Importing Your Car Into Spain

Car Importation – driving with non-Spanish registration vehicle

As a member of the EU you may import your home registered car into Spain using its own original licence plates.

You can retain it in Spain indefinitely so long as you maintain its home country tax fully paid up, including a current MOT as required.

However, you may not stay in Spain longer than six months in any one calendar year.

Your car must also be insured in its country of registration under EU Law.

This can give you problems with insurance. Some companies will offer cover but read the small print.

Registering your vehicle in Spain

If you wish to import the Importing a car into Malaga car and register it in Spain you must pay the 12% import tax.

Tax varies depending on engine size. If you take out a residence permit, your car must be registered in Spain. You will be exempt from the 12% registration tax.

As a Spanish resident, a car with foreign number plates can only be driven from the Spanish border or port of entry to the place of residence in Spain. Registration with the department of Transport and application for Spanish plates should take place during the first 30 days of arrival in the country.

For further information, requirements and fees, contact the “Direccion General de Trafico” in the area where you live.

The “Real Automovil Club de Espana” with offices in major cities will also assist with the formalities, however new membership may be necessary.

Car Purchase

On purchasing a car in Spain, it is essential that you have:

Your NIE number or Residencia.
the address of a place of permanent residence.
a Spanish bank account or Spanish or International Credit card.

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