Last updated on June 22nd, 2020 at 09:27 pm.
If you’re moving to Spain, there are many reasons why you might decide to bring your car from the UK. Although buying a car in Spain may seem like the most straightforward option – not least because Spanish cars are left-hand drive – there are likely to be circumstances where it will be more convenient or economical to bring your existing vehicle to Spain. In this article, we explain the process of registering a UK car in Spain. That way, you can make sure you’re fully compliant with Spanish motoring laws.
Why do I need to re-register my car?
Many people assume that they won’t need to register their vehicle in Spain because of EU regulatory agreements. Although Brexit is certain to change the rules, in fact, you have never been able to import a vehicle to Spain without registering it with the authorities. Currently, you can only keep a foreign-registered vehicle in Spain for up to six months. After this point, you are obliged to register the vehicle and pay car taxes. However, if you intend to apply for residency, you need to register with the traffic department within 30 days of your arrival.
Another important thing to note is that many British insurers only cover driving abroad for up to 90 days. Some will cover as long as six months, but it is important to check your policy. Remember – it is illegal to drive without insurance in Spain. Uninsured drivers face hefty fines, so it is essential to make sure you have proper cover. Furthermore, in order to buy insurance from a Spanish company, your vehicle needs to be registered in the country. Therefore, registering your car is an essential step of making sure you’re compliant.
Notifying the DVLA that you’re taking your car abroad
Primarily, you will need to notify the DVLA in the United Kingdom that you are exporting your vehicle. To do this, you need to send them the permanent export form (V5C), which can be found in your vehicle log book. However, if you don’t have your log book, there’s no need to panic – you can apply for a new one via the DVLA. For more information about the permanent export of vehicles, visit the UK government’s website. Due to EU regulations, currently, you do not have to pay import tax on your vehicle. However, this is likely to change after Brexit.
Employing a Gestor to help you register your vehicle
The most straightforward way of registering a UK car in Spain is employing the services of a Gestor or other legal adviser. These professionals are there specifically to help you with navigating Spanish bureaucracy in your language. With their guidance, you can ensure the process is as smooth as possible. Depending on your region, the Gestor will be able to advise you as to what documentation you need to register your car. Generally, these include:
- Passport.
- Your NIE certificate, which is your Spanish tax identification number.
- Your padron, which is proof of residence in your region.
- The British vehicle log book and registration certificate (V5C).
The Gestor will take copies of this documentation and begin the process. First, the Gestor will arrange for an engineer to perform an initial inspection. Bear in mind that this is different from the ITV inspection, which we will discuss later. This check will ensure that your vehicle complies with basic motoring laws in Spain. If your car doesn’t comply, you may need to make modifications. These specifications include:
- The vehicle dimensions must correspond to the manufacturer’s spec.
- The chassis number and engine number must match.
- You must be able to adjust beam direction on your headlights.
- You will need to remove any separate fog lights and replace them with light clusters.
- Your tow bar must have a manufacturer’s identification plate.
- The tyres and wheels must be right the size and speed rating specified by the manufacturer.
What to expect in terms of vehicle taxes and fees when registering a UK car in Spain
Unfortunately, the total cost of registering a UK car in Spain depends on your specific circumstances. The make, model, age and state of repair of your vehicle can cause costs to fluctuate significantly. For instance, if your car doesn’t meet the specifications detailed above, you’ll have to invest in the appropriate adjustments.
However, providing the vehicle meets these initial requirements, the Gestor will advise you as to which vehicle taxes and fees you need to pay. These include:
- Ficha técnica reducida, or the engineer’s certificate
- Traffic tax
- Registration tax
- Road tax
- Plates
- Administration expenses and charges
An important thing to note is that the emission levels of your car can substantially impact the amount of tax you’ll need to pay. Before bringing your car to Spain, it is sensible to check which tax band your vehicle will fall into. Some models can be taxed up to 14.75% of the value of the car, so you’ll want to make sure bringing your car to Spain is economical.
What’s an ITV and how to get one
Once you have received your ficha técnica reducida from your Gestor, you need to take your car for an Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, or ITV. This is essentially the Spanish equivalent of an MOT in the UK. These tests are compulsory and can only be performed by licensed garages. However, one thing to be aware of is that your first ITV will be a matriculation ITV, which is slightly more expensive and requires some additional paperwork.
The process varies according to region, but generally, the mechanic will do a comprehensive road-worthiness check. This includes an emissions test, oil levels, tyres, lights, wipers, seat belts, handbrake and suspension. At the appointment, you’ll need to bring along your log book so the mechanic can check the car’s service history. If your car passes the ITV, you’ll receive your ITV certificate and sticker for the car windscreen.
The final steps of registering a UK car in Spain
To complete registering a UK car in Spain, you return to your Gestor with your ITV documentation. They will complete the process with the relevant authorities and you can return to their office to collect your documents and Spanish number plates. Once you have affixed the number plates, the process is complete: you have successfully registered your car in Spain. The final step is to insure your vehicle with a Spanish insurer. After this point you will be a fully compliant motorist – so all that’s left is to get on the road and start enjoying your new life in Spain.
Finally, we would like to remind you that navigating the taxation system of a foreign country can be an intimidating task – especially if you don’t speak the language. Furthermore, it’s important to seek expert advice on the specifics because of differences across regions.
At Ábaco Advisers, our team of experienced fiscal and taxation advisers can help you make sure you follow regulations. For more information, without obligation, you can fill out this form and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
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47 comments
22 July, 2020 11:39 am
Hi, I have a Volvo XC90 and have a house in Almayate Malaga, due to the coronavirus I was unable to collect the car and bring it back to Scotland for its m o t which has expired, I was thinking about changing it to Spanish registration, it’s a 2005 model I have purchased new headlights for the vehicle, I return to Spain on 23rd July and have hired a car meantime, do you think it’s worth changing over to Spanish plates, yours gratefully Gerry Boyd
23 July, 2020 9:17 pm
Hi Gerald,
I am sure it can be beneficial for you in the future to have it registered in Spain.
Should you wish to get any assistance in the matter please contact our partners Orke Servicios. Please find their contact details below:
http://orkeservicios.net/
Let them now you have been recommended by us.
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
13 August, 2020 11:22 pm
I intend to purchase a car in Germany in the name of a Spanish SL.
If I buy the car without IVA and it should be registered in the name of the Spanish SL with, I assume, al
usual costs without IVA as in accordance with EU laws no IVA is paid when purchasing when both
Seller and Buyer have a registered IVA number.
Could you please advise whether it can be done like this without problems?
(I understand some people had a problem because, in spite of EU rules, traffico wanted IVA on the
import to be paid)
Look forward to hearing from you.
Rgds
Bob Kamminga
14 August, 2020 1:16 pm
Hi Bob,
Unfortunately we are not tax advisors in the process of purchasing vehicles and specially between countries. Should you wish to get any further assistance in the matter please contact our partners Orke Servicios who do specialize in this matter. Please find their contact details below:
http://orkeservicios.net/
Let them now you have been recommended by us.
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
23 September, 2020 1:28 pm
Hi,
I have a modified BMW 325i convertible that I would like to take to Spain from the UK as we will be moving there. The modifications include larger wheels with low profile tyres much lower coil over suspension and is on a private registration plate which I want to keep on the car. What would be the process if any of registering it.
The car is taxed and MOT’ed and everything else is as standard.
Thank You in Advance
Nigel
23 September, 2020 2:22 pm
Unfortunately we do not deal with these matters, sorry for any inconvenience caused. Nevertheless should you wish to get any further assistance in the matter please contact our partners Orke Servicios who do specialize in this matter. Please find their contact details below:
Let them now you have been recommended by Ábaco Advisers.
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
22 November, 2020 11:07 pm
Hi guys. I live in the UK and I’m thinking about buying a UK registered car in Spain and bring it back up here. It has got no tax, MOT nor V5C. Any advise is highly welcomed. Thanks!
23 November, 2020 3:30 pm
Sorry Alan, we do not deal with these kind of matters. Sorry for the inconvenience.
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
9 December, 2020 7:42 pm
Hi, I am in the process of matriculating my car, the ITV has been done and paperwork sent to traffic, who now say they need some sort of confirmation that I am living in Spain, even though I have my residencia. Do you have any idea what they are asking for ?
10 December, 2020 3:03 pm
Hi Deb,
I assume what they are looking for might be a Tax Residency Certificate.
You can obtain it via the following link:
https://www.agenciatributaria.gob.es/AEAT.sede/en_gb/procedimientoini/G305.shtml
Wiht kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
17 January, 2021 2:07 pm
Hi I’m hoping to bring my U.K. registered car to Spain and registering it in Spain.. I have Residencia and have a property in Alicante area. I have just exchanged my U.K. licence to Spanish I would need to drive the car from U.K. to Spain, would this be possible? I would like to use your services for the import
Regards
Michael Enlish
18 January, 2021 3:41 pm
Hi Michael,
Unfortunately we do not deal with these matters directly, sorry for any inconvenience caused. Nevertheless should you wish to get any further assistance in the matter please contact our partners Orke Servicios who do specialize in this matter. Please find their contact details below:
Let them now you have been recommended by Ábaco Advisers.
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
3 February, 2021 5:35 pm
Does an English car have to be converted to left hand drive?
4 February, 2021 2:35 pm
Hi Jean,
No, it is not necessary.
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
6 March, 2021 11:32 pm
Bit of an odd question. With ULEZ expanding this year I was planning to store my car long term. I was thinking of doing this in a family garage in Spain and have some work done there but with the intention to eventually bring it back. Would the car need to be registered there if it isn’t going to be used? And when time comes to bring it back would there be a temporary way to register it for the drive back?
8 March, 2021 10:07 am
Hi Jack,
Really sorry not being able to give you an answer on your query.
You may contact one of our partner Orke Servicios who might be able to assist you.
Their contact details are the following:
http://www.orkeservicios.net/
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
11 March, 2021 10:37 am
Hi There, we have a property in Ibiza and are there 6 times a year for a week or so.
I need to buy a vehicle to use and keep there.
Would it be a better option to buy from the UK drive over to Ibiza and then register it with Spanish plates once the 6 months is up (you are allowed to keep UK car for 6 months i believe)
or
Buy a new car from a EU country (from Netherlands) and export to Spain.
Could you give me any advice on what is the cheapest/easiest option and what it would involve please.
16 March, 2021 12:02 pm
Hi Adele,
Really sorry not being able to give you a direct answer on your query. This will depend greatly on type of car and costs involved in the process. You may contact one of our partners Orke Servicios who might be able to assist you with more exact details, process and costs.
Their contact details are the following:
http://www.orkeservicios.net/
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
18 March, 2021 12:16 pm
I have a Mini Cooper SD 2012 in 1Parking Malaga Airport I was going to have it collected and returned to the UK but I was thought I may be able to change the registration to Spanish Plates is it possible and if so what would the cost be
Regards
19 March, 2021 7:32 am
Hi Mr. Gordon,
Really sorry not being able to give you a direct answer on your query. You may contact one of our partners Orke Servicios who might be able to assist you with more exact details, process and costs.
Their contact details are the following:
http://www.orkeservicios.net/
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
20 April, 2021 8:46 am
Good morning, I am seeking advise about putting my uk registered motorhome on Spanish plates. I am resident in Spain, my TIE card start date is 02/02/21, but I started the process in Nov 2020. My motorhome has been with me in Spain since June 2020. The ITV has been carried and a valuation of the vehicle has been done, as I have no documents on the purchase.
I am being told by customs that I need to pay €4200 import duty on a vehicle valued at €12500. Is this correct.
20 April, 2021 12:14 pm
Hi Marti,
Really sorry not being able to give you a direct answer on your query as we do not deal with any vehicle import duty servicer. You may contact one of our partners Orke Servicios who might be able to assist you with more exact details, process and costs.
Their contact details are the following:
Best of luck!
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
12 May, 2021 11:45 am
Hi I live here in Spain and got a UK registered car and I need to register it to get Spanish plates can you help with this
15 May, 2021 9:09 am
Hi Simon,
Really sorry not being able to give you a direct answer on your query as we do not deal with any vehicle import duty servicer. You may contact one of our partners Orke Servicios who might be able to assist you with more exact details, process and costs.
Their contact details are the following:
Best of luck!
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
18 May, 2021 8:21 pm
the total cost of registering a UK car in Spain depends on your specific circumstances. The make, model, age and state of repair of your vehicle can cause costs to fluctuate significantly. For instance, if your car doesn’t meet the specifications detailed above, you’ll have to invest in the appropriate adjustments.
5 October, 2021 11:36 am
Hi I imported a classic jaguar onto Spain in 2020 and would like to transfer to Spanish plates I’m also a resident in Spain. I this something you can help me with. Regards Graham
8 October, 2021 11:55 pm
Hi Graham,
Really sorry not being able to assist you directly, but you may contact one of our partners Orke Servicios who might be able to assist you with more exact details, process and costs.
Their contact details are the following:
Best of luck!
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
21 January, 2022 12:14 am
I have a UK registered vehicle, a ford transit van. I need to use this vehicle in Spain. How much does it cost to have the UK vehicle registration changed to Spanish registration.
Thank you
23 January, 2022 12:11 pm
Hi Samantha,
This will vary on the model, engine, etc. We recommend contacting a local company who could give you a more detailed pricing for your specific vehicle.
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
28 March, 2022 3:05 am
Hi, can you please help me to register my car here in Spain? Can you please, give me a quote of the gestiones? What do you need in order to prepare everything?
Many thanks
28 March, 2022 8:00 am
Hi Joan,
Really sorry not being able to assist you directly, but you may contact one of our partners Orke Servicios who might be able to assist you with more exact details, process and costs.
Their contact details are the following:
Best of luck!
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
18 October, 2022 1:46 pm
I am thinking of buying a Spanish registered vehicle with Spanish number plates from someone who worked in Spain and has moved back to Sweden (the vehicle is in Sweden). What are the pitfalls here (if any) and what problems could I encounter?
regards
18 October, 2022 2:14 pm
Hi Anthony,
We are no experts in this process but possible pitfalls would be not to check if all car taxes are paid, that there are no outstandings debts or fines attached to the vehicle, that the MOT inspections have been passed, and not making sure all paper work is in order for the vehicle.
Wishing you all the best.
With kind regards,
Abaco Advisers
8 February, 2023 6:57 pm
Hi,
I’m am a non resident with NIE Number.
I would like to bring a UK plated car to Spain, register it for Spanish Plates and use it for myself and family when they fly in for holidays. I will leave it at an airport parking company when away
I hold an Irish Passport also.
How does this affect me and what would I need to do to get things sorted?
I’d appreciate some advice.
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
8 February, 2023 8:32 pm
Really sorry not being able to assist you directly, but you may contact one of our partners Orke Servicios who might be able to assist you with more exact details, process and costs.
Their contact details are the following:
Best of luck!
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
13 February, 2023 10:47 am
Hi, thank you for the comprehensive information. could I ask as a very rough guide how much all of this would cost. on average.
many thanks
Sheila
13 February, 2023 11:06 am
Hi Sheila,
It will depend greatly on the type of vehicle, age, model, etc. So very difficult to say unfortunately.
If you wish to receive a quote do not hesitate to contact us.
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
14 May, 2023 8:22 am
I can provide copies of the following.
Passport.
Green NIE certificate.
My padron
The British vehicle log book and registration certificate (V5C).
My motor home has been off the road for many years while it has been renovated and restored. It is now time to register it to Spain.
It has a tow bar that will have to be modified to comply with Spanish regulations.
I need a fully detailed prespuesta of the total cost please.
15 May, 2023 12:45 pm
Really sorry not being able to assist you directly, but you may contact one of our partners Orke Servicios who might be able to assist you with more exact details, process and costs.
Their contact details are the following:
Best of luck!
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
26 July, 2023 1:03 pm
Hi I have just ordered a new car with left hand drive specification i intend on having it registered in the UK then imported to Spain within the next few weeks months will the car still require a ITV?
3 August, 2023 10:36 am
Once imported to Spain and if you wish to transfer it to Spanish plates you will surely require an ITV inspection.
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
31 July, 2023 1:10 pm
how much does it roughly cost to change your car over to spanish plates
1 August, 2023 1:23 pm
Hi Wayne, this depends on the vehicle type, model, year, etc, so we can unfortunately not give an estimate price.
Sorry for the possible inconvenience.
30 August, 2023 8:43 pm
I have residency in Spain (Y6128089Y) and am considering taking my car over permanently to Santiago del Teide. Our apartment is in Los Gigantes.
It is a 2015 Bentley Flying Spur – 4 litre V8 petrol engine. It has no modifications to the Original Factory Build Specification, and recently passed its MOT.
I will be grateful to you if you advise of any alterations would have to be made to the vehicle, which in reality may not be practical, and the financial implications.
Thank you,
Kind regards,
Cameron.
31 August, 2023 6:47 am
Thank you for reaching out. While we appreciate your interest, we regret to inform you that we are not specialized in matters related to vehicle alterations and their implications.
To gain insight into any necessary alterations and their practicality, we recommend contacting a local company or the relevant local authorities. They will be better equipped to provide you with specific guidance and advice tailored to your situation.
If you have any other questions or require assistance in different areas, please feel free to ask, and we’ll do our best to assist you.
Best regards,
Ábaco Adviser
7 March, 2024 5:53 pm
Hello
I have a car in Spain – registered in England but no V5 and cannot get a duplicate as told dvla that I had taken it out of country for more than 3 months, I can’t get an IVA without the V5, I have a copy of the V5 but everyone wants the original that I sent to DVLA in error.
Is there any way I can get the car registered in Spain without this?
7 March, 2024 9:26 pm
Really sorry not being able to assist you directly, but you may contact one of our partners R&M Asesores who might be able to assist you with more exact details, process and costs.
Their contact details are the following:
Wishing you best of luck!
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
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