For many of our clients buying property in Spain, the question "What do I do with my car?" soon follows. Spanish legislation on this is strict and complex. This article offers clear guidance on the procedures, tax obligations and the trade-off between importing or buying locally.
When is importing a car into Spain mandatory?
You are required to import your car into Spain and put it on Spanish plates as soon as you become an official resident, or if you use Spanish roads as a non-resident for more than 182 days per calendar year.
The rules are strictly separated based on your residency status:
1. Situation for Non-Residents (Tourists and Second Residents)
As long as you are not officially resident in Spain, you may use a Belgian or Dutch registration continue to drive, provided you use the 182-day rule per calendar year does not exceed.
- Note: Your vehicle must remain validly inspected and insured in its country of origin.
- Risk: If the Guardia Civil suspects that the car is permanently in Spain (e.g. because it is spotted there in winter and summer), the car can be confiscated. Moreover, many foreign insurance policies contain clauses that exclude cover for permanent residence abroad (>3 or 6 months).
2. Situation for Residents
From the moment you become a resident in Spain, it is banned To drive with a foreign number plate. You have legally 30 days after your registration or car entry to complete the registration process.
Read more about moving to Spain.
Roadmap: How do I import my car into Spain?
Importing a car is an administrative process consisting of four crucial stages. Below you will find the procedure summarised for proper handling.
Step 1: Registration with the Traffic Department
You should start proceedings at the Jefatura Provincial de Trafico (part of the DGT). This requires a personal application by you or your legal representative (gestor).
Step 2: The Technical Inspection (ITV)
Every imported car must have a Inspección Técnica de Vehículos (ITV) undergo. This is more stringent than a periodic inspection. Required documents:
- Original purchase invoice or proof of ownership.
- The Certificate of conformity (CoC) / Certificate of Conformity (COC).
- Possibly a homologation number.
- Valid insurance certificate.
Critical point: The Spanish ITV is very strict on modifications. A self-installed tow bar, tinted windows or other modifications not explicitly mentioned on the certificate of conformity will irrevocably lead to rejection unless a separate technical report from an engineer is submitted.
Step 3: Fiscal Settlement (Taxation)
After approval by the ITV, tax regularisation follows.
- New cars (< 6 months / < 6,000 km): You pay 21% VAT (IVA) in Spain, unless you prove that VAT has already been paid in the country of origin (intra-community acquisition).
- Used cars: You do not pay VAT, but you do pay the Impuesto de Matriculación (registration tax).
- Road tax: You should check the local Impuesto de Circulación (IVTM) to be paid at the municipality where you live.
Step 4: Final Registration
After payment of all taxes, you will receive the final registration certificate (Permiso de Circulación) and you can have the physical Spanish number plates printed and fitted.
What does it cost to import a car into Spain?
Costs are variable and depend heavily on the CO2 emissions and value of your vehicle. The main cost is the registration tax (Impuesto de Matriculación).
Registration tax (based on CO2 emissions)
Spain taxes polluting cars more heavily. Rates are calculated on the current daily value (according to official government tables, which take depreciation into account):
- 0 g/km - 120 g/km CO2: 0% (Exempt)
- 121 g/km - 159 g/km CO2: 4,75%
- 160 g/km - 199 g/km CO2: 9,75%
- > 200 g/km CO2: 14,75%
Exemption as Removal Property ("Mudanza")
There is an important exception. You can Be exempted from registration tax If you import the car as part of your moving house. Conditions for exemption:
- You have the car at least 6 months in possession before your move.
- You start the import procedure within 60 days after your official registration in Spain (date Empadronamiento).
- You may not sell the car for 12 months after import.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What does it cost to get a car registered in Spain?
The cost consists of the ITV inspection (about €100-€150), the services of a gestor (about €150-€300), road tax and registration tax. Registration tax is 0% to 14.75% of the car's daily value, depending on its CO2 emissions. Are you moving permanently? If so, you may be able to get exemption from this tax.
How long can I drive in Spain with a Belgian number plate?
As a non-resident (tourist), you are allowed a maximum of 182 days per calendar year Driving in Spain with a foreign number plate. Will you become a resident? Then you must import the car immediately and have 30 days to complete it.
Can I import my car with a towbar into Spain without any problems?
No, this is often problematic. The Spanish inspection (ITV) requires that the towbar is mentioned on the Certificate of Conformity or that there is a specific homologation report. If this is not there, the towbar often has to be removed or an expensive technical report has to be drawn up.
