Country guide · 🇩🇪 Germany
Apostille for importing a Japanese car to Germany
Germany is one of the deepest JDM enthusiast markets in Europe — home to legendary Skyline R32/R33/R34, Supra A80, RX-7 FD3S registrations. The Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) and local Zulassungsstelle handle vehicle registration; Einzelabnahme (single-vehicle approval) is the path for non-EU-type-approved imports, and the Japanese MLIT certificate with apostille is the document that anchors the chain.
01 — Germany
The local authority — KBA + Zulassungsstelle
Federal type approval is handled by the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) in Flensburg. Actual vehicle registration happens at the local Zulassungsstelle (city or district authority). For Japanese imports without EC type approval, you need an Einzelabnahme (single-vehicle approval) from a TÜV/DEKRA expert. The MLIT Certificate of Export documents the Japanese deregistration; with apostille, it gains full evidentiary weight in front of KBA and at the Zulassungsstelle counter.
02 — Germany
Why apostille is the difference in Germany
German authorities are documentary-strict. Without apostille, the Japanese certificate is just paper — the local clerk has no way to verify the signature or seal authenticity. With apostille, the Hague Convention chain is closed: Tokyo MoFA → KBA → Zulassungsstelle. This matters especially for high-value imports (Skyline GT-R Nismo, NSX-R, Supra TRD) where banks and insurers demand bulletproof documentation, and for Einzelabnahme cases where TÜV experts request the original chain of title.
03 — Germany
How we work with German importers
Email us a clear scan of the Japanese Certificate of Export. We confirm Apostille-Eignung within hours. Apostille obtained at MoFA Tokyo in 3 working days. DHL international to Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, or any Zulassungsstelle district: 3-5 days. Total: 10-15 days door-to-door. €280 flat — fits comfortably within typical Einzelabnahme prep timelines (TÜV slots are usually 2-4 weeks out).
04 — Germany
Tips for German importers
Pair our apostille with: German translation by an öffentlich bestellter Übersetzer (we don't translate, only legalise); EC Certificate of Conformity if available (rare for JDM); emission documentation for Euro 6/7 compliance. For RHD enthusiasts: registration is fully legal in Germany regardless of steering side. For dealers running Einzelabnahme volume: we offer batch scheduling at MoFA Tokyo.
Ready to apostille your Germany import?
Send us the scan of your Certificate of Export. We confirm feasibility within hours, deliver the apostilled original to Germany in 15 days door-to-door. € 280, all-inclusive, refund guaranteed.