Many foreigners who move to Spain wonder whether they should bring their car with them or buy a new one locally. While bringing your own vehicle can be practical and sometimes cheaper, it also involves a detailed process known as matriculación, or vehicle registration. Importing and registering a vehicle in Spain can seem complicated, but with the right information and preparation, it becomes manageable. Find out everything you need to know about NRA Number Spain by clicking here.
The first step is understanding whether you actually need to register your car. If you are moving to Spain permanently and plan to use your vehicle regularly, you must register it within six months of becoming a resident. For short-term visitors or those who only stay a few months each year, keeping foreign plates is possible, but there are limits. Spanish authorities are strict about residents using foreign-registered cars, and driving one without proper registration could lead to fines.
Once you decide to register, the process starts with paperwork. You will need proof of identity (passport and NIE), proof of address, the vehicle’s original registration certificate, and a purchase invoice or proof of ownership. Additionally, the car must pass a technical inspection at an ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) station. This inspection is similar to an MOT in the UK but focuses on whether the car meets Spanish and EU safety and environmental standards. Some foreign cars may require modifications, such as adjustments to headlights, to comply with Spanish laws.
Taxes are another important part of the process. When importing a car, you may need to pay import tax, registration tax (Impuesto de Matriculación), and road tax (Impuesto de Circulación). The amount depends on the type of car, its age, and its emissions. In some cases, especially if you are moving your main residence to Spain, you may be eligible for a tax exemption. This can save a significant amount of money, but it requires careful application and proof that the car has been owned for at least six months before moving.
After passing the ITV and paying the required taxes, the final step is to apply for Spanish licence plates at the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT). Once approved, you will receive a new registration certificate and can have Spanish plates fitted to your vehicle. Only then is the car legally allowed to be driven as a Spanish-registered vehicle.
The process can take time, especially if there are delays with inspections or paperwork. For this reason, many expats choose to use a gestor or a professional service to handle the registration. A gestor is familiar with Spanish bureaucracy and can complete the process much faster than most individuals can on their own.
In conclusion, importing and registering a car in Spain involves inspections, taxes, and official paperwork, but it ensures that your vehicle is fully legal and insured for use on Spanish roads. Planning ahead and understanding each step can save stress and money. If you find the process overwhelming, services like Simple English Advice can guide you through each stage, making sure everything is done correctly and efficiently.