How To Register A Vehicle From The EU In Spain
Expat Tips
Published: 05 May 2023 11:11 CET
Updated: 07 April 2025 15:29 CET
2025 update: If you move to Spain with an EU-registered vehicle, you must register it within 30 days of becoming a resident. Failing to do so can result in fines, traffic immobilisation and complications with insurance cover. This guide explains the 2025 steps for registering an EU vehicle in Spain, including ITV inspection, taxes, DGT paperwork, temporary green plates and key exemptions.
Do you need to register an EU vehicle in Spain?
EU citizens visiting Spain temporarily do not need to take any action. However, if you become a Spanish resident, the law requires you to register your foreign-plated vehicle within 30 days and obtain Spanish number plates.
This process applies to all EU-registered cars, motorbikes, vans and motorhomes brought for permanent use in Spain.
Below is the complete process — updated for 2025 — with each step explained in detail.
Step 1: ITV inspection and documentation checks
Why an ITV inspection is mandatory
Before a foreign vehicle can be registered in Spain, it must pass an inspection at an authorised ITV station. This confirms roadworthiness and verifies that the car matches its technical documentation.
What to bring to the ITV
- Original vehicle registration certificate from the country of origin
- Certificate of Conformity (CoC) — highly recommended
- Purchase invoice or sales contract (if you are not the recorded owner)
What happens during the inspection
The ITV technician checks mechanical condition, emissions, VIN numbers, lights, brakes, and documentation. If everything is correct, they issue the Spanish-format ITV technical card (Ficha Tecnica Reducida).
If your home-country inspection is expired, the vehicle must pass a full ITV before registration continues.
Learn more about the ITV process here: Understanding the ITV test in Spain.
Step 2: Pay the required taxes (IVTM + IEDMT)
Road Tax (IVTM)
This annual municipal tax is paid where you are registered as a resident. The amount depends on fiscal horsepower and local rates, which can be calculated using online municipal tools and current town hall tariffs.
More info: Car Road Tax (IVTM) in Spain – Expat Guide.
Registration Tax (IEDMT)
The registration tax in Spain is based on official CO₂ emissions and vehicle market value. Current 2025 brackets (subject to legal updates) are:
- 0–120 g/km – 0%
- 121–159 g/km – 4.75%
- 160–199 g/km – 9.75%
- 200+ g/km – 14.75%
VAT (IVA) considerations
- New vehicles (under 6 months old or <6,000 km): VAT may be due in Spain if VAT was not originally paid, according to current EU and Spanish rules.
- Used vehicles: normally exempt from paying IVA again if VAT was already paid in another EU state, provided you meet the usual conditions.
The European Commission provides detailed guidance: EU rules on buying and selling cars.
Market value depreciation reference
Spain calculates taxable value using standard depreciation tables published by the tax agency. Typical reference percentages are:
- 0–1 years: 100%
- 1–2 years: 80%
- 2–4 years: 70%
- 4–10 years: 50%
- 10+ years: 20%
Step 3: Register the vehicle with the DGT
Where to register
You can register online via the DGT electronic office or in person at any DGT traffic office (Jefatura Provincial de Trafico).
In-person registrations require an appointment: Book a DGT appointment.
Documents required for registration
- Completed registration form (Mod.01 application)
- ID document (DNI, TIE, passport + NIE)
- Spanish ITV card (Ficha Tecnica)
- Original foreign registration certificate
- Proof of tax payments (IVTM + IEDMT)
- Proof of vehicle address (Padrón or utility bill)
- Invoice or sales contract if purchased
- DGT fee receipt (Tasa 1.1 – approx. €99 for cars, subject to periodic updates)
After approval
The DGT issues a Spanish registration certificate (Permiso de Circulacion). You must then purchase and install physical plates from an authorised supplier.
Temporary green plates (for delays or missing paperwork)
What green plates allow
If you cannot complete registration within 30 days, you may request temporary green plates. These allow legal circulation for 2 months (typically extendable if you still meet the requirements).
Where to apply
Apply online or in person via:
DGT temporary registration portal
Documents required
- Completed Mod.01 application
- ID documentation
- Payment of fee 1.4 (approx. €20.61, subject to official revision)
FAQs – Registering an EU vehicle in Spain (2025)
How long do I have to register an EU vehicle after becoming resident?
You must register it within 30 days of obtaining Spanish residency.
Can I drive while waiting for ITV or DGT paperwork?
You may drive on your EU plates temporarily, but once the 30-day deadline passes, you risk fines unless you have temporary green plates.
Do I need a Certificate of Conformity (CoC)?
It is strongly recommended. Without it, additional engineering reports may be required.
Can I register a vehicle if I am not yet resident?
In most cases, no — registration requires proof of residency (TIE or EU residency certificate), except for specific scenarios usually handled via specialised advisers.
What if my car fails the ITV?
You must correct the listed defects and return for a re-inspection.
Do diesel vehicles face extra restrictions?
Not for registration, but low-emission zones in cities like Madrid and Barcelona restrict older diesel models.
How long does the whole process take?
Anywhere from 2–8 weeks depending on ITV availability, tax processing and DGT appointments; this is an indicative timeframe rather than a guaranteed limit.
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