Can A Non Resident Register A Car In Spain?

Can A Non Resident Register A Car In Spain
Requirements – Foreigners, whether from the European Union or not, may buy a car in Spain, either a second or a new one, and have their car to use in Spain for a total of 6 moths (it is not necessary a 6-month continuous period ) in any calendar year. In order to buy a Spanish-registered car, foreigners need to meet one of the following requirements :

Holding a NIE number.
Holding a residence card.
Registration with the Town Hall ( this certificate is named “padrón” in Spain).

What do you need to register a car in Spain?

Step 5: Apply for the change of registration to the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) – Courage, we’re almost there! You must now pay the registration administration fee to the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) in order to receive the Spanish registration card of your vehicle. 78 euros) can be paid:

From the internet on the site https://sedeclave. dgt. gob. es/WEB_Tasas6b/jsp/profesionales/index. jspx if you have a digital certificate or an electronic identity document or from a bank authorizing the payment of this tax via a transfer or payment by card.
From the miDGT app.
In person by going directly to the Oficina de Tráfico with an appointment or to a bank authorizing the payment of this tax.

Be sure to keep the proof of payment because you will need it on the day you submit your application. Now that all your taxes have been paid and your file is prepared, you are ready to submit your documentation to the DGT. It can be done either telematically or in person by going directly to the Local Traffic Office (jefatura provincial de tráfico). You must first reserve a cita previa in the province where you reside.

How long can I keep a foreign car in Spain?

Non EU citizens who are tourists in Spain for less than six months a year may keep their foreign plated cars in Spain as long as they have them ‘sealed’ or ‘precintado’ by customs officials.

How much it costs to register a car in Spain?

Registering a Spanish vehicle – Often, when you buy a new car in Spain, the seller will offer to sort out the registration fees ( gastos de matriculación ) for you, but may charge as much as 500 euro. You can actually do this yourself though for less money and with fairly little fuss in just five simple steps:

You need the documents for the car, the ‘ tríptico ‘. This is like the car’s ID and it contains all the important details like CO2 emissions, which is useful for working out the registration tax you’ll have to pay.
You can get an NRC code ( Número Referencia Completo ) from your bank to fill in the ‘ modelo 576 ‘ form online on the Hacienda’s tax website to work out how much to pay, and then pay it.
There is another driving tax ( Impuesto de Circulación ) to pay the local government, and the amount will depend on the stipulations of the municipality.
Present all the above documentation in the Local Traffic Office ( jefatura provincial de Tráfico ), along with your ID, passport or residency permit. They’ll give you your licence plate number and the final documentation and you’ll have to pay 94 euro.
Take all your documents to a specialist and have them make up the number plates for you using your new number. It will cost between 6 and 50 euro. Then put the plates on the car and away you go!

Can I keep a UK registered car in Spain?

Driving Your UK Registered Car In Spain Expat Tips Published: 12 June 2018 12:04 CET Updated: 22 June 2022 12:04 CET Many people emigrate to Spain each year from the UK and other parts of Europe to enjoy the great weather, embrace a new culture and enjoy the Spanish way of life. But if you are planning on bringing a foreign plated vehicle into Spain you need to be fully up to speed with the current Spanish laws and regulations. Being pulled over by the Spanish traffic police after you’ve just arrived here, is no fun and if you are driving illegally, it most definitely won’t be a great way to get your new life in Spain underway.

So whether you’re in the process of moving here or have been living here for some time;
Read on and get yourself acquainted with the law here when it comes to driving a foreign registered vehicle;
Can I Drive my UK Plated Vehicle in Spain? If you have spent any amount of time in Spain, you will know that roadside checks by the police and Guardia Civil are an all too often occurrence;

The Spanish police can seem quite intimidating when it comes to checking your vehicle and its documentation and if you are driving a foreign plated vehicle, you will stand out like the proverbial sore thumb. But don’t panic! You are legally permitted to drive your UK registered vehicle in Spain.

See also: Spain Smoking On Terraces?

You just need to make sure you are familiar with the legislation and documentation requirements so that you don’t become another Brit who has had their vehicle impounded and been hit with a massive fine ! Another thing to consider is whether you are resident or non-resident in Spain as this can determine how long you can drive the vehicle on Spanish roads.

Generally speaking, if you are a non-resident in Spain, you can bring your vehicle into the country year-round and drive it. How Long Before It Has to Be Registered? It’s important to know that you can’t just bring your foreign car into Spain and drive it indefinitely.

There are rules that you will need to follow if you don’t want to be pulled over, fined heavily and potentially have your car impounded;
Under the current EU directives, you are considered to be a resident in Spain if you spend more than 183 days of the year here;

This is the reason why you are only permitted to drive a UK registered vehicle in Spain for up to 6 months of the year. Beyond the 6 months, you will need to either

Register (Matriculate) your UK vehicle in Spain
Drive or transport it back to the UK or at least out of Spain

You can read more about the current EU legislation here https://europa. eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/registration/registration-abroad/index_en. htm If you have moved to Spain to become a permanent resident here , you must register your vehicle within 30 days with your local traffic department. Check this page to find your local DGT offices.

So if you own a property, have children in school, own a business, are employed here, or are registered on the padron etc. you will be considered to be resident here and NOT a tourist. We have read several stories on expat forums saying that the Guardia Civil in some cases will fine you on the spot if you are driving a UK car on Spanish roads and are unable to prove that you are a non-resident, so be warned! If you are living here permanently , either register your vehicle ASAP or buy a Spanish vehicle.

While driving your UK registered vehicle in Spain, it must be fully insured in the UK and have a valid UK MOT and road tax. This applies to any vehicle in Europe. It must be legal on the roads of the originating country regardless of it being driven in another country.

It is also important to note that you cannot get a UK registered vehicle MOT’d in Spain using the Spanish equivalent ITV ( Inspección técnica de Vehiculos ) unless you are registering it in Spain and putting it on Spanish plates;

Likewise, you would not be able to MOT a Spanish registered vehicle in the UK. If your road tax runs out while in Spain, you will be in effect driving without insurance as driving without road tax will mean that your insurance is invalidated. You may then get stopped, have your vehicle impounded and potentially be hit with a 2,000 Euro or more fine.

Similarly, if your MOT expires, you will either need to drive/transport the vehicle back to the UK and have it retested. This is of course, extremely expensive and not to mention time-consuming. The better option would be to either sell it to a Brit departing Spain for the UK or register the vehicle in Spain.

Insurance and Road Tax Requirements While driving your UK plated car in Spain, you will need to be insured. Your UK insurance will usually provide you with a certain amount of cover while in Spain, but you must check your policy before bringing your car or another vehicle into the country.

In many cases, UK insurance will cover you for around 90 days of international travel, but you must check with them to be on the safe side. Can I Register My UK Vehicle in Spain? Yes, but in many cases, it is a bureaucratic nightmare, to say the least with an abundance of paperwork to navigate your way through.

Then there are the import taxes that you will need to pay which are 21% for a new vehicle. For a secondhand vehicle, the tax is based on the level of CO2 emissions and the average market value of the vehicle. The tax bands are as follows (But may change in the future)

0 per cent tax for vehicles with emissions of less than 120 grams of CO2 per kilometre
4. 75 per cent tax for vehicles with emissions from 120 to 160 grams of CO2 per kilometre
9. 75 per cent tax for vehicles with emissions from 160 to 200 grams of CO2 per kilometre
12. 00 per cent tax for vehicles that are not rated for CO2 emissions
14. 75 per cent tax for vehicles with emissions of more than 200 grams of CO2 per kilometre

The rates above will be applied to the original price of the vehicle, with a reduction for each year of its age up to ten years. For example, a 20% reduction will be applied after the first year, 30% after two years, 50% after four years, and 80% after ten years. The vehicle would also need an MOT in Spain, which is referred to as an ITV ( Inspección técnica de Vehiculos ). Read more about the Spanish ITV test here https://www.

healthplanspain. com/blog/expat-tips/118-all-about-the-car-itv-test-in-spain. html In most cases, it would be well worth employing the services of a Gestor here in Spain if you are intent on registering your right-hand-drive vehicle here.

Unless your vehicle is cherished and of real value, for example, a vintage car, it may not be worth the cost and stress involved in registering it here. Another thing to consider is the safety of driving an RHD car in Spain. Every year, many foreign RHD vehicles are involved in accidents on Spanish roads, largely due to poor visibility issues especially when overtaking.

For further information on importing a car or other vehicle into Spain, see the following article https://www. healthplanspain. com/blog/expat-tips/352-importing-a-car-or-other-vehicle-into-spain. html What about Commercial Vehicles? Large right-hand drive vans and similar commercial vehicles cannot be registered/imported into Spain due to safety issues.

Documentation and Other Requirements When Driving When you are driving any vehicle in Spain, you must carry all of your documentation with you. Make sure you have your insurance, logbook, MOT certificate, and passport and make sure your road tax is valid.

The Spanish police are hot on this kind of thing and not having them with you will not go in your favour. You will also need to have other items in your vehicle such as a jack, warning triangles, a spare tyre, a fluorescent jacket and spare glasses if you use them to drive.

This is a legal requirement in Spain. For a full list of what you must carry in your vehicle by law, please see the following guide https://www. healthplanspain. com/blog/expat-tips/362-things-you-must-carry-in-your-car-by-law-when-driving-in-spain. html As the UK has now left the EU the rules above will apply until the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020.

After this time, things may change and will be dependent on current and future negotiations between the UK, Spain and the European Union. Private Health Insurance for Expats If you want the security of knowing that you and your loved ones are covered against any unforeseen health issues in Spain, please consider one of our excellent value, low-cost Sanitas health insurance policies.

All of our policies are in English and are underwritten by Bupa. If you are looking to move to Spain in 2021, the residency process has now changed. You will now need a residency visa to be able to live here beyond 90 days. Our policies are perfect for this and satisfy the requirement when applying for a Spanish residency visa.

Can I keep my English car in Spain?

Driving in Spain FAQs –

Can I drive my car in Spain? Yes. You must have a valid UK licence and V5 document, along with sufficient insurance and breakdown cover for your trip. You should also familiarise yourself with the laws around driving in Spain before you set off to keep yourself and other road users safe.
How do I drive to Spain? Getting to Spain by car from the UK is probably easier than you think. Firstly, you’ll need to take your car across the Channel to Calais on either a ferry from Dover or the Eurotunnel from Folkestone. Once you’re in Calais, drive down through France and across the border into Spain, which should take around 10 hours. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Plymouth or Portsmouth to the northern Spanish cities of Bilbao and Santander.
What side of the road do they drive on in Spain? Unlike in the UK, motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road in Spain and overtake on the left – which can take some adjustment if you’re used to driving on the left.
Can you drive in Spain with a UK licence? Yes, you can legally drive in Spain with your UK-issued driving licence without the need to apply for an International Driving Permit.
Do I need extra insurance to drive in Spain? Spain and the UK are both part of the Green Card System, a Europe-wide scheme allowing all countries to recognise foreign vehicle insurance policies of visiting motorists, so it’s quite possible your existing insurance will cover you. However, before setting off on your trip, you should contact your insurance provider to make sure that no additional cover is required, as you won’t be able to buy short-term cover at the border entry points.
Is driving in Spain dangerous? Driving in Spain is generally very easy once you get used to driving on the right side of the road. All main roads are in good condition and well signposted, and the toll motorways are very quiet. Be careful if you go off the beaten track, however, as the quality of the roads and signage can vary considerably.
Do I need a GB/UK sticker to drive in Spain? You will need to display a UK sticker on the rear of your car. GB stickers have been discontinued.
Do I need headlamp converters in Spain? Yes. Depending on your car, you will either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually. This is so you don’t dazzle oncoming traffic when driving on the right side of the road at night.
What is the national speed limit in Spain? The national speed limit on Spanish motorways is 120km/h (75 mph). If you’re driving on a main road outside a built-up area, the limit is 90km/h, and for built-up areas it’s 50km/h.
Do I need snow chains in Spain? Although Spain is known for its sunny climate, it does snow in some areas. In certain circumstances, particularly on mountain passes, the use of snow chains or winter tyres may become compulsory.
How much are toll roads in Spain? The amount you pay per toll will depend on the length of the road and the area you’re driving in. Visit https://www. viamichelin. com to calculate the cost of your journey.
How do you pay for toll roads in Spain? There are two ways to pay for tolls – electronically or manually. On most toll roads, you take a ticket when you enter the motorway and pay when you exit at a booth with a green arrow. Simply insert your ticket into the machine and it will show you how much you need to pay. You can either pay by cash or credit card. If you regularly use toll roads, it’s worth signing up to the Telepeaje scheme which takes you through the fast lane without having to stop and pay.
Does Spain use mph or kph? Spain uses the metric system for all road signs, so speed limits and other signs including distance are shown in kilometres and metres.
Is it compulsory to carry a spare wheel in Spain? For Spanish residents, a spare tyre or puncture repair kit must be carried in the vehicle, but if your car is registered outside Spain this is not obligatory. You should, however, make sure you check all your tyres before setting off. The legal minimum depth of tyre tread is 1. 6mm for the full circumference of the tyre.

Can you register a British car in Spain?

The legal requirements. Do I need to register my car in Spain? – If you are a resident in Spain, you should register your vehicle immediately and must do so withing 30 days of the car arriving there. Otherwise, you can have your UK car in Spain for up to 6 months but be aware most insurance UK-based companies will not cover your car for being abroad for so long.

How long does it take to register a car in Spain?

How long does it take to register a car in Spain? – Normally about 7-10 days if everything is correct , if the vehicle has to be homologated the process takes longer and depends on each vehicle.

How do I register an English car in Spain?

Certification & Roadworthiness – The vehicle certification requirement to register a UK car in Spain after Brexit haven’t changed. It can still be done by way of manufacturers CoC (Certificate of Conformity), or by employing a technician to document the specification of the vehicle in a technical report ‘ ficha tecnica reducida ‘.

A valid CoC alone, does not guarantee that the vehicle can be registered in Spain. Similarly, a technician is paid to provide a certificate, not to ensure that the vehicle is correct to pass the verification checks.

They will document the vehicle characteristics and point out if the vehicle conforms or not, if the vehicle has been changed, or additions made to the original specification. CoC / Technical Report will cost €75 to €150.

How long does it take to register a car in Spain?

How long does it take to register a car in Spain? – Normally about 7-10 days if everything is correct , if the vehicle has to be homologated the process takes longer and depends on each vehicle.

Can I take an English car to Spain?

Documents for driving in Spain – Vehicles from the UK can be temporarily imported into Spain for up to six months in any period of 12 months. In order to stay on the right side of the law, the following documents should always be carried:

Full, valid UK driving licence
Proof of ID (passport)
Motor insurance certificate
V5 registration document

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