Shipping a car from Germany to Nigeria is straightforward when the documents are right before the car is loaded. We have been doing it from our Essen yard since 1999, with our own office in Olodi Apapa, Lagos.
1. Check the car and its papers
Before anything is booked, make sure you have:
- The vehicle registration documents (in Germany: Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and Teil II)
- The purchase invoice or proof of ownership
- A copy of the owner’s ID or passport
- The receiver’s full name, address and phone number in Nigeria
If the car is still registered in Germany, it usually needs to be deregistered or put on export plates before it leaves. Ask us if you are not sure.
2. Get the Form M started in Nigeria
Almost every import into Nigeria needs a Form M, and it must be opened by the importer in Nigeria through their bank before the car is shipped. Starting it late is one of the most common causes of delays at the port. Read our Form M guide for what it is and what the bank needs.
3. Get a transparent quote
Send us the make, model, year and approximate weight, plus where the car is now. We confirm the full price and any documents we need before anything is booked, with no hidden fees. You can get a rough figure first with our shipping calculator.
4. Prepare the car
- Remove personal belongings unless we have agreed to ship them with the car
- Leave only a little fuel in the tank
- Note any existing damage and take photos from all sides
- Hand over all keys, including spares
5. Loading and sea freight
Cars are loaded into a container and secured with straps and wheel chocks. One car fits in a 20ft container, and a 40ft container can take several cars depending on their size. See 20ft vs 40ft containers. Sea freight usually takes around two weeks after the container is loaded onto the ship, depending on the shipping line and port schedules.
6. Arrival and customs clearance in Lagos
When the ship arrives, the car is cleared through Nigerian customs. Import duties, taxes and port charges in Nigeria are paid by the importer and are not part of the freight price unless we agree otherwise. Our Lagos office keeps you updated along the way.
Published by EL-ROI Shipping Services, Essen · Updated 26 September 2026
