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Date Published: 07/06/2024

How to import a car to Spain from any country in Europe

Your complete step-by-step guide on registering a foreign vehicle in Spain

Importing cars from abroad rather than buying them in Spain is becoming an increasingly popular option for lots of reasons. However, the process is anything but straight-forward and calls for a series of steps to ensure that the vehicle complies with regulations both in Spain and the European Union.

Below, we’ve detailed the essential steps to follow when importing a vehicle to Spain quickly and relatively painlessly.

1. Buying your vehicle

The first step is obviously buying your car from abroad, and it’s vital to check that the vehicle has European approval or you won’t be allowed to register it in Spain. At the time of purchase, make sure you get the following documents:

Purchase and sale contract (one for each party)
Invoice
Traffic circulation permit
Technical data sheet

2. Obtaining the Certificate of Conformity

The Certificate of Conformity (COC) is an essential document that certifies that the vehicle complies with EU standards and regulations. You can request it directly from the manufacturer, or through an official dealer. However, this process can be slow and expensive.

A more efficient alternative is to call in the experts, such as Car Registrations Spain, who will manage and expedite the process for you.

3. Transporting the vehicle to Spain

The next step is to move your car to Spain. You can drive it yourself or hire a vehicle transport company to take it by road, train or boat. If you’re making the trip yourself, make sure your new car has the proper insurance to cover the trip.

4. Customs procedures and paying taxes

If the vehicle comes from an EU country, no customs duties must be paid, but it is necessary to pay the corresponding VAT (if it is a new car) or the Property Transfer Tax if it’s second-hand and you bought it privately rather than from a dealer. You’ll also be responsible for Registration Tax in the case of brand new cars, which varies depending on the CO2 emissions, as well as the Circulation Tax.

5. Vehicle Technical Inspection (ITV)

Before you can take your new car on the road it, it must pass the Vehicle Technical Inspection (ITV), which is very similar to the MOT test in the UK. This inspection will verify that the vehicle complies with all the technical and safety regulations in force in Spain. It is important to take all documentation, including the COC, to the ITV service station.

6. Vehicle registration

Finally, with the ITV passed and all your documents in order, the next step is to register the vehicle at the Provincial Traffic Headquarters. You must present the registration application, proof of tax payment, the COC, the ITV certificate, and the vehicle and owner documentation.

Once this process is completed, it will be possible to purchase the vehicle's identification license plates, which will have to be installed on the car.

Take the hassle out of the car registration process and allow the experts handle everything for you. Contact Car Registrations Spain today for a free quote.

Find all the latest motoring and transport news here or join our Driving in Spain Facebook group for regular updates

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Car Registrations Spain for a stress-free low-cost switch onto Spanish registration plates throughout Spain.

Car Registrations Spain Friendly and professional expertise available for those bringing foreign registered cars into Spain

Car Registrations Spain provide a reliable, honest and professional service to enable the legal import of your UK registered motor vehicle onto Spanish number plates, working to help British drivers settle in all parts of Spain while continuing to drive the cars they bring with them.

Car Registrations Spain

Over the years hundreds of happy customers have used the friendly services of Car Registrations Spain and enjoyed a smooth transition onto Spanish plates, enabling them to drive legally and comply with vehicle import laws at the lowest possible cost and without any of the stress they might find if tackling the inevitable bureaucracy and paperwork on their own.

The staff at Car Registrations Spain use English as their native language but are also fluent in Spanish, and with their long experience they can easily deal with all aspects of the importation process. They encourage car owners to get involved but are also happy to manage everything on your behalf if you prefer, and always keep you fully informed at all stages of the process.

Car Registrations Spain In addition, the importation of a vehicle into Spain brings with it certain technical and engineering requirements, including headlamp realignment and the need to pass an ITV roadworthiness test, and at the Car Solutions Mar Menor workshop in Los Alcázares fully trained mechanics can ensure that these hurdles are overcome with the minimum fuss and maximum expertise.

Contact Car Registrations Spain as soon as possible for your free, no-obligations quote and make sure your car is correctly registered in Spain at the lowest possible cost and without stress!

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