1. Who Can Buy a Car in Germany & What They Need
- Non-residents can buy cars in Germany; no EU citizenship required. To register, you usually need proof of local residence. Some dealerships offer temporary export registration and insurance for buyers planning to ship the vehicle abroad.
- Required documents typically include passport, residence certificate (Meldebescheinigung), valid driver’s license, and a German bank account for insurance, taxes, and registration payments.
2. Car Types & Buying Options
- New Cars (Neuwagen): Customizable, with warranty; more expensive and depreciate quickly. Dealers often assist with registration.
- Used Cars (Gebrauchtwagen): Cheaper; inspect maintenance logs, mileage, TÜV history.
- Other Options: “One-year cars” (Jahreswagen) and demo cars (Vorführwagen) offer good value with low mileage, found via platforms like mobile.de or AutoScout24.
3. Post-Purchase Legal Steps
- Get insurance (eVB number) & ensure TÜV inspection is valid.
- Bring proof of insurance, vehicle ownership (Fahrzeugbrief), and TÜV certificate to the local vehicle registration office (Zulassungsstelle) to register and receive license plates.
- Pay annual vehicle tax (approx. €100), with potential exemptions for low-emission cars.
4. Dogpay: Your Smart Cross-Border Car-Purchase Companion
| Scenario | Common Challenge | Dogpay Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Paying for Car, Fees, Taxes | Slow transfers, hidden FX costs, high banking fees | Multi-currency payments, zero conversion fees, transparent rates |
| Paying Insurance & Plate Costs | Multiple expenses across platforms, tough to reconcile | Auto-categorized bills, easy CSV/PDF export |
| Urgent Payment Needs | Delayed transfers may delay registration and driving | Fast settlement + stablecoin option for reliable payout |
| Tracking Maintenance Fuel Costs | Disjointed spending records | Auto fuel and maintenance logs simplify budget tracking |
Key Insight
Buying a car in Germany—whether new, used, or demo—involves navigating legal requirements like insurance, TÜV checks, registration, and vehicle tax. With Dogpay, all financial aspects from purchase to upkeep become streamlined, transparent, and hassle-free—freeing you to focus on enjoying your ride in Germany.
