To Germany by car

Entering Germany by car

Ukrainian citizens can import their cars into Germany without paying customs duties for up to 6 months. After 180 days, the car must either be exported or undergo customs clearance and registration in Germany.

Documents for importing a car into Germany

1. Vehicle registration certificate. This is the main document confirming ownership and technical characteristics of the car. Without this certificate, you will not be able to enter Germany with your vehicle.
2. Driver's license. For temporary stays (up to 6 months), Ukrainian driver's licenses are valid in Germany. If you plan to stay in Germany for more than 6 months, you should obtain a German driver's license.
3. Green card. Don't forget to get a green card for your car! This is mandatory international insurance that covers material damage in the event of an accident in Germany.
4. Plakette environmental sticker. There are environmental zones (Umweltzone) in Germany, and cars with foreign registration must have an environmental sticker to enter these areas.
5. Your passport is valid for 3 months after departure.

What if you don't own a car?

If you are not the owner of the car, you need permission from the owner to import it. This can be a power of attorney confirming that you have the right to use the car to cross the border. Without this document, customs may refuse entry.

What else do you need for your trip?

• Medical insurance

When traveling in Germany, you must have medical insurance that covers medical expenses abroad. It is important that it is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Germany. You can purchase such insurance through Visit Ukraine or other insurance companies.

• Toll roads and vignettes

In Germany, there is no mandatory vignette for cars on motorways, but there are toll roads, especially for trucks. A fee may be charged for using these roads, which can be paid through special systems or at checkpoints.

Here are the prices for different periods:

• 10 euros — for 10 days.
• €22 for 60 days.

In addition, you also have to pay an additional fee to drive through some tunnels:

- Warnowtunnel:

• €4.10 from November to April.
• €5.10 from May to October.

- Herrentunnel:

• €2.10.

If you exceed the 6-month import period, you will need to clear customs and pay customs duties, as well as register your car in Germany.

• Environmental sticker (Umweltplakette)

In Germany, foreign-registered cars must have an environmental sticker — a green Plakette — to enter the Umweltzone (eco-zone) in cities. Without it, the fine is €100, although it used to be €80.

If you are traveling with children

When traveling abroad with one parent, children under the age of 16 usually need a letter of authorization from the other parent.

Children may be accompanied by:

• One parent. To do this, you must have the child's birth certificate and foreign passport.
• Relatives. To accompany the child, you will need a birth certificate, foreign passport, and a document confirming family ties.
• Third parties. In this case, a written statement from one of the parents, certified by the guardianship authority, is required. You will also need to provide the child's birth certificate and foreign passport.

For more information, follow the link.

Transportation of animals by car

In order to transport an animal, you must have an international veterinary passport containing the following information:

• Vaccination against viral diseases;
• Microchipping with date of procedure;
• Rabies vaccination;
• Treatment for ecto- and endoparasites;
• Photo of the animal before it reaches one year of age.
• A certificate confirming that the animal has no breeding value.

For more details, follow the link.

Do I need to change my license?

For short-term trips to Germany, Ukrainian citizens can drive a car with a Ukrainian driver's license. Germany recognizes Ukrainian driver's licenses for up to 6 months. If you are staying in Germany for more than a year, you will need to exchange your license for a German driver's license, which may require additional tests if your license does not meet the standards.

Remember the Green Card!

The Green Card is compulsory international insurance for drivers traveling abroad. Ukrainian drivers must obtain a Green Card for trips to Germany. It can be obtained online on our website and covers material damage in the event of an accident in Germany. The Green Card is valid for a period of 15 days to 1 year.