Secure a car loan for an imported vehicle from abroad
27 Apr 2025
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Discovered a special car model abroad? The dream of an imported car often fails due to an unexpected hurdle: financing. We'll show you how to find a car loan for an imported vehicle from abroad and which strategic steps lead to success.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The main issue with financing an imported car is the lack of a German registration certificate Part II as loan security for the bank.
An unsecured installment loan is often the best alternative, as it is not tied to the vehicle as collateral and speeds up the purchasing process.
The import costs differ significantly: For EU imports, only VAT (19%) is applied, whereas for non-EU imports, customs duties (10%) are also added.
Der Kauf eines Autos im Ausland lockt oft mit günstigeren Preisen oder exklusiven Modellen, die in Deutschland nicht verfügbar sind. Ein Preisvorteil von bis zu dreißig Prozent bei EU-Reimporten ist keine Seltenheit. Doch die Freude kann schnell getrübt werden, wenn die Hausbank den Autokredit verweigert. Das Kernproblem liegt in der Kreditsicherheit: Solange das Fahrzeug nicht in Deutschland zugelassen ist, fehlt der Bank der übliche Zugriff auf die Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil zwei. Dieser Ratgeber erklärt die spezifischen Herausforderungen, zeigt Lösungswege für die Finanzierung auf und gibt Ihnen eine klare Handlungsanleitung für den gesamten Prozess.
Understanding the Financing Gap for Imported Vehicles
The financing of an imported car presents banks with a particular challenge. Unlike a vehicle purchased in Germany, there is initially no German registration certificate Part II. This document serves the bank as primary security for the loan. Without this security, the risk to the credit institution increases significantly. The bank cannot simply transfer ownership of the vehicle via security transfer as long as it remains abroad. This gap in security leads to an immediate rejection of more than fifty percent of inquiries by traditional car financiers. Therefore, banks have to resort to alternative valuation and security methods, which complicates the process. Understanding this core issue is the first step towards a successful financing strategy.
Strategically assess cost factors for EU and non-EU imports
The origin of the vehicle significantly determines the total costs. Importing from an EU member state is usually the most cost-effective option. In this case, there are no customs duties, and only the German VAT of nineteen percent on the net purchase price applies. When purchasing a vehicle from the USA or Japan, the calculation is different. In addition to the purchase price and transport costs often exceeding 2,000 euros, you must account for ten percent customs duties and nineteen percent import VAT. These charges are calculated on the vehicle value plus transport costs, which can quickly raise the final price by thirty percent. Therefore, a careful comparison of total costs is essential before deciding on a vehicle. The choice of the import country has a direct impact on the required loan amount.
The bank's perspective: Minimising the risk of security transfer
For a bank, a car loan is a business based on solid security. The standard procedure is a collateral transfer, where the registration certificate part two (vehicle title) is deposited as collateral with the bank. For an imported vehicle, this document is initially unavailable. Thus, the bank lacks a legal lever if the borrower fails to make payments before the car is registered in Germany. This increased risk leads to stricter reviews and higher credit requirements for the buyer. A few specialized institutions do offer import financing, but often require additional securities or higher interest rates, at least two percentage points above the market average. The lack of physical security of the vehicle title is the central hurdle to overcome.
Exploring Alternative Financing Options for Import Vehicles
If the earmarked car loan fails, an unrestricted installment loan offers a flexible alternative. Since this loan is available for any purpose, the bank only checks your general creditworthiness and does not require vehicle collateral. You receive the loan amount directly and can proceed with the vehicle purchase as a cash buyer. This significantly simplifies negotiations with the foreign seller. The disadvantage is often slightly higher interest rates, as the risk for the bank increases by about one to three percentage points without asset security. However, this option gives you full control over the purchasing process. You can complete the import and registration without relying on approval from a financing bank. For a successful used car financing from abroad, this is often the most pragmatic way.
Step-by-Step Guide: From Dream Car to German Registration
The path to an imported vehicle with German registration can be broken down into seven clear steps. A systematic approach prevents costly mistakes and saves time. Follow this order for a smooth process:
Set the financial framework: Clarify your budget and secure financing, ideally through an unsecured loan available for any purpose.
Vehicle selection and purchase processing: Finalise a detailed purchase contract and check the vehicle's history.
Organise transport: Hire a freight company and arrange insurance for the transport, which can cost up to 3,000 Euros.
Perform customs clearance: Register the vehicle with German customs and pay all applicable fees (customs duty and import VAT).
Technical modification and TÜV full inspection: Make necessary adjustments (e.g. to headlights) and conduct the main inspection according to § 21 StVZO.
Ensure insurance coverage: Request an electronic insurance confirmation (eVB number) from your car insurer. Information on the Green Insurance Card is also relevant here.
Registration in Germany: Present all documents at the registration office to receive German number plates and registration certificates.
Only after completing these steps is the vehicle legally fully imported into Germany.
Expert tips for optimising costs and security
Even with careful planning, unforeseen costs can increase the import expense by up to twenty percent. Our expert tip: Always plan for a financial buffer of at least fifteen percent of the total costs for unexpected repairs, improvements, or fees. Additionally, obtain an independent valuation before purchase. It may cost between 200 and 500 euros, but it protects you from overpriced offers and serves as an important reference point for the bank. When choosing a vehicle, ensure it has a complete maintenance history. Missing service records can reduce the resale value by more than ten percent. A well-thought-out three-way financing could also be an option to manage your monthly burden. These measures significantly minimize your financial risk.
Conclusion: With the right strategy for financing an imported car
The process of obtaining a car loan for an imported vehicle is more complex, but with the right preparation, it is absolutely achievable. The key is to understand the bank's perspective and proactively bridge the financing gap. A non-purpose-specific installment loan is often the most efficient solution to decouple the purchasing process and act as a cash buyer. A precise calculation of all costs, from taxes to transport and technical conversion, protects against unpleasant surprises. With comprehensive documentation and a clear step-by-step strategy, the dream of owning a special vehicle from abroad becomes a reality. Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive concrete optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
The ADAC offers a comprehensive guide on importing vehicles from the USA and Canada.
The European Consumer Centre (EVZ) provides important information on the transfer and registration of vehicles.
The ADAC provides information on general customs regulations relevant to travel.
FAQ
Warum ist ein Autokredit für einen Importwagen schwerer zu bekommen?
Das Hauptproblem ist die Kreditsicherheit. Banken nutzen in Deutschland die Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil zwei (Fahrzeugbrief) als Pfand. Da dieses Dokument erst nach dem erfolgreichen Import und der Zulassung in Deutschland ausgestellt wird, fehlt der Bank während der Kauf- und Transportphase die wichtigste Sicherheit, was das Risiko erhöht.
Ist ein persönlicher Ratenkredit eine gute Alternative?
Ja, in vielen Fällen ist er die beste Lösung. Ein persönlicher Ratenkredit ist nicht an einen bestimmten Verwendungszweck gebunden. Sie erhalten das Geld zur freien Verfügung und können den Importwagen wie ein Barkäufer bezahlen. Das vereinfacht den Prozess erheblich, auch wenn die Zinsen eventuell etwas höher sind.
Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einem Import aus der EU und den USA?
Ein Import aus einem EU-Land ist deutlich einfacher und günstiger. Es fallen keine Zollgebühren an, und Sie benötigen in der Regel nur die CoC-Papiere für die Zulassung. Bei einem US-Import müssen Sie zehn Prozent Zoll und neunzehn Prozent Einfuhrumsatzsteuer zahlen, das Fahrzeug technisch umrüsten lassen und eine teurere Vollabnahme beim TÜV durchführen.
Welche Kosten kommen neben dem Kaufpreis noch auf mich zu?
Rechnen Sie mit Transportkosten (See- oder Landfracht), Zollgebühren und Einfuhrumsatzsteuer (bei Nicht-EU-Importen), Kosten für die technische Umrüstung und die TÜV-Vollabnahme (§ 21 StVZO), Gebühren für die Zulassungsstelle sowie eventuell für ein Wertgutachten.
Was sind CoC-Papiere und warum sind sie wichtig?
Das CoC (Certificate of Conformity) ist eine Konformitätsbescheinigung des Herstellers. Es bestätigt, dass das Fahrzeug den technischen Normen der EU entspricht. Mit diesem Dokument ist die Zulassung eines EU-Importfahrzeugs in Deutschland meist unkompliziert und erfordert keine teure Einzelabnahme.
Wie lange dauert der gesamte Import- und Finanzierungsprozess?
Die Dauer hängt stark vom Herkunftsland und der Effizienz der Abwicklung ab. Eine Finanzierungszusage für einen Ratenkredit kann innerhalb von 24 Stunden erfolgen. Der Fahrzeugtransport aus Übersee kann vier bis acht Wochen dauern. Rechnen Sie für den gesamten Prozess von der Auswahl bis zur Zulassung mit mindestens sechs bis zwölf Wochen.
