Registering a vehicle with Ukrainian license plates in Germany
The German authorities have extended the possibility of obtaining a special permit for the use of vehicles with Ukrainian license plates in Germany until September 30, 2024. If you already had such a permit before March 31, 2024, the competent authority should automatically extend it until the new date. If the extension is not done automatically, you should apply for such a permit with the relevant authority. If you have not yet obtained such a permit, you should submit an application for it. More details can be found below in the section “What is needed to obtain a permit for vehicle operation after 1 year of entry into Germany (i.e., exceptions valid until March 31, 2024, as mentioned above).”
As a general rule, foreign vehicles must be registered in Germany after one year of staying in the country. However, an exception is provided for Ukrainian refugees regarding this obligation.
The German authorities offer the possibility to obtain a special permit for the continued use of vehicles with Ukrainian license plates without the need to register the vehicle in Germany.
If the following requirements are met, the right to use a car with Ukrainian plates in Germany can be extended until March 31, 2024. (After April 1, 2024, all vehicles, without exception, must be registered).
What is needed to obtain a permit to operate a vehicle after 1 year of entry into Germany (i.e., exceptions valid until March 31, 2024, as mentioned above)?
Process of registering a foreign vehicle in Germany
As the above-mentioned exception for refugees expires on April 1, 2024, it is advisable to think about your next steps in advance. One such step is to register the vehicle in Germany and obtain German license plates. This process can take some time, and you will need the following documents:
Costs and timing of the vehicle registration process in Germany
Much depends on the availability of documentation for the vehicle. If the vehicle has an EU type-approval number, the costs for obtaining a technical passport (ranging from €150 to €500) will not apply. Such vehicles can receive the necessary documents through a simplified process. You will only need to undergo a technical inspection, and the total cost will range from €150 to €250.
Expenses:
Overall, the vehicle registration process in Germany can cost you up to €1,000. The timing also depends on the factors mentioned above and can take up to 3 to 4 weeks. Therefore, it is advisable to start this process as soon as possible.
“If you need advice or assistance, we are always ready to help you.”Registering a Vehicle with Ukrainian Plates in Germany
The German authorities have extended the possibility of obtaining a special permit for the use of vehicles with Ukrainian license plates in Germany until September 30, 2024. If you already had such a permit before March 31, 2024, the competent authority should automatically extend it until the new date. If the extension is not done automatically, you should apply for such a permit with the relevant authority. If you have not yet obtained such a permit, you should submit an application for it. More details can be found below in the section “What is needed to obtain a permit for vehicle operation after 1 year of entry into Germany (i.e., exceptions valid until March 31, 2024, as mentioned above).”
As a general rule, foreign vehicles must be registered in Germany after one year of staying in the country. However, an exception is provided for Ukrainian refugees regarding this obligation.
The German authorities offer the possibility to obtain a special permit for the continued use of vehicles with Ukrainian license plates without the need to register the vehicle in Germany.
If the following requirements are met, the right to use a car with Ukrainian plates in Germany can be extended until March 31, 2024. (After April 1, 2024, all vehicles, without exception, must be registered).
What is needed to obtain a permit to operate a vehicle after 1 year of entry into Germany (i.e., exceptions valid until March 31, 2024, as mentioned above)?
- Submit an application using the provided form.
- You will need proof of mandatory insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung). This is the so-called “green card,” which can also be obtained from Ukrainian insurers.
- Additionally, you must undergo a technical inspection of the vehicle at one of the accredited organizations in Germany (DEKRA, TÜV, KÜS, GTÜ). Every car owner in Germany must undergo such an inspection every 2 years. Based on our experience, DEKRA and TÜV are well-regarded organizations, with the largest network of branches throughout the country.
- You will also need to provide documentation confirming your refugee status and the vehicle’s registration certificate.
Process of registering a foreign vehicle in Germany
As the above-mentioned exception for refugees expires on April 1, 2024, it is advisable to think about your next steps in advance. One such step is to register the vehicle in Germany and obtain German license plates. This process can take some time, and you will need the following documents:
- A certificate of conformity for your car model from competent Ukrainian authorities or the manufacturer (via a dealer/importer) from Ukraine.
- The vehicle’s technical passport (technisches Datenblatt), issued by an accredited organization in Germany (DEKRA, TÜV, KÜS, GTÜ).
- A report from an accredited organization (DEKRA, TÜV, KÜS, GTÜ) on the vehicle’s technical condition (Vollgutachten gem. §21 StVZO). For this, you will need the vehicle documents (technical passport and registration), issued in Ukraine. Translation is not required.
- A certificate confirming that no customs duties are owed (Zoll-Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung). Customs clearance for personal vehicles of individuals who have registered in Germany (residence permit) is free of charge. For this, you need to contact the customs office (Zollamt) at your place of residence and carry out the customs clearance of the vehicle, declaring it as personal property when moving (Übersiedlungsgut). Further explanations on customs procedures can be found in the FAQ section.
- Valid electronic insurance confirmation (eVB number).
- Ukrainian license plates.
- The technical passport (technisches Datenblatt) is requested from the manufacturer through the company conducting the vehicle’s technical inspection according to §21 StVZO (regulations for vehicle admission to road traffic). The cost of this service ranges from €150 to €500. If your car was originally designed for use within the European Union, this will significantly simplify its registration. You can check this by looking at the vehicle’s factory plate. If the plate shows a type-approval number for EU standards (EG-Typengenehmigung), this means the car was designed for use within the European Union and obtaining German documents for it will be easier and cheaper.
Costs and timing of the vehicle registration process in Germany
Much depends on the availability of documentation for the vehicle. If the vehicle has an EU type-approval number, the costs for obtaining a technical passport (ranging from €150 to €500) will not apply. Such vehicles can receive the necessary documents through a simplified process. You will only need to undergo a technical inspection, and the total cost will range from €150 to €250.
Expenses:
- Request for a technical passport (if the vehicle does not have an EU type-approval number, see above) — €270 to €500
- Report from an accredited organization (DEKRA, TÜV, KÜS, GTÜ) on the technical condition of the vehicle (Vollgutachten gem. §21 StVZO) — around €400
- Technical inspection and exhaust emissions test (HU und AU) — €150 to €200
- Registration of the vehicle with the registration authority — around €50, and license plates around €30
Overall, the vehicle registration process in Germany can cost you up to €1,000. The timing also depends on the factors mentioned above and can take up to 3 to 4 weeks. Therefore, it is advisable to start this process as soon as possible.
“If you need advice or assistance, we are always ready to help you.”Registering a Vehicle with Ukrainian Plates in Germany