Importing a car to Spain

Importing a Car to Spain: Costs and Procedures

If you are a Dutch citizen emigrating to Spain and want to bring your car with you, it is important to understand the legal procedures, taxes, and costs involved. Spain has strict regulations on vehicle imports to ensure road safety and tax compliance. This guide provides a clear overview of the process.

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Step 1: Determine Your Residency Status

Your residency status affects the import process:

• Temporary residents (less than 6 months in Spain): You can use your Dutch-registered car without changes.
• Permanent residents (living more than 6 months): You must register your car in Spain within 30 days of becoming a resident.

Be prepared to prove residency with a Certificado de Empadronamiento (municipal registration certificate) and NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero).

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Step 2: Collect Required Documentation

Before starting the import process, gather:

• Original Dutch registration papers (Kentekenbewijs)
• Proof of ownership (purchase invoice or original bill of sale)
• Valid Dutch vehicle inspection certificate (APK)
• Proof of residency in Spain (NIE and Empadronamiento)
• Valid passport or ID
• Proof of vehicle insurance (valid in Spain)
• Certificate of conformity (COC) or equivalent for the vehicle

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Step 3: Pay Import Taxes and Duties

VAT (IVA)

• If your car is new or less than 6 months old or has less than 6,000 km, you must pay VAT at 21%.
• For used cars owned for over 6 months and driven more than 6,000 km, VAT is generally exempt if you pay VAT in the EU country of origin (the Netherlands).

Registration Tax (Impuesto de Matriculación)

• The registration tax varies from 0% to 14.75%, depending on the vehicle’s CO2 emissions.
• Low-emission cars may pay no or reduced tax.
• Example: A car emitting 120g/km CO2 might pay around 4.75% of its taxable value.

Road Tax (Impuesto de Circulación)

• This is an annual municipal vehicle tax, varying by locality and vehicle power.
• Expect to pay between €20 and €200 per year.

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Step 4: Technical Inspection (ITV)

• You must pass the Spanish Inspección Técnica de Vehículos (ITV), the equivalent of the Dutch APK.
• The car must comply with Spanish technical standards.
• Cost: Approximately €40-€70 depending on the region and vehicle type.

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Step 5: Register Your Vehicle in Spain

Procedure:

1. Pay the registration tax at the local Tax Office (Agencia Tributaria).
2. Obtain a customs clearance document (if applicable).
3. Pass the ITV inspection.
4. Submit registration application at the Provincial Traffic Department (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico).
5. Pay the registration fee (approximately €90).
6. Receive the new Spanish license plates.

Timeframe:

• You must complete registration within 30 days of becoming a resident.
• The process can take 4-6 weeks if all documents are in order.

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Step 6: Change Your Insurance Policy

• You must switch to a Spanish vehicle insurance provider or confirm your existing policy covers Spain.
• Insurance is mandatory before driving your car with Spanish plates.

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Practical Tips

• Start early: The paperwork and inspections can take time.
• Hire a gestor: A local administrative agent can help with paperwork and speed up the process.
• Check emissions: Spain is strict about emissions; vehicles must meet standards.
• Keep receipts: For all taxes paid and inspections passed, as proof for authorities.
• Avoid driving unregistered: Driving without Spanish plates after residency can lead to fines.

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Costs Summary (Approximate)

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Common Mistakes

• Delaying registration: Waiting too long can result in fines.
• Not paying taxes: Avoid trying to bypass VAT or registration tax; authorities are strict.
• Incomplete documents: Missing vehicle conformity certificates or proof of residency will delay or block registration.
• Ignoring ITV requirements: Failing the technical inspection means you cannot register.
• Driving on Dutch plates after residency: This is illegal and can attract penalties.
• Not updating insurance: Driving without valid Spanish insurance is prohibited.

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Official Resources

• Agencia Tributaria Spain - Vehicle Taxes
• Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT)
• ITV Official Information

Use these websites for up-to-date procedures and forms. Following the outlined steps will help you legally and efficiently import and register your car in Spain.