How To Register A Car In Spain
There are the ones who sell their car before moving abroad and purchase a new one in Spain, as well as those who do not want to sell their car and decide to move with it. If you are in the second situation, you must register your vehicle in Spain as soon as possible after arriving.
Let’s go over the procedures for registering your vehicle in Spain.
Am I Required To Register My Foreign Vehicle In Spain?
It all depends on your circumstances.
If you are visiting Spain for less than six months, you do not need to register your car or pay the various taxes associated with your movement within the country.
However, once you become a resident of Spain, you are required to begin the procedures for registering your vehicle in Spain.
When Do I Have To Register My Vehicle In Spain?
Within one month of becoming a resident, you must register your vehicle in Spain.
This period can be extended to 60 days if your primary residence is transferred to Spain.
Steps To Register Your Vehicle In Spain
Let’s now look at the procedure for registering your vehicle in Spain.
Step 1: Sworn Translation Of Your Documents
The initial step is to gather all of the documents required to register your vehicle in Spain and have them translated by an official sworn translator.
The vehicle registration document, the purchase invoice, and its technical sheet are among the documents to be translated.
Step 2: Acquiring The European Certificate Of Conformity (C.O.C. Or Certificado de Conformidad Europeo)
The European Certificate of Conformity is a European document issued by the car manufacturer that certifies that your vehicle is compliant and has a community type-approval number. This document is required to pass technical control (see step 3).
If you did not receive this document when you purchased your vehicle or if you no longer have it, you can request it from the car manufacturer or an official dealer in Spain. As there may be delays, complete the request as soon as possible.
Step 3: Pass The Technical Control (M.O.T.) Or The ITV (Inspección Técnica de VehÃculos)
It is recommended that you book an appointment for your ITV at https://www.serviciositv.es/estaciones-itv-valencia. This website lists the various ITV-approved centers for your vehicle’s technical control. You must bring the following documents with you to your appointment:
- Vehicle registration document.
- European certificate of conformity.
- Vehicle purchase or rental invoice.
You must also specify that the ITV is for the registration of a foreign vehicle in Spain, as it will be far more comprehensive than a standard one. The mechanic will perform a thorough roadworthiness inspection and review the vehicle documentation. If your vehicle passes the ITV, you will be given an ITV certificate as well as a windscreen sticker.
Step 4: Pay The Taxes
A- Road Tax (Impuesto de Circulación) To Your Municipality
This tax is paid to the municipality where you live. Its cost is determined by your municipality as well as the horsepower of your vehicle.
This tax is paid only once a year and is applicable to both foreign and Spanish vehicles.
B- The Registration Tax (Impuesto Especial sobre determinados Medios de Transporte) To The Tax Authorities
To pay the registration tax to the Spanish tax authorities, you must complete the modelo 576. (Hacienda). Modelo 576 can be downloaded from this page.
This tax is based on the vehicle’s model, CO2 emissions, and value. It can cost up to 15% of the value of your vehicle.
In some cases, you will be exempt from this tax and will need to complete the modelo 05 to get the tax advantage recognized or the modelo 06 if no prior recognition is required. One example of an exemption is when a car registration is required due to the transfer of a primary residence to Spain.
Step 5: Apply For The Change Of Registration To The Dirección General de Tráfico (D.G.T.)
We’re almost there, brave!
To obtain your vehicle’s Spanish registration card, you must now pay the registration administration fee to the Dirección General de Tráfico (D.G.T.).
Fees (currently 98.78 euros) are payable:
- If you have a digital certificate or an electronic identity document, you can pay this tax online at this site, or you can pay by card at a bank.
- Using the miDGT app.
- In-person, by going to the Oficina de Tráfico with an appointment or by going to a bank and authorizing the payment of this tax.
Keep your proof of payment because you will need it when you submit your application.
You are now ready to submit your documentation to the D.G.T. after you have paid all of your taxes and prepared your file. It can be done telematically or in person at the Local Traffic Office (jefatura provincial de tráfico). You must first reserve a cita previa in your province of residence.
Your file must include all previous documents and proof of payment, as well as a valid identity document and proof of residence. Once your file has been verified, the D.G.T. will issue you a Spanish registration number as well as your vehicle’s new registration card.
Step 6: Change Your License Plates
With this valuable document from the D.G.T., you can now go to a specialist to create your new license plates.
Finally, you can insure your vehicle in Spain.
Temporary Registration
Registration can take a long time in some cases, so you may need to request a temporary car registration. The D.G.T. will then issue you a temporary license plate that is green and valid for two months. It can be extended until your car registration is completed. This is especially useful when looking for car insurance in Spain.
The procedure for obtaining it is similar to what we have seen with the payment of the corresponding taxes and submission of your documentation:
- Application for temporary registration
- Identity document and proof of residence
- Proof of payment of administrative costs
- Proof of the current ongoing registration request
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A Non-Resident Register A Car In Spain?
Foreign citizens from the E.U. and other countries are permitted by Spanish law to own a car in Spain. You don’t have to be a Spanish resident to buy a car in Spain, whether new or used, but you will have to provide evidence of address, even if the address is for a maximum of 6 months of the year. Remember that the six months do not need to be spent in Spain consecutively.
In order to register a Spanish car in your name, the B.O.E. states that foreigners who do not have a residency card must present an identity document from their country of origin if they are citizens of EEA member states or a passport or certificate of nationality if they are citizens of third-party countries.
How Can You Register A Foreign Car In Spain?
- Obtain a Spanish-language ITV Card. Your vehicle must be physically inspected at an ITV station.
- Taxes must be paid.
- The D.G.T. registration application and the vehicle registration certificate.
What Is The Cost Of Registering A Car In Spain?
Registration tax will be somewhere between 0% and 15.9% of the value of the vehicle, with the calculation being based on both the value and the CO2 emissions.
In Spain, How Long Does It Take To Register A New Car?
How long does it take to register my vehicle? Once your vehicle has passed its ITV test, it will take about seven days to complete registration, although you will still be able to use your vehicle during this time. Do, however, allow for local and national fiesta days.
Can I Permanently Relocate My Car To Spain?
To import a car into Spain, you have to possess all of the necessary documentation. The following documents are required: Contract for sale. If you bought it from a private individual, make sure you get a photocopy of their passport, phone number, and address.
Can You Buy A Car In Spain Without N.I.E.?
Foreigners must meet one of the following requirements in order to purchase a Spanish-registered car: In possession of an N.I.E. number. Having a residence permit. Registration with the Town Hall (in Spain, this certificate is known as a “padrón”).
How Long Can A Foreign Car Stay In Spain?
If you are a foreigner in Spain for more than six months (182 days) in one year, then legally, you must import your car onto Spanish number plates. The six-month requirement is on the owner and not the car itself.
How Much Is The Import Tax On A Car In Spain?
If you bought a car from a country outside the E.U., you must pay the specific customs tax or import duty (IPSI). This is paid to the customs offices and is 10% of the car’s value.
Do Cars In Spain Pay Road Tax?
IVTM (Impuesto sobre VehÃculos de Tracción Mecánica) is a Spanish municipal tax. Anyone in Spain who has a registered vehicle and wants to drive on public roads has to pay IVTM, with no exemptions for hybrid or electric vehicles.
What Documents Do I Need To Buy A Car In Spain?
The most common documents you will need to bring are:
- N.I.E. or residence permit.
- Vehicle technical specifications.
- Vehicle registration.
- Driver’s license and date of issue.
- Address in Spain.
- Vehicle purchase invoice.
- M.O.T. certificate for second-hand vehicles.
- No claims bonus.
What Documents Are Needed In A Car In Spain?
If you are driving a Spanish-registered vehicle in Spain, there are four mandatory documents you must carry in the car.
- A valid driving license.
- the vehicle’s Permiso de Circulación.
- the Tarjeta de Inspección Técnica del VehÃculo.
- Up-to-date ITV pass certificate, if applicable.
How Do Spanish Car Registrations Work?
Spain currently uses the format L nnnn L.L.L., where nnnn is a sequence number ranging from 0000 to 9999, and L.L.L. is a three-letter “counter” that increments once the sequence number reaches 9999.
Conclusion
When moving to Spain, registering your vehicle is thus a complicated process, which is why many people decide to buy a vehicle once there.