How to Import and Legalize Your Car in Spain

Do you live and work in Spain while your personal car remains in Russia or another CIS country? If you don’t want to part with your beloved vehicle, you can transport and register it in Spain. This article outlines the steps a car owner needs to take.

Preparing to Transport Your Car

A car registered in your previous country of residence must have all documents required by local laws. A Russian citizen, for example, would have a vehicle passport (PTS), a certificate of vehicle registration, an OSAGO insurance policy, optionally a comprehensive CASCO policy, and a sales contract. Don’t forget to make copies of the PTS or print information from the electronic PTS. All documents must be translated into Spanish and officially certified. The vehicle must be deregistered with the traffic police (GIBDD) in Russia. You will be issued transit plates, which are valid for 20 days. Within this time, you need to clear customs in Spain. You can transport your car to Spain in three ways:

1. By car carrier;
2. By sea;
3. By driving it yourself.

You must insure the car during transportation. The international motor insurance policy is called a Green Card. It can be ordered online and later picked up in person. The cost depends on the coverage period. For instance, in Russia in summer 2024, a 15-day policy cost around 1140 rubles, and a one-year policy cost around 7620 rubles.

Car Transportation Process

If you can’t drive the car yourself, consider using a transport company. To avoid scams, research reviews before signing a contract. Check how long the journey will take and whether the company covers damages. Customs clearance in Spain takes about a week. You’ll need your car’s documents and your residency card. Customs duties and taxes can total up to 31% of the car’s value. There’s an exemption for new tax residents who’ve lived in Spain for less than 12 months. Once duties and taxes are paid (if applicable), you will receive a DUA document confirming customs clearance.

Legalizing a Car in Spain

After clearing customs, the car must be registered. This process takes about one month. Here are the typical costs:

1. Registration fee: around €100.
2. Annual vehicle tax: varies by region.
3. Vehicle tax based on engine power, brand, and age. High CO₂ emissions mean higher taxes. New residents (less than 6 months in Spain) may be exempt. Consult the tax office after import.
4. License plates: about €40 per plate. Installation may cost up to €20.
5. Environmental certificate: required for registration in the EU. If you already have one, you can avoid a €300 expense.
6. Technical inspection (ITV): around €150. Approval depends on meeting Euro 6 standards. CO₂ emissions must be ≤130g/km. Diesel engines must emit ≤80 mg/km of nitrogen oxide; petrol engines ≤60 mg/km.

Spain also requires civil liability insurance (equivalent to Russia’s OSAGO). Rates depend on driving experience. Additional insurance (e.g., theft, glass damage) is also available. To buy insurance, you must have a Spanish residence permit, a Spanish bank account, and a driver’s license. Insurance costs vary by coverage. For new vehicles (under 2 years old), full compensation is possible. After that, compensation depends on the insurer’s evaluation. Payouts are made if repair costs exceed the value of a similar used car. Russian international driving licenses are valid in Spain for tourist stays or the first 6 months of residence. After that, a Spanish license is required. To avoid legal issues, you may only sell your imported car after 1 year of customs clearance.

Legalization Specifics by Country

If your car comes from an EU country, customs clearance is not required. For all other countries, customs and duties are mandatory. Cars from Poland or Finland, for instance, only require tax payment. Importing non-EU cars is only worthwhile if the vehicle is mid- to high-end. Budget vehicles are better sold in CIS countries, and the funds used to buy a car in Spain. Sentimentally valuable but old vehicles may be denied registration due to environmental standards. According to Euro 6, CO₂ emissions must be under 130g/km.

Tips and Recommendations

Common mistakes in car transport and legalization include choosing unreliable carriers, failing to meet EU registration standards, and overpaying taxes. To choose a reliable transport company, consider:

1. How long it’s been in business (avoid new companies).
2. Customer reviews (but beware of fake ones).
3. Personal recommendations from friends who’ve transported cars to Spain.

Since 2015, the Euro 6 environmental standard has significantly restricted diesel cars. Euro 7 standards are expected soon. Without an environmental certificate, you’ll have to pay to obtain one. If the car is deemed unfit for EU roads, it will need to be sent back. New Spanish residents may be exempt from vehicle tax. To optimize tax payments, consult with a Spanish tax advisor. To avoid errors and speed up the process, consider working with El Relocator’s professional team.