Import Car to Spain: Complete Guide 2025

Last Updated: January 2025

Moving to Spain and want to bring your car? Or buying a vehicle from another country? Importing a car to Spain involves homologation, registration tax, ITV inspection, and Spanish plates.

Quick overview:

• Timeline: 2-4 months total
• Costs: €2,000-8,000 depending on car value and origin
• Key steps: Homologation → Tax → ITV → Registration
• Deadline: 30 days to start process after arrival

Major costs:

• Homologation: €1,500-3,500
• Registration tax (matriculation): 0-14.75% of car value
• ITV inspection: €50-100
• Number plates: €40
• Gestoría: €200-500 (optional but recommended)

This complete guide covers importing from UK, EU, and non-EU countries with step-by-step processes for Madrid, Barcelona, and all regions.

Should You Import Your Car?

When It Makes Sense

Import if:

• Car is worth €15,000+ (cheaper cars not worth hassle/cost)
• Left-hand drive (RHD possible but complicated)
• Modern car (2015+) - easier homologation
• EU car (simpler process than non-EU)
• Sentimental value (classic car, family car)

When to Sell Instead

Don't import if:

• Car worth under €10,000 (buy in Spain instead)
• Right-hand drive (RHD) - expensive homologation
• Very old (pre-2010) - may not pass emissions
• Non-EU car (complex and expensive)
• Diesel car older than 2015 (emission restrictions)

Cost comparison:

• Import UK car worth €20,000: Total cost €4,000-6,000
• Buy equivalent car in Spain: €18,000-22,000
• Savings: €2,000-4,000 (if worth it)

Timeline Overview

Can you drive meanwhile? Yes, with temporary plates (placa de tránsito).

Step-by-Step Import Process

Step 1: Get Temporary Plates (Placa de Tránsito)

First thing after arriving in Spain with car.

What it is: Temporary Spanish plates allowing you to drive legally for up to 60 days while completing import.

How to get:

1. Go to Provincial Traffic Office (Jefatura de Tráfico)
2. Show: Car registration, insurance, passport/NIE
3. Pay fee: €25-30
4. Receive temporary plates valid 60 days

Must have Spanish insurance first (international insurance not enough).

Step 2: Homologation (Homologación)

What it is: Certificate proving your car meets Spanish/EU safety and emission standards.

Required for: ALL foreign cars (even EU)

Two types:

Individual Homologation (Homologación individual)

• For cars not originally sold in Spain
• Requires technical inspection
• Cost: €1,500-3,500
• Duration: 6-12 weeks

Certificate of Conformity (Certificado de Conformidad)

• For cars originally sold in EU
• Get from manufacturer
• Cost: €200-400
• Duration: 2-4 weeks
• Much easier - use this if possible

How to Get Certificate of Conformity

If your car was sold new in EU (even if purchased second-hand):

Step 1: Contact manufacturer's Spanish branch

• VW: https://www.volkswagen.es
• Ford: https://www.ford.es
• BMW: https://www.bmw.es
• Toyota: https://www.toyota.es
• etc.

Step 2: Request "Certificado de Conformidad Europeo"

What they need:

• VIN number (chassis number)
• Car registration document
• Proof of purchase
• Your contact info

Cost: €200-400 (varies by manufacturer)

Timeline: 2-4 weeks delivered by post

Individual Homologation (If Can't Get Certificate)

For:

• Non-EU cars
• Modified vehicles
• Cars not originally sold in EU
• Right-hand drive conversions

Process:

1. Take car to authorized ITV station
2. Technical inspection of all systems:

• Brakes, lights, emissions
• Safety features
• Speedometer (must show km/h)

1. Modifications if needed (headlights, speedometer, etc.)
2. Re-inspection after modifications
3. Homologation certificate issued

Costs:

• Inspection: €200-400
• Modifications: €500-2,000 (if needed)
• Certificate: €300-500
• Total: €1,000-3,000

Timeline: 4-12 weeks depending on modifications needed

Authorized centers:

• Madrid: ITV Madrid (multiple locations)
• Barcelona: ITV Catalunya
• Valencia: ITV Valencia
• All regions have authorized stations

Step 3: Calculate & Pay Registration Tax

Registration tax (Impuesto Especial sobre Determinados Medios de Transporte) = One-time tax when registering foreign car in Spain.

Rate depends on CO2 emissions:

Tax base: Current market value of car in Spain (not purchase price)

Example calculations:

Example 1: Hybrid (110 g/km CO2)

• Market value: €25,000
• Tax rate: 0%
• Tax owed: €0

Example 2: Toyota Corolla (120 g/km)

• Market value: €18,000
• Tax rate: 0%
• Tax owed: €0

Example 3: VW Golf (145 g/km)

• Market value: €20,000
• Tax rate: 4.75%
• Tax owed: €950

Example 4: BMW X5 (180 g/km)

• Market value: €35,000
• Tax rate: 9.75%
• Tax owed: €3,412

Example 5: Range Rover (220 g/km)

• Market value: €50,000
• Tax rate: 14.75%
• Tax owed: €7,375

Where to pay:

• Form: Modelo 576
• Online: https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es
• In person: Tax office (Agencia Tributaria)

Deadline: 30 days after arriving in Spain

Late penalties: 10-20% surcharge

Step 4: ITV Inspection

ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) = Spanish MOT/roadworthiness test

Required before final registration.

What they check:

• Brakes
• Lights and indicators
• Tires and suspension
• Emissions
• Safety features
• VIN matches documents

Book appointment:

• Online at regional ITV website
• Madrid: https://www.itvcita.com/madrid
• Barcelona: https://itv.applus.com
• Valencia: https://www.itv.valencia

Cost: €50-100

Pass rate: 70-80% first time (common failures: lights misaligned, emissions)

If fail: Fix issues and rebook (€40-50 for retest)

Certificate valid: ITV certificate needed for final registration (valid 90 days)

Step 5: Register with DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico)

Final step: Register car and get Spanish plates.

Required documents:

• Homologation certificate OR Certificate of Conformity
• Proof of registration tax payment (Modelo 576)
• ITV certificate (passed)
• Original foreign registration document
• Proof of ownership
• NIE/passport
• Proof of Spanish residence (padrón or rental contract)
• Proof of insurance

Application forms:

• Form: Solicitud de matriculación
• Download from: https://sede.dgt.gob.es

Where to submit:

• Provincial Traffic Office (Jefatura de Tráfico)
• Appointment required
• Find nearest: https://sede.dgt.gob.es

Cost:

• Administrative fee: €95
• New plates: €40

Processing: 1-2 weeks

You'll receive:

• Spanish registration document (permiso de circulación)
• Technical data sheet (ficha técnica)
• Spanish license plates (matrículas)

Step 6: Install Spanish Plates

Once plates arrive:

• Install front and rear
• Remove old country plates
• Display Spanish plates

Plate installation:

• DIY with screws
• Mechanic: €10-20

You're done! Car is now fully Spanish-registered.

Special Cases

Importing from UK (Post-Brexit)

UK cars now non-EU (more complex since Brexit).

Additional requirements:

• Customs clearance
• Import duties (10% of value)
• VAT (21% of value + duties)
• Homologation usually individual (not certificate)

Total costs much higher:

• €20,000 car: €3,000-5,000 in duties/VAT + homologation

Recommendation: Usually not worth it unless rare/classic car.

Right-Hand Drive (RHD) Cars

Can you import RHD to Spain? Yes, but difficult.

Required:

• Full individual homologation
• Headlight conversion (€200-500)
• Speedometer conversion to km/h (€300-600)
• Mirror adjustments

Additional costs: €1,000-2,000 on top of normal import

Driving RHD in Spain: Legal but inconvenient (tolls, parking, overtaking dangerous)

Recommendation: Sell and buy LHD car in Spain instead.

Classic Cars (Over 30 Years Old)

Special category: "Vehículo histórico"

Benefits:

• Reduced registration tax
• Historic vehicle insurance (cheaper)
• Exempt from some restrictions

Requirements:

• Car 30+ years old
• Original or period-correct condition
• Pass historic vehicle inspection

Process similar but with historic vehicle club involvement.

Costs Summary Table

EU cars much cheaper to import than UK/non-EU.

Using a Gestoría

Gestoría = Administrative agency that handles bureaucracy.

They do:

• All paperwork
• DGT appointments
• Tax calculations
• Homologation coordination
• Plate application

Cost: €200-800 depending on complexity

Worth it?

• Yes if: Complex case, don't speak Spanish, value your time
• No if: Simple EU car, speak Spanish, want to save money

Most people use gestoría for car imports (complicated process).

Regional Differences

Process identical nationwide but:

ITV stations:

• Each region has own ITV company
• Book through regional website

DGT offices:

• Every province has Jefatura de Tráfico
• Some cities have multiple offices

Appointment availability:

• Madrid: 1-2 weeks wait
• Barcelona: 1-3 weeks
• Smaller cities: Few days

Common Problems & Solutions

Problem 1: Can't Get Certificate of Conformity

Issue: Manufacturer says car not sold in Spain, won't issue certificate.

Solution: Individual homologation required (longer, €1,500-3,000).

Problem 2: Failed ITV

Issue: Car doesn't pass emissions or safety.

Solution:

• Get ITV report of failures
• Fix issues at mechanic
• Rebook ITV (partial fee)

Common failures:

• Headlight alignment (cheap fix)
• Emissions too high (expensive - may need new catalytic converter)

Problem 3: Registration Tax Higher Than Expected

Issue: Tax authority values car higher than you thought.

Solution:

• They use official valuation tables
• Can appeal with independent valuation
• Usually not worth appealing unless big discrepancy

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to import my car? A: Technically 30 days to start process, but temporary plates buy you time. Complete within 6 months.

Q: Can I drive with foreign plates? A: Only on temporary Spanish plates (placa de tránsito) for up to 60 days.

Q: Do I need to import if I'm only in Spain 6 months/year? A: No - if you're not tax resident (under 183 days), can keep foreign plates.

Q: Can I avoid registration tax? A: No - it's mandatory. Some regions had exemptions (now expired).

Q: What if car is financed/on lease? A: Need lender permission to export and import. Often not allowed.

Q: Can I import motorcycle or motorhome? A: Yes, same process applies.

Q: Is UK car worth importing? A: Post-Brexit usually not worth it (10% duty + 21% VAT + homologation).

Q: How much does gestoría cost? A: €200-800 depending on car and complexity.

Next Steps

Get Spanish Insurance First

Required before temporary plates. Compare car insurance providers who specialize in imported vehicles.

Find Homologation Service

Locate gestoría or ITV station that specializes in car imports.

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This guide was last updated in January 2025. Import regulations and costs may change. Always verify current requirements with DGT and tax authorities.