Ukrainians who relocated to Spain after February 2022 face a unique situation: temporary protection allows them to keep driving their Ukrainian-plated car, but the privilege has limits. Once protection expires, the vehicle must be either fully imported or removed from EU territory.

Temporary protection status

Under EU Directive 2001/55/EC, Ukrainians enjoy the right to circulate with Ukrainian plates while protection remains in force. As of 2025, protection has been extended to at least March 2026. Even so, anyone planning to remain in Spain long term should prepare for full registration.

Customs: duty and VAT

Ukraine is outside the EU, so the standard customs framework applies:

  • Customs duty: 6.5% of customs value.
  • VAT: 21% on customs value plus duty.

Franquicia for Ukrainians. If you lived in Ukraine for 12+ months and owned the car for 6+ months before relocating, you can request the transfer-of-residence exemption. It removes duty, VAT and IEDMT — typical savings €2,000–€6,000.

Documents from Ukraine

  • Свідоцтво про реєстрацію (registration certificate).
  • Sworn translation into Spanish.
  • Purchase contract or invoice.
  • Driving licence and passport.
  • Proof of temporary protection in Spain.

Practical steps

  1. NIE and empadronamiento in Spain.
  2. Sworn translations of vehicle papers.
  3. Apply for franquicia (Modelo 05) before customs.
  4. Customs clearance (FTR + DUA).
  5. Individual homologation if no European COC.
  6. Import ITV.
  7. DGT registration and IEDMT payment.

Homologation for Ukrainian cars

Many Ukrainian vehicles lack a European COC. Individual homologation runs from €600 to €3,000 and may not be possible if the car cannot meet current EU emission standards. Verify feasibility before committing.

Timeline and cost

Without homologation, expect 6–10 weeks. With homologation, 10–14 weeks. Total third-party costs typically €1,500–€4,500 with the franquicia (without it, several thousand euros more in duty and VAT).