tax (IEDMT — depends on emissions/vehicle type and region), municipal road tax (IVTM — depends on the city), possible administrative fees, and also adaptation/certification costs if documents are missing or the car has specification nuances.

Important: amounts and rules can differ by region and by the specific situation of the vehicle. In the consultation we don’t ‘guess’ — we calculate scenarios and show the cost range in advance so you understand the real price of bringing a car from Germany to Spain.

Why ‘bought cheap’ ≠ ‘registered cheap’

Buying is only the entry point. The mistake happens when someone has already paid for the car and then discovers that the documents or emissions category require a different registration route, extra certificates, or modifications. Timelines stretch and the budget grows.

Which cars are most profitable to import from Germany to Spain: makes and models

Not every car is equally profitable to import from Germany. The gap between European prices and the Spanish market depends on the segment — and in the premium class, it is at its maximum.

Top 5 cars by import profitability from Germany, based on our experience and real calculations:

Audi Q5 and Q7 — the most popular request among our clients and consistently one of the most profitable. Leasing Audis from Germany are well-maintained, come with full service history, and the gap from the Spanish market regularly amounts to €12,000–€18,000.

BMW 5 Series and BMW X5 — a business saloon and SUV that German corporate fleets renew every 3 years. Vehicles aged 2–4 years with 40,000–70,000 km come to auction. Savings compared to a Spanish dealership: €10,000–€16,000.

Mercedes E-Class, GLC and GLE — three models leading in demand among our clients. A Mercedes from German leasing is, as a rule, full specification, one owner, official service history. The gap from the Spanish market: €13,000–€20,000.

Porsche Cayenne — in this segment the auction logic works particularly strongly: Spanish dealers mark up used Cayennes by 20–25%, while at a German auction the same car sells at real assessed value. Savings: from €15,000 and above.

Volkswagen Touareg — an underrated choice. One of the best value-for-reliability options: wide availability at auction, moderate delivery costs, strong resale value in Spain.

When it's not worth it:

Small cars under €15,000 — Volkswagen Golf, Seat Leon, Skoda Octavia. In this segment, logistics and registration costs eat up most of the saving. Importing such a car for a €1,500–€2,500 difference simply doesn't make financial sense. We will find you a car within your budget that makes importing worthwhile — because we source across all of Europe, including the Baltic states, where prices for equivalent models are significantly lower than in Germany.

CONCLUSION

If you are looking at a car in the segment from €20,000 — importing from Germany will almost always deliver meaningful savings. If your budget is lower — no problem: we will find you a car matching your budget, request and taste. Because we are officially registered at both Spanish and European auctions, and we source vehicles at the right price wherever it best fits your requirements. Write to us, fill in the form, it's free — we will make you a great offer.

Simply click the button below on this page — FILL IN THE CAR SOURCING FORM.

Step-by-step plan: how to bring a car from Germany to Spain without surprises

Most people lose money not on the purchase — but after it. Unexpected taxes, a failed ITV, incorrectly prepared documents. Here is the sequence that prevents that.

Step 1. Define the task and the budget

Be specific: brand, model, desired mileage, year, and the maximum all‑in turnkey total in Spain — not the purchase price, but the final number including all costs.

Step 2. Shortlist options

The search runs in parallel across several sources: dealer platforms, private sellers, and specialized auctions. Parallel search gives a real view of the market and the best price.

Step 3. Check history and documents before buying

VIN check, accident history, real mileage, legal clean status — all before the deal, not after. A mistake at this stage costs more than everything else.

Step 4. Calculate the all‑in turnkey total

Purchase price + delivery + ITV + DGT + IEDMT + gestoría. Only after you see the full figure should you decide to buy.

Step 5. Auction purchase — an important nuance

If the car you choose is sold at a specialized auction — for example, the well‑known German auction OPENLINE — you need to understand that such platforms work only with accredited professional market participants. A private individual cannot register and bid on their own.

In this case, clients come to us. We sign a detailed contract that specifies the exact vehicle and the maximum price the client is willing to pay. The purchase is carried out strictly under the client’s conditions. Important: if we win the auction, payment must be made within 5 business days from the auction end — this is a mandatory platform requirement.

Step 6. Arrange delivery to Spain

Car transporter or individual driving — depending on urgency. Insurance for the entire route is mandatory.

Step 7. Vehicle reception and preparation at our station in Alicante

At the client’s request, we receive the vehicle directly at our service station in Alicante. We perform full diagnostics, detailing, and prepare the car before handover. During this entire period, the vehicle is under our control and stored on our premises.

Step 8. Pass ITV

Technical inspection with an interpreter — a critically important stage. Our manager attends in person to remove the language barrier and ensure a successful pass.

Step 9. Complete DGT registration and get Spanish plates

Document submission, IEDMT payment, obtaining the registration certificate and number plates. From this moment, the car is fully legal in Spain.

Planning to do it yourself? Our consultation covers the most expensive risk — mistakes before purchase. You get a plan for your specific situation, a document checklist, and a preliminary financial calculation. It’s cheaper than one “unexpected” payment after you buy.

Want the real final price before you buy? Leave a request — we’ll lock your cost model, timelines, and registration route.

We can also source the car for you — it’s more effective than searching on your own. Just click the button below — FILL IN THE CAR SOURCING FORM.

Looking for your car?

Start with a free analysis of your request. Contact us to find out what's available on the market right now.

Fill in the car sourcing form

Want to calculate the full cost of importing?

On a separate page — a calculator with a full breakdown: car price, delivery, ITV, IEDMT, DGT.

Cost calculator →

WHY BUYING FROM GERMANY BEATS SPANISH DEALERS

Save 15–25% compared to any Spanish dealer

When you buy a car from a Spanish dealership, you're not just paying for the vehicle. You're paying for the showroom rent, staff salaries, advertising campaigns and the dealer's profit margin. All of this is built into the price tag in the form of a retail markup — between 15 and 25% above the car's real market value. At a German auction, that markup doesn't exist. Leasing companies and corporate fleets sell their returned vehicles at real market prices — with no intermediary between you and what the car is actually worth. In practice: a car priced at €40,000 at a Spanish dealership will cost €30,000–€34,000 at a German auction. The difference is real money that stays in your pocket.

Real savings of €10,000 to €20,000 — figures from real deals

The figures below are not marketing promises. These are real transactions we have completed for our clients. Audi Q5 40 TDI · 2020 · 56,358 km Purchased at auction: €24,000 · Turnkey in Spain: €28,500 · Equivalent at Spanish dealers: from €42,800 · Client saving: €14,300 BMW 5 Series 520d · 2021 · 48,000 km Purchased at auction: €26,500 · Turnkey in Spain: €31,200 · Equivalent at Spanish dealers: from €46,500 · Client saving: €15,300 Mercedes GLC 220d · 2021 · 52,000 km Purchased at auction: €29,000 · Turnkey in Spain: €34,000 · Equivalent at Spanish dealers: from €51,000 · Client saving: €17,000 Fill in the car search form on this page — and we will find exactly the car you are looking for.

Manufacturer warranty remains valid

One of the most common questions we receive: 'If I buy a car in Germany and bring it to Spain, does the manufacturer's warranty still apply?' The answer is yes, provided the car is still within its warranty period. The warranty offered by European manufacturers — BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda, Volvo and others — is pan-European. This means it is valid in all European Union countries regardless of which country the car was originally purchased in. Moving the car from Germany to Spain does not interrupt or void the warranty. The only requirement: the vehicle must be serviced at an authorised dealer for the relevant brand — in any EU country, including Spain. Important note: this applies to vehicles purchased from official dealers or leasing companies with an original service history. That is precisely the type of vehicle we work with.

Full vehicle history before you buy — no hidden accidents, no clocked mileage

The fear of buying a car with hidden accident damage or clocked mileage is the number one concern that holds buyers back. And it's a legitimate fear — such vehicles do exist in the European market. That's why we never place a bid until we have completed a full check on every lot. What we check: — Accident history through European databases — Real mileage and its consistency with the service history — Number of previous owners and countries of registration — Existence of liens, encumbrances and legal restrictions — VIN number match with all documentation If the check reveals any discrepancies — we do not recommend that vehicle and continue the search. You receive a car with a clean history, or you don't receive one at all.

No customs duties — Germany and Spain are both EU member states

Many buyers mistakenly believe that moving a car from Germany to Spain involves customs procedures and additional duties. This is a widespread misconception that prevents many people from making a very advantageous purchase. Here's how it actually works: Germany and Spain are both member states of the European Union. Within the EU, the principle of free movement of goods applies. This means there are no customs barriers, tariffs or additional charges when moving a vehicle between these two countries. When registering the vehicle in Spain, only local Spanish taxes are due — IVA (in applicable cases) and IEDMT (vehicle registration tax). Both taxes apply to the registration of any vehicle in Spain, regardless of its country of origin. This is not customs — it is a registration tax. We calculate all of these costs for you in advance and include them in the final turnkey figure.

Full Spanish registration included

Registering a foreign vehicle in Spain is a multi-stage process that requires knowledge of local legislation, the language, and bureaucratic procedures. This stage is precisely where those who attempt it independently most often encounter unexpected costs and delays. What our registration service includes: — Passing the ITV technical inspection — our manager attends in person and bridges the language gap — Professional calculation of IEDMT tax with legal optimisation where possible — Preparation of the full document package including Ficha Técnica Reducida — Submission of documents to DGT and obtaining the vehicle registration certificate — Receipt of Spanish number plates — Processing of the environmental label (Distintivo Ambiental) for access to ZBE zones — Optionally: reception at our Alicante service centre, full diagnostics, professional detailing and storage You receive a fully registered vehicle, ready to drive in Spain — without a single visit to any government office.

HOW IT WORKS: FROM REQUEST TO KEYS IN HAND

1. Free analysis of your request — no obligations

The first step requires nothing from you except a few minutes of your time. You fill in the car search form on this page: make, model, desired year, mileage and maximum turnkey budget in Spain. Our managers receive your request immediately and begin the analysis. What we do at this stage: we check the real availability of vehicles matching your parameters on European auctions right now; produce a preliminary calculation of the full turnkey cost including all expenses; assess whether your request matches current market conditions and, if needed, suggest more advantageous alternatives. This analysis is free of charge. You take on no obligations whatsoever. No pressure, no upselling — just an honest picture of the market and real figures before you make any decision.

2. Car search and selection — minimum 10 options within 30 days

Once the contract is signed, we begin active searching across dozens of European platforms — German, Austrian, Belgian and Dutch auctions, leasing platforms and dealer networks. We don't just send you links. Every option we propose passes preliminary screening against your criteria: year of manufacture, mileage, specification, colour, technical condition. Each vehicle comes with a description, photographs, history and a preliminary turnkey cost calculation. Our guarantee: a minimum of 10 specific vehicle options within 30 days of signing the contract. These are not abstract suggestions — these are real lots available for purchase right now. Very often during the search we find options significantly more advantageous than the client originally anticipated — sometimes a higher-class vehicle within the same budget.

3. Full check — history, mileage, accidents, legal status

Once you have chosen a vehicle that interests you — we don't rush to bid. First, the full check. What we check: — Real mileage verified through German and European databases, cross-referenced with service history — Accident history: insurance claims, bodywork repairs, parts replacements — including hidden damage via professional closed sources — Legal status: liens, encumbrances, registration restrictions and other limitations that could block the transaction — Full ownership chain and countries of operation — VIN number match with all documentation If the check reveals anything we are not satisfied with — we do not recommend that vehicle and continue the search. No exceptions.

4. Bidding at auction — your maximum price is locked in the contract

If the chosen vehicle is being sold at a specialist auction — such as the well-known German platform OPENLINE — it is essential to understand that these auctions operate exclusively with accredited professional participants. A private individual cannot register or bid independently. How we organise this: we draw up an additional agreement to the main contract, specifying three key parameters — the specific vehicle, the maximum price you are willing to pay, and the payment procedure in the event of a winning bid. Your maximum bid is protected by contract — we cannot exceed the agreed amount without your explicit written consent. Understanding the timelines: winning an auction creates a strict obligation — payment must be made within 5 working days of the auction closing. This is a platform requirement. Failure to meet deadlines results in financial penalties and may lead to exclusion from future participation. That is why we agree with you in advance on the readiness of funds.

5. Purchase — payment within 5 days, full transaction support

Regardless of where the vehicle is purchased — at auction, from an official dealer or on a private platform — we take full responsibility for managing the transaction. When buying from a dealer or platform: we conduct final price negotiations, review the purchase contract for hidden terms and accompany the signing. When buying at auction: in the event of a winning bid, you make payment within 5 working days. We handle all necessary documentation: deregistration in Germany, obtaining export documents and supporting paperwork for subsequent registration in Spain. Regardless of the purchase platform: we obtain temporary registration documents in your name in the country of purchase. Throughout this entire stage you receive regular updates on the status of the transaction. You don't need to communicate with anyone or track anything — we manage the entire process from start to finish.

6. Transport by car transporter with insurance — to your address in Spain

Once the purchase is complete, we arrange transport to Spain. You have two options depending on your priorities. Car transporter — the standard and most reliable method. The vehicle is transported on a specialist transporter alongside other vehicles. Delivery times from Germany to Spain: 5 to 10 working days. Individual driver transfer — for those who want to receive the vehicle sooner. Our driver personally drives the car from Germany to Spain. This option takes less time and allows registration to begin more quickly. In both cases: the vehicle is insured for its full value throughout the entire transport period; you receive information about the vehicle's location at every stage; delivery is made to the address you specify anywhere in Spain — not to a warehouse or terminal. If you wish, the vehicle can be received directly at our service centre in Alicante, where it immediately moves on to the next stage of preparation.

7. ITV — our manager is personally present

The ITV technical inspection is a mandatory stage for registering a foreign vehicle in Spain. This is precisely where those who attempt it independently most often encounter problems: the language barrier, unfamiliarity with local requirements, incorrectly prepared documents. If the client wishes, the vehicle first undergoes a full diagnostic inspection and professional detailing at our service centre in Alicante. We identify and resolve all technical issues before presenting it for inspection, which guarantees passing the ITV on the first attempt. At the ITV station, our manager who speaks your language is personally present throughout the entire procedure. They handle communication with the inspectors, answer questions and eliminate any language barrier. We prepare the complete document package, including the Ficha Técnica Reducida — the reduced technical data sheet which is a mandatory document for the inspection. Failing the ITV stops the entire registration process. That is why we don't simply book you an appointment — we prepare the vehicle and personally accompany the entire process.

8. DGT, Spanish plates — your car is ready to drive

The final stage — and the most satisfying one. After successfully passing the ITV, we launch the full vehicle registration procedure in Spain. What happens at this stage: — Professional calculation of IEDMT tax — analysing the assessed value according to Hacienda's tables and identifying all legal grounds for reducing the tax liability — Submission of the complete document package to the DGT — Dirección General de Tráfico — Obtaining the vehicle registration certificate (Permiso de Circulación) in your name — Receipt of Spanish number plates — Processing of the environmental label (Distintivo Ambiental) for legal access to ZBE zones in all major Spanish cities From the moment this stage is complete, your vehicle is fully legal in Spain. No additional procedures, no visits to government offices on your part — you simply receive your ready-to-drive car and get behind the wheel.

Real deal — won at auction

✓ Tender won

Audi Q5 40 TDI

🇩🇪 Winning bid (German auction)24 000 €

🚚 Delivery + registration in Spain+ 4 500 €

🇪🇸 Total turnkey in Spain28 500 €

Same car at Spanish dealer42 800 €+

Client savings:−14 300 €

OUR SERVICES

Consultation on buying a car in Germany

We explain how European auctions work, what the real costs are, and give you a free turnkey price estimate for the specific model you want. Free, no commitment.

Full turnkey car sourcing and import

The complete service: search, history check, auction bid, transport from Germany, delivery to Spain, ITV inspection, DGT registration, Spanish plates. You only need to describe the car and receive the keys.

Spanish registration only (car already purchased)

If you have already purchased a car in Germany and need it registered in Spain — we handle the full process: ITV, IEDMT tax calculation, DGT filing and plate collection.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much does it cost to bring a car from Germany to Spain?

The total cost depends on the auction winning bid plus our service fee, transport, and Spanish registration costs. Example: Audi Q5 won at auction for €24 000, total turnkey in Spain €28 500 — versus €42 800+ at a Spanish dealer. We provide a free estimate for your specific model.

Are there customs duties between Germany and Spain?

No. Both countries are EU member states so there are no customs barriers. The only tax that applies is the Spanish vehicle registration tax (IEDMT), which we calculate upfront and aim to optimise legally.

What documents are needed to register a German car in Spain?

You need: the German vehicle registration certificate (Fahrzeugbrief / Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II), EU certificate of conformity (COC), your NIE, passport, and proof of tax payment. AutoexpertEU collects and submits all documents on your behalf.

How long does the whole process take?

Typically 3–6 weeks from auction win to receiving the car with Spanish plates. Breakdown: purchase paperwork 1–3 days, transport Germany–Spain 5–10 days, Spanish registration 2–4 weeks.

How do I know the car is not damaged or has clocked mileage?

Before every bid we run a full VIN history check through German and European databases — accidents, real mileage, service history, outstanding liens. If the history is unclear or dirty we do not bid, period.

What if the car is damaged during delivery?

The car is fully insured throughout transit. Any transport damage discovered at handover is covered by the insurance policy. All conditions are written into the contract before we start.

Can I buy directly at German auction myself?

No. German car auctions operate on a B2B basis and require professional dealer accreditation to participate. Private individuals are not admitted. That is exactly why you need an accredited intermediary — us.

Ready to find your car from Germany?

Tell us what car you are looking for — we will check the market for free and tell you whether such a vehicle can be found, what it will cost turnkey in Spain, or suggest an option that may be even better than you imagined.

Describe your ideal car

Car sourcing service

895 € — free analysis included

Tell us what car you're looking for — we check the market for free and tell you if it can be found, what it will cost turnkey, or suggest something better than you imagined.

Describe your ideal car

Answers on the FAQ page