Importing a car from the EU to Spain: complete guide

An EU import skips customs but still requires the standard Spanish registration framework. The key advantage is speed; the key risk is assuming you do not have to pay anything.

What does not apply

• No customs duty.
• No import VAT (assuming VAT was settled at original purchase in another EU state).
• No DUA — replaced by intra-EU declaration.

What still applies

• IEDMT registration tax (0%–14.75% by CO₂).
• Import ITV inspection.
• DGT registration and fee.
• Annual municipal IVTM.

European COC

The COC is decisive. With a valid European COC, no individual homologation is required. The DGT registers the car on the COC's data.

Typical documents

• Original EU registration certificate (Carte Grise, Zulassungsbescheinigung, etc.).
• COC from manufacturer.
• Purchase invoice or contract.
• Deregistration evidence if applicable.
• NIE and empadronamiento.
• Spanish insurance policy.

Timeline

With a COC, the entire process closes in 3–5 weeks — by far the fastest of any origin.

Costs