How to import a car to Spain: the complete guide

Importing a car to Spain is one of the most common procedures expats face. The process is fully regulated and can be completed legally, but it requires specific documentation, several taxes and coordination between Agencia Tributaria, the ITV station and the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT).

This guide summarises the 2025 procedure and clarifies the three points where most people get stuck: the transfer-of-residence exemption, individual homologation and the IEDMT registration tax.

Process overview

Any vehicle permanently driven on Spanish roads must be registered with the DGT. The procedure breaks into five stages, normally in this order:

1. Residency check and franquicia eligibility.
2. Customs clearance (FTR + DUA) for non-EU vehicles.
3. Import ITV inspection.
4. Individual homologation if no European COC is available.
5. Final DGT registration and IEDMT payment.

Total time runs from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on origin country, homologation needs and how fast paperwork is gathered.

Step 1 — Spanish residency

Before registering you need an NIE and a current empadronamiento certificate. Without both, the DGT will reject the file. If you have lived outside the EU for 12+ months you may also apply for the transfer-of-residence exemption with Agencia Tributaria before customs clearance.

Step 2 — Vehicle eligibility

• The vehicle must meet European safety and emissions standards (or pass homologation).
• Cars older than 25 years can register as historic vehicles via a special procedure.
• Right-hand-drive cars (UK) need technical adjustments during homologation.
• Speedometers in miles must be converted to km/h to pass ITV.
• Electric and hybrid vehicles follow the same process but enjoy IEDMT exemptions or reductions.

Step 3 — Import taxes

If the vehicle comes from outside the EU (Ukraine, post-Brexit UK, USA, Switzerland):

• Customs duty: 6.5% on the customs value.
• VAT: 21% on customs value + duty.

If the vehicle comes from an EU member state there is no duty, but the IEDMT (registration tax) applies — 0%–14.75% based on CO₂ emissions.

Transfer-of-residence exemption: if you have resided outside the EU for 12+ months and owned the car for the previous 6 months, you can apply for the franquicia. Typical savings range from €800 to €5,000.

Step 4 — Import ITV

Every imported car must pass a specific ITV inspection. It usually costs €35–80 and the appointment takes 1–2 weeks. The ITV station issues a provisional certificate used for registration.

Step 5 — Individual homologation

Homologation certifies that the vehicle meets Spanish and European standards. It is required when:

• The car has no European COC.
• Specifications differ from European (steering, lights, emissions).
• The car comes from a non-EU market (USA, Japan).

Cost ranges from €300 to €1,500 depending on scope.

Step 6 — DGT registration

With the ITV passed and homologation completed (if required), the registration request goes to the DGT. You submit the complete file, pay the IEDMT and the annual IVTM municipal tax. The DGT issues the permiso de circulación and assigns the Spanish plate.

Documents required

• Original foreign registration certificate.
• European Certificate of Conformity (COC), if available.
• Purchase invoice or contract.
• NIE and empadronamiento.
• Current Spanish insurance policy.
• Import ITV certificate.
• DGT registration form.
• Tax payment receipts.
• Homologation certificate, if applicable.
• Franquicia decision, if applied.

Non-Spanish documents must be sworn-translated and, in some cases, apostilled.

Indicative costs

Realistic timeline

• Weeks 1–2: NIE and empadronamiento.
• Weeks 2–3: franquicia application, if applicable.
• Weeks 3–4: customs clearance (non-EU).
• Weeks 4–5: import ITV.
• Weeks 5–7: individual homologation, if needed.
• Weeks 6–10: DGT registration and IEDMT payment.
• Weeks 8–12: permit and plate delivery.

Tips to avoid issues

• Start paperwork before relocating: NIE and COC checks can begin early.
• Keep originals and hand over certified copies only.
• Do not drive with a foreign plate beyond 30 days after residency starts.
• Buy Spanish insurance before the ITV appointment.
• For RHD cars, budget for headlight adjustment and modifications.
• Check that the VIN matches across all documents.

Case study: UK car post-Brexit

María, a UK resident relocated to Valencia in 2022, imported a 2019 Ford Focus. Having lived in the UK for over 12 months she qualified for the franquicia and saved roughly €3,800 in duty and VAT. Her car had a European COC, so only headlight adjustment (€120) and an engineering certificate were required. IEDMT (4.75%) came to €712. Total process: 8 weeks.