Importing and registering a vehicle in Europe can be a complicated journey, especially if the vehicle comes from outside the European Union.
If your vehicle was manufactured or registered in a non-European country, we will tell you how to import and register it in Spain step by step.
Importation and customs procedures
In the case of vehicles manufactured or registered in a country outside the European Union, it is essential to go through customs control, either at the port or on the road.
These controls include the verification of documents, physical inspection of goods and payment of the corresponding fees.
Once this procedure has been completed, you will receive the DUA (Single Administrative Document), which is necessary for the subsequent registration of the vehicle.
Documents to be presented at customs
Not all of the following documents may be required at customs, but they will be required for subsequent registration.
This will depend on the situation you declare during the procedure.
In general, the documents you may need are:
- Personal details of the vehicle owner: identity documentation of the owner or contact details or authorisation for clearance, if customs clearance has been carried out through the services of a customs representative.
- International driving licence and national driving licence.
- Proof of ownership of the vehicle, which may be: original sales invoice, bill of sale or vehicle registration certificate.
- Proof of insurance for the vehicle.
- Certificate of Conformity, certifying European type approval. For vehicles manufactured before 2002, a personalised type approval document will be required. If you do not have this document, it can be submitted later for registration.
- For changes of habitual residence, you will need to register with the municipal register (Spanish) and a document certifying your previous residence outside the customs territory of the European Union for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the move.
Step-by-step registration of a non-European vehicle
To register a vehicle from outside the EU, you must have a European type-approval number, which is necessary to obtain the Certificate of Conformity (COC).
This number is an alphanumeric code that defines the technical characteristics of the vehicle and reflects the number of modifications or alterations made.
This European code can only be obtained through an equivalence or individual approval at a specialised workshop where, together with an engineer, the approval project must be carried out.
The approval project must be validated by the ITV (Vehicle Technical Inspection).
Therefore, the registration process for vehicles from outside the EU without a European type approval code is as follows:
- Pass through customs and obtain the DUA.
- Approve your vehicle (this process can be done in your country or in Spain):
- Contact a specialised workshop
- Carry out the approval project (if your vehicle needs modifications)
- Obtain the Certificate of Conformity
- Pass the ITV
- Apply for registration online or in person at any traffic office.
- Pay the registration taxes.
- Go to a specialised shop to purchase the number plates and attach them to the vehicle.
- After registering the vehicle, don't forget to take out the compulsory insurance policy.
When is registration necessary?
You may have purchased a car with non-European registration at an auction, from a dealer or from a private individual, or you may want to move your residence to Spain.
In any case, if you want to drive legally, you must register your vehicle in the following cases:
- If you are a resident of Spain or have a place of business in the country, you must register the vehicle within 30 days.
- If you are moving to Spain and applying for registration, you will have 30 days to do so from the date of application. If the vehicle you wish to register is being used as a means of transport as part of the process of changing your residence (e.g. to transport your belongings), this process can be extended to 60 days, if notified.
- As a general rule, you can drive your car (or any other vehicle) with foreign registration in Spain, provided that you do not exceed 183 days (6 months) in the country without interruption.
All these procedures can be carried out through the Spanish Directorate General of Traffic's website.
Failure to comply with the deadlines and driving a foreign car may result in a fine of between 500 and 1,500 euros, as established in the penalties set out in the Law on Traffic, Motor Vehicle Circulation and Road Safety.
While the final registration is being processed, it is also possible to drive temporarily with ‘green plates’ for up to 60 days.
The process can take between 1 and 2 weeks and costs €20.61 (fee 1.4).
Necessary documents
Once you have cleared customs and the vehicle has been approved, you will have everything you need to register it.
The documents are:
- Personal identification
- Power of attorney, if a representative is appointed to carry out the procedure.
- Single Administrative Document (DUA)
- Technical Specification Sheet issued by the ITV
- Original vehicle documentation
You can carry out this procedure in two ways:
- Online: using the application form, for which you will need to log in with your electronic ID card, mobile phone password or permanent password.
- In person: at any Traffic Headquarters or Office, by downloading and filling in the application form.
How much does registration cost in Spain?
For mopeds, the fee (fee 1.2) is 27.85 euros.
For all other vehicles, the fee (fee 1.1) is 99.77 euros.
Frequently asked questions
We answer the most frequently asked questions about importing and registering non-European vehicles.
How much does it cost to type-approve a car?
The cost of type-approving a vehicle will depend on the type of vehicle, model, type of type-approval required and any modifications needed to obtain the European type-approval code.
Taking into account the cost of fees, technical reports, necessary documentation and type-approval, it could be around 2,000 euros minimum.
Can I obtain the Certificate of Conformity before registering my vehicle?
No, to obtain the European Certificate of Conformity, you must have the European registration number, which is obtained when the vehicle has been registered.
If my vehicle comes from the United Kingdom, do I need to register it?
Yes, if you plan to stay for more than 6 months (183 days).
The United Kingdom is considered a non-EU country, so the same regulations apply as for the rest of the EU.
If I come from Morocco and am not going to be in Spain for more than 6 months at a time, do I need to register or homologate my vehicle?
No, it is not necessary. If you plan to stay in Spain for less than 6 months, you can drive with foreign registration without having to register or homologate it.
If you plan to stay longer than this period, homologation and registration would be mandatory.
