Buying a car
Importing a car from Germany to Poland
Germany is the most popular source of used cars for Poland. Good news for your wallet: there's no duty (Germany is in the EU). Here's which taxes you'll actually pay and how to register the car.
Duty: 0 zł
When importing from an EU country no duty is charged — it only applies to cars from outside the EU (USA, Ukraine, etc.).
Excise — mandatory
Excise is paid on every car not previously registered in Poland: 3.1% (engine up to 2000 cc) or 18.6% (above 2000 cc); lower or 0% for hybrids/EVs. The AKC-U/S declaration is filed within 14 days of import, the excise paid within 30 days.
VAT — depends
- a used car (older than 6 months and over 6000 km) from a private seller or on a VAT-margin invoice — no Polish VAT;
- a car that's “new” for VAT (within 6 months of first registration or under 6000 km) — 23% VAT regardless of seller;
- bought from a company on a standard VAT invoice — 23%.
So for a typical used car from a private seller VAT usually doesn't arise — the main tax is excise.
💡 Estimate the full cost. Excise, VAT, fees — open the customs & registration calculator →
Documents and registration
- German registration (Fahrzeugschein + Fahrzeugbrief);
- contract or invoice;
- a sworn translation;
- proof of excise (AKC-U/S);
- Polish technical inspection;
- OC.
The registration fee is about 160 zł; you have 30 days to register from import. The step-by-step procedure is in the registration guide.
FAQ
Is duty charged on a car from Germany?
No. Germany is an EU country, so there's no duty; it only applies to cars from outside the EU.
Do you have to pay VAT on a used car from Germany?
Usually no — for a used car (over 6 months and 6000 km) from a private seller VAT doesn't arise in Poland. A car that's “new” for VAT is taxed at 23%.
What excise applies to a car from Germany?
3.1% (up to 2000 cc) or 18.6% (above); AKC-U/S declaration within 14 days, payment within 30 days.
How long do you have to register?
30 days from importing the car into Poland.