Relocating to Spain or planning an extended stay and want to bring your car from another EU country? Understanding the requirements for importing and registering a vehicle in Spain can seem daunting, but this comprehensive guide simplifies the process. We’ll outline the essential steps, required documents, and important considerations to ensure a smooth transition for your vehicle to Spanish license plates.
Step 1: Ensure Your Car Meets Spanish & EU Standards
Before you import your car to Spain, it’s crucial to confirm it complies with EU technical and environmental regulations. Most vehicles already registered in an EU country should meet these standards, but always double-check:
- Vehicle Roadworthiness: Your car must be roadworthy and, ideally, have a valid technical inspection from its country of origin (like the MOT in the UK or ITV equivalent).
- Emissions Compliance: Spain enforces strict environmental rules, especially in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Verify your car meets current EU emissions standards.
- Certificate of Conformity (COC): If your car has any modifications or you need official proof of EU compliance, obtain a COC from the manufacturer. This document is vital for car registration in Spain.
Step 2: Gather Essential Documents for Car Registration in Spain
To successfully register your EU car in Spain, you’ll need the following paperwork. Ensure all documents not in Spanish are translated by a sworn translator (traductor jurado).
- Proof of Vehicle Ownership: The original vehicle registration certificate (e.g., V5C, logbook).
- Certificate of Conformity (COC): As mentioned above. If unavailable, a Spanish technical inspection may be required.
- Proof of Identity: Your valid passport or EU national ID card.
- NIE Number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero): This foreigner’s identification number is mandatory for any official process in Spain, including registering a car. Obtain it from a Spanish police station or consulate.
- Proof of Address in Spain: A recent utility bill, rental contract, or a “padrón” certificate (local residency registration).
- Valid Car Insurance: Proof of insurance coverage that is valid in Spain.
- ITV Certificate: If your current foreign technical inspection is still valid, it may be accepted temporarily. Otherwise, a Spanish ITV test (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) is necessary.
- Tax Documents: Evidence of payment or exemption for relevant vehicle taxes in Spain.
Step 3: Understanding and Paying Spanish Vehicle Taxes
When you import an EU car to Spain, certain taxes may apply. Navigating these is a key part of the car import process in Spain:
- VAT (IVA):
- For “new” cars (less than 6 months old OR under 6,000 km), Spanish VAT (21%) typically applies, even if VAT was paid in the country of origin.
- For “used” cars where VAT was already paid in the country of origin, you are usually exempt from Spanish VAT.
- Always confirm your specific situation with the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria).
- Registration Tax (Impuesto de Matriculación): This tax varies significantly based on your car’s CO2 emissions, ranging from 0% (for very low-emission vehicles like electric cars) to 14.75%. Electric and hybrid vehicles often qualify for significant exemptions or reductions.
- Customs Duty: As Spain is an EU member, no customs duties apply to vehicles brought from another EU country, provided the car was manufactured or legally registered within the EU.
To pay these taxes, visit the Agencia Tributaria. You’ll typically need to submit Form 576 for registration tax and potentially Form 300/309 for VAT. Be prepared with your car’s details, including its market value and emissions data.
Step 4: Obtain a Spanish ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos)
If your foreign technical inspection isn’t accepted or is expired, you must pass a Spanish ITV test. This inspection is mandatory for vehicle registration in Spain.
- Book an Appointment: Schedule your ITV test at a local ITV station.
- Required Documents: Bring your vehicle registration certificate, the COC or equivalent technical documentation, and proof of insurance.
- The Test: The ITV assesses your car’s roadworthiness, emissions, and overall compliance with Spanish regulations. If it fails, you’ll need to make repairs and re-test.
Step 5: Register Your Car with the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico)
Once all taxes are paid and you have a valid Spanish ITV, you can proceed with the final step: registering your car with the DGT. This is where you obtain your Spanish license plates.
- Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at your local DGT office or through their official website.
- Submit Documents: Provide all the required paperwork from Step 2, along with proof of tax payments and your Spanish ITV certificate.
- Pay the Registration Fee: As of 2025, this is approximately €97.80 (subject to change).
- Receive Spanish License Plates: Upon approval, the DGT will issue your new Spanish registration certificate (Permiso de Circulación) and details for obtaining your Spanish license plates. You will need to replace your old EU plates with these new ones.
Step 6: Insure Your Car in Spain
Spanish law mandates that all vehicles have at least third-party liability insurance. Contact a Spanish insurance provider to either transfer your existing EU policy (if possible) or, more commonly, purchase a new one. You’ll need your car’s details and its new Spanish registration number.
Step 7: Notify Your Car’s Country of Origin
It’s essential to inform the vehicle registration authority in your car’s previous country of origin that you have exported it to Spain. This may involve deregistering the vehicle or returning the original license plates to avoid potential future tax or insurance complications.
Key Considerations for Importing a Car to Spain
- Time Limits for Residents: If you are a resident in Spain, you generally have a 30-day window to register your car after bringing it into the country.
- Non-Residents: Non-residents can typically use a foreign-plated car for up to 6 months per year. Always verify specific rules to avoid fines. This guide primarily focuses on permanent import and registration for residents.
- Professional Assistance: The car import process in Spain can be complex due to bureaucracy and language barriers. Consider hiring a “gestor” (administrative agent) to handle the paperwork and translations on your behalf.
- Low Emission Zones (ZTLs): Be aware of Low Emission Zones in Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Check if your vehicle qualifies for an environmental sticker (Distintivo Ambiental) from the DGT, as high-emission vehicles may face restrictions.
Estimated Costs Overview for Car Import & Registration in Spain
Understanding the potential costs is vital when planning to register a car from the EU in Spain:
- Registration Tax: 0%–14.75% (based on CO2 emissions).
- VAT (if applicable): 21% on the car’s value.
- DGT Registration Fee: Around €97.80.
- Spanish ITV Test: €30–€50 (varies by vehicle type and region).
- New Spanish License Plates: €20–€50.
- Gestor Fees (Optional but Recommended): €100–€300.
- Sworn Translations: Costs vary depending on the volume of documents.
Conclusion:
Bringing a car from another EU country to Spain and registering it involves several key steps: ensuring compliance, paying relevant taxes, passing a Spanish ITV inspection, and registering with the DGT. By preparing all necessary documents and following this guide, you can navigate the process efficiently. If you encounter uncertainties, don’t hesitate to consult a professional “gestor” or the DGT directly for the latest guidance. Once your EU car is registered in Spain, you’ll be ready to legally and confidently explore the Spanish roads!
Disclaimer: Regulations and fees are subject to change. Always verify the latest requirements with the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) or Agencia Tributaria.