How To Import A Vehicle Into Spain

You are allowed to drive a foreign-registered vehicle legally in Spain for up to six months. After that, you have to officially re-register it as a Spanish car if you keep it there. Although many foreign residents ignore this rule and continue driving cars registered in their home country. But be careful because the local police can confiscate a foreign-registered vehicle if they suspect it is being used permanently. In most cases, traveling like this makes your insurance null and void since using a vehicle in Spain beyond the authorized period is illegal, and that’s why you must import car into Spain.

When your vehicle enters Spanish territory, you can only drive from the port to your residence. The car should be registered within 30 days of its arrival. European Union citizens who are not permanent residents of Spain may drive with foreign plates for up to 180 days, while individuals without EU passports or valid residence permits have the same amount of time.

The Process Of Importing A Car Into Spain

The process of importing a car into spain can be complex. In order to import a vehicle, it must first be registered within the european union which means that it has to meet eu regulations such as having an eu certificate of conformity (coc) in force as well as possessing a valid roadworthiness certificate.

Once registered, an import license needs to be obtained from spanish customs by any importer who intends bringing vehicles into spain after which taxes and duties will need paying on those imported vehicles depending on their types and countries of origin before arranging for spanish department of traffic (dgt) inspection where tested for roadworthiness among other legal conformity requirements will also apply before finally registering them with dgt together necessary insurances following these steps should enable one undertake hassle free process when importing cars in spain.

Passing The ITV Inspection

Firstly make sure that the vehicle is fit for purpose all vehicles on spanish roads must have an itv (inspección técnica de vehículos) test if they have a valid mot and were made in 2018 or later, the inspection is cheap and much faster (just check chassis number, vehicle documents and co2 emissions). Normally taking less than five minutes.

Before you can register your imported car, it will need to be homologated. Homologation is the process whereby vehicles are manufactured or adapted so as to conform with certain safety regulations etc. Importing a car from outside of european union requires separate homologations & types approval certificates this can take long time and become complicated especially after brexit so if you haven’t done already we highly recommend getting registered asap

Certain requirements need to be met when registering a vehicle; one such requirement is the Technical Inspection of Vehicles (ITV). You should book an appointment and then bring your vehicle to an official ITV test station. Whether it’s new or used, you have to submit the technical specifications in copy, Spanish translation, copy of import tax receipt and original purchase receipt. When you import car into Spain we will help you with that.

If the vehicle passes the inspection, you will get the technical inspection card. Before registration can be done, registration tax must be paid as well as presentation of genuine registration documents at payment time while importing car into Spain.

The Driver’s License In Spain

Whether you are importing or buying a car in Spain, you will need to decide what to do with your driver’s license. Since the EU agreement on mutual recognition of driving licences in 1996 any EU citizen with a valid licence can drive within Spain without getting a Spanish permit.

Having a Spanish permit can save troubles and time during road inspections especially if police officers find out that your permit is invalid according to Spanish law. Old permits can be easily exchanged for new ones by EU citizens without having to take another test but they must however surrender their old permits.

If one resides in Spain but does not possess any Spanish driving licence yet he/she should take his/her foreign license together with him/her when visiting “Provincial Traffic Headquarters” so as to input his/her details into computer system as required by law. Non-EU nationals living in Spain may use their previous licenses for up to twelve months after which they ought to obtain Spanish licenses hence typically; non-EU people are expected pass examination for acquiring Spanish driver’s license which includes short medical check-up plus both written & practical tests.

Documentation To Import Car Into Spain

For importing car into spain there are certain documents needed;

Sales contract – If bought from individual make sure ask for photocopy of their passport, phone number and place of residence. Normally invoice must have company VAT number if item purchased from dealer.

Vehicle specifications – Issued authorized controlled by Ministry of Industry like a driver’s license certificate includes approval certificate; owner ID number; make/version/model/trade name(s)’s vehicle; license plate(s); tyre dimensions; car dimensions; maximum weight allowed to be carried when loaded fully with passengers or goods i.e., maximum authorised mass (MAM); engine characteristics such as power output in kilowatts (kW), capacity litres (L), number cylinders e.t.c; VIN(s); number seats fitted inside it at factory including driver seat but excluding any extras like foldable ones etcetera also known as additional seating capacity(ASC); tare weight.

Certificate of conformity showing that the car passes MOT inspection back home country after which official translation needed this plus seller’s contact details photocopy passport/ID card required foreigners should get it translated officially.

Transferring The Vehicle.

The last phase is the transportation of the vehicle to Spain which can be done after you have bought the car and all the documents mentioned earlier. Here, economic and logistical considerations come in. If you are from European Union countries, it might be better for you to bring it along with yourself or it can be conveyed through a vehicle or even canoe. We recommend that you negotiate with the shipping company as much as possible so that costs do not go up astronomically.

ITV Test In Spain

Now is when your vehicle must pass the Spanish ITV test for it to legally circulate on our roads.

To pass this examination, please present:

• Proof of ownership of the automobile
• Receipts showing payment of fees and taxes
• Permission by owner to drive his or her motor vehicle
• Motor insurance cover note or policy certificate (in Spanish)
• Manufacturer’s specification sheet(s) regarding type approval number(s)

Proper duties paid documentation(s) relating thereto including any exemption granted under relevant law/regulation i.e., customs duty exemption certificate, exemption certificate issued by competent authority etc.

Taxes On Importing Your Vehicle Into Spain

Also, taxes must be paid when importing car into Spain. They are few but knowledge about them is important:

Tax on registration of foreign vehicles;

Value Added Tax (VAT) on new cars; Property Transfer Tax (PPT) on used vehicles. If your car is imported from outside EU then VAT nor PPT will not be charged instead SAD (Single Administrative Document) which is a tax levied at importation into country where goods are being entered shall apply.

Circulation tax which depends on where one registers with Town Hall;

Costs related to transferring ownership of a vehicle into ones name handled by General Traffic Directorate (DGT).

Register Your Car In Spain

If your vehicle does not have European plates then it has to be registered in Spain and given new ones also a registration fee must be paid.

You need to make an appointment at the Traffic Headquarters (Jefatura de Tráfico) of the town where your vehicle is registered and present the following:

• The regulatory application form that can be obtained from any Traffic Headquarters;
• Your SSN and proof of residence;
• Original & photocopy of municipal vehicle tax (IVTM) and registration tax (special tax on certain means of transport) both obtainable at any Traffic Headquarters;
• Proof that VAT was paid in country of origin;
• Invoice for purchase of car;
• Conformity Certificate issued by manufacturer.

Don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for!