How can I register my car in Germany?

Thanks to our cooperation with various German inspection authorities, your vehicle can often be inspected directly at our workshop in Schiedam. In most cases, transport to Germany is therefore not required.

What are the costs for a KFZ registration?

Prices typically start from €1,450 (excl. VAT). The exact cost depends on factors such as the make, model, year of manufacture, and country of origin of the vehicle.

How long does it take to obtain a KFZ Brief?

On average, the processing time is around six weeks. We keep you informed throughout every step of the process.

What are the advantages of a German registration for later registration in the Netherlands?

A KFZ registration is recognised in almost every EU country, including the Netherlands. This makes the Dutch registration process faster, simpler, and more cost-effective — and you won’t need to visit the RDW inspection centre in Lelystad.

German KFZ Registrations

A KFZ Brief — short for Kraftfahrzeugbrief — is a German vehicle registration certificate. This document contains essential information about your vehicle, including technical specifications and ownership details. Obtaining a KFZ Brief is an important step in the German vehicle registration process, but it also offers advantages for vehicles that will eventually be registered in the Netherlands.

The KFZ Brief consists of two parts:

Teil I (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I) – the registration document you must carry with you when driving, comparable to the Dutch vehicle registration certificate.
Teil II (Fahrzeugbrief) – the ownership document proving who the legal owner of the vehicle is. This document is usually kept at home unless the car is being sold or exported.

Advantages of a KFZ registration compared to a direct RDW inspection

A KFZ registration offers several advantages over a direct inspection at the RDW:

Cost savings: A direct inspection at the RDW test centre in Lelystad requires you to transport the vehicle there, which can be expensive and inconvenient. With a KFZ registration, we can arrange the inspection in our own workshop, saving you transport costs.
Time efficiency: The German inspection authorities we work with often process requests faster than the RDW, meaning your vehicle can be road-ready sooner.
Flexibility: With a KFZ Brief, your vehicle can be more easily registered throughout Europe, which is especially useful for import/export within the EU. This German “vehicle passport” is recognised almost everywhere in Europe.
Avoiding RDW inspection: With a KFZ registration, your vehicle does not need to undergo a full RDW inspection — saving time, logistics, and paperwork.

How does the process work?

Many customers wonder whether their car needs to go to Germany for the KFZ inspection. The answer is no. Thanks to our strong partnerships with German inspection agencies, we can arrange the inspection directly at our workshop in Schiedam. This means your car doesn’t have to cross the border — the entire process takes place conveniently in the Netherlands under one roof.

We keep your vehicle safely stored in our secured indoor facility free of charge throughout the process. Because the car does not yet have Dutch registration, it may not be driven on public roads or insured at this stage.

How long does it take?

The full KFZ Brief process typically takes between 4 and 6 weeks, depending on the availability of inspection authorities and the condition of the vehicle. We closely guide you through each step to ensure the process runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

When is a KFZ registration recommended?

A KFZ registration is particularly valuable for non-European import vehicles that will be registered in the Netherlands. It provides an efficient route to meet European technical and administrative standards — especially for vehicles without EU type approval. It also simplifies and speeds up later Dutch registration.

Which documents are required for German KFZ registration?

The original registration certificate from the country of origin
Proof of customs import (especially for non-EU imports)
A copy of the new owner’s driving licence (if no Dutch licence, identification at the RDW may be required)
The purchase invoice of the vehicle

Why choose SCL Rotterdam?

We are specialists in non-European imports, with almost 20 years of experience importing vehicles from Dubai, the USA, Canada and Japan. At SCL Rotterdam, you receive complete service from A to Z — from purchase support, transport, technical inspection (including conversion to European standards), to final registration.

Our passion for cars and attention to detail translate into personal service and clear communication. We ensure your vehicle meets all European and Dutch requirements and coordinate with inspection authorities such as the RDW and TÜV.

Want to know more about conversion to European standards or Dutch licence plate registration? Visit our pages on Conversion to European Standards and Dutch Registration & BPM for more details.

Need advice or want to know if your vehicle qualifies?

Feel free to contact us. Our team of import experts will gladly assist you with a free eligibility check, tailored advice, or a detailed quotation. We guide you step by step and ensure that the import and registration process runs smoothly and without stress.