Homologating a car in Spain is the process required for an imported or modified vehicle to be registered and driven legally.
Although there are different types of homologation, in this article we will focus exclusively on those that apply when the vehicle comes from abroad (within or outside the EU) or has undergone significant modifications.
Vehicle homologation in Spain: Types and when they are necessary
Below, we explain the most common types of registration when bringing a vehicle from abroad or when it has been altered from its original configuration.
Type registration
Type registration is the certification granted to a mass-produced vehicle model that complies with current European or national regulations.
When is it necessary?
It is not usually necessary for the end user. It is the manufacturer or official importer who obtains it.
For individuals, it is relevant when importing a car that already has European type approval (WVTA), as it greatly simplifies the registration process in the UK.
Approval by equivalence (or correspondence)
This type of approval is based on demonstrating that an imported vehicle is technically identical to another model that is already approved and registered in the UK.
When is it necessary?
It is mainly used when importing vehicles from other EU countries, when the car does not have a Spanish type approval code but does have a valid type approval in another European country.
Type approval by modification
Type approval by modification certifies that the modifications made to a vehicle comply with Spanish regulations and do not adversely affect safety or emissions.
When is it necessary?
When the imported vehicle has changes from its original configuration: non-original wheels, modified suspension, changes in lighting, conversion to electric, adaptation for people with reduced mobility, etc.
Individual (or unit) approval
Individual approval evaluates a specific vehicle in isolation, without relying on previous approvals of that model.
When is it necessary?
It is common when importing cars from outside the European Union (United States, Japan, United Arab Emirates, etc.) or very exclusive, classic or limited-production vehicles that do not have European type approval.
Type approval of a kit or functional assembly
This type of type approval applies to technical assemblies that are installed in a vehicle, such as conversion kits or complete systems.
When is it necessary?
For imports or modifications that include certified kits (e.g. electric conversion kits, LPG kits or structural changes approved as a whole).
How much does it cost to approve a car in Spain?
The cost of approval varies depending on the type of procedure, the technical complexity and the origin of the vehicle. As a guide:
- Type approval:
- €0 for private individuals (already included by the manufacturer).
- Approval by equivalence:
- Between £150 and £400.
- Approval by modification:
- Between £300 and £1,000, depending on the number and type of modifications.
- Individual approval:
- Between £1,500 and £3,000, which may be higher for complex vehicles or those that differ significantly from European regulations.
- Approval of kit or functional assembly:
- Between £500 and £2,000, depending on the kit and the tests required.
These amounts do not always include MOT fees, laboratory fees or possible technical adaptations.
Required documents
In general, the following documents are usually required to approve a vehicle in Spain:
- Original vehicle documentation (foreign technical specifications and registration certificate).
- Certificate of Conformity (COC), if applicable.
- Conformity report issued by the manufacturer or laboratory.
- Technical project and certificate of completion (for modifications).
- Certificate from the workshop that carried out the modifications.
- ID card or foreign resident ID number of the owner.
- Proof of ownership (invoice or sales contract).
- Import and customs documentation, if applicable.
- Favourable MOT inspection.
Frequently asked questions
We answer the most common questions about vehicle approvals in Spain.
What is the difference between type approval and approval by equivalence?
Type approval is granted to a mass-produced vehicle model and is managed by the manufacturer, while approval by equivalence applies to a specific imported vehicle, demonstrating that it is technically identical to another vehicle that has already been approved.
Is approving a car the same as registering it?
No. Approval certifies that the vehicle complies with the technical regulations for driving in Spain, while registration is the subsequent administrative procedure for obtaining a Spanish registration number. Without valid approval, it is not possible to register the car.
Do I need to approve a car imported from another EU country?
It depends. If the vehicle has European type approval and has not undergone any modifications, additional approval will not normally be necessary. In other cases, type approval by equivalence or by modification may be required.
What happens if the imported car has been modified?
If the vehicle has undergone changes to its original configuration (suspension, wheels, lights, engine, etc.), it will be necessary to carry out a type approval by modification, even if it comes from an EU country.
Can any car be approved in Spain?
Not always. Some vehicles, especially those imported from outside the EU, may not meet emissions, safety or lighting requirements, which means that technical adaptations must be made or, in extreme cases, prevents their approval.
Is it mandatory to go through an approval laboratory?
Yes, in most cases.
The laboratory is responsible for issuing the technical report certifying that the vehicle complies with the applicable regulations, especially in the case of individual or modification approvals.
How long does the approval process take?
The time frame can vary from a few days (for simple equivalence approvals) to several weeks or months for individual approvals or complex modifications, depending on the documentation and whether additional tests are necessary.
Is the MOT part of the approval process?
Yes. Once the necessary technical documentation has been obtained, the vehicle must pass an MOT approval or pre-registration inspection, where everything is checked to ensure that it complies with the approval.
