Germany is a hub for automotive enthusiasts, expats, and businesses importing vehicles—whether for personal use, relocation, or resale. Ship Overseas. specializes in secure, efficient sea freight to major German ports, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely and complies with all regulations.
Why Choose Us for Car Shipping to Germany?
Germany has strict import rules, including emissions standards and paperwork requirements. Ship Overseas. handles the complexities for you, offering:
✓ Door-to-Door or Port-to-Port Shipping – Flexible delivery options across Germany.
✓ Specialized Handling – Experience with luxury, classic, and heavy vehicles.
✓ Full Insurance Coverage (optional) – Protection against damage or loss during transit.
✓ Transparent Pricing – No hidden fees; competitive rates for sea freight.
✓ Fast Transit Times – Regular departures from the USA
Sample Price Estimates depend on:
Vehicle type (sedan, SUV, non-running, etc.)
Contact us for a precise quote based on your vehicle.
German Import Regulations to Know
- Emissions Standards:
- Diesel vehicles must meet Euro 6 standards.
- Older cars may require retrofitting or pay a penalty.
- Duty Fees:
- VAT (19%) applies to the car’s value + shipping costs.
- Additional duties (10-30%) may apply for non-EU imports.
- TÜV Inspection:
- Mandatory for registration; checks safety/emissions compliance.
*Tip: For classic cars (30+ years old), reduced VAT rates may apply.*
Why Germany is a Top Destination for Car Imports
- No import quotas on used vehicles (unlike some EU countries).
- Efficient infrastructure – Ports like Bremerhaven handle millions of cars annually.
- Strong resale market for luxury and American vehicles.
Final Notes
Shipping a car to Germany involves navigating taxes, emissions rules, and paperwork—but Ship Overseas Inc. streamlines the process. Whether you’re relocating or importing a collector’s car, we ensure timely, compliant, and stress-free delivery.
Your vehicle deserves expert handling—let’s get started!
- Get a Custom Quote
- Provide your vehicle details (make, model, year, dimensions) and shipping preferences for an accurate estimate. We’ll advise on the best route and logistics.
- Prepare Your Vehicle
- Before shipping, ensure your car meets these requirements:
- Clean and inspect the exterior/interior (document pre-existing damage with photos).
- Remove personal belongings (not covered by insurance).
- Check fluid levels (no leaks for RoRo shipments).
- Disable the alarm to prevent battery drain.
- Vehicle Preparation
- Disable alarms and reduce fuel to ¼ tank
- Remove personal items and custom accessories
- Ocean Transit
- 15-20 day voyage from US ports to Zeebrugge, Belgium
- Germany requires:
- Original Title & Registration (proof of ownership).
- Commercial Invoice (for customs valuation).
- Bill of Lading (issued by the shipping line).
- German TÜV Approval (for compliance with emissions/safety standards).
- We assist with paperwork and ensure smooth clearance.
- Delivery in Germany
- Picked up directly at the terminal.
- Delivered to your address (additional fee applies).
Your car arrives at the chosen port (e.g., Bremerhaven, Hamburg) and can be:
Customs & Documentation
- Most cost-effective option
- Fixed schedules like airlines
- Weather-protected transport
- Split costs with others
- Can include personal items
- Works for non-running vehicles
- Maximum protection
- Private container space
- Ideal for luxury/classic cars
US Military and Government employees (or contractors). For those people, a letter of authorization from the lender will need to be issued to pass US Customs. Otherwise, the car may be considered stolen.
US Military and Dependents
At the Base ports of Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, you will be required to pay a destination offloading fee of $280.00 per car and $350.00 per SUV. These prices are subject to change but not by much. To get a release of your vehicle, you will need to Identify yourself, and before that, you will go to the Officer at your Base in charge of Transport, who will give you a document to complete which will act as Military Tags and will enable you to drive to your base.
If you would like your vehicle delivered to your Base, then you can request a delivery service from us, and we will arrange the forwarding for you at an additional fee.
The cost of car shipping to Germany varies based on factors like the vehicle size, shipping method, and departure port. At Ship Overseas, we offer competitive pricing and personalized quotes to fit your needs.
When you ship a car to Germany, you’ll need your car’s title, registration, photo ID, and a copy of the bill of sale. Ship Overseas ensures you have all necessary paperwork ready for a smooth customs process.
When you ship a car to Germany, you’ll need your car’s title, registration, photo ID, and a copy of the bill of sale. Ship Overseas ensures you have all necessary paperwork ready for a smooth customs process.
Shipping a car to Germany typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the departure port and shipping method. Ship Overseas provides estimated delivery times and regular updates throughout the process.
Ship Overseas offers insurance options to cover your car during transit. While basic liability coverage may be included, we recommend additional insurance for full protection when shipping your car to Germany.
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