Bring a foreign vehicle to Spain? How to avoid classic mistakes

You’re thinking of importing a new car to Spain. You’re not the only one

It’s not surprising that so many people now look outside Spain’s borders to find their next car. Second-hand prices are getting ridiculous in Spain. It doesn’t matter if you are an expat looking for British engineering or a Spaniard seeking a German bargain. Or if you simply want a change. The idea of buying a car with better equipment and lower mileage from abroad is now more attractive than ever. There’s still a lot of paperwork to get through before you can start enjoying the open road, Spanish sun, and tapas. And trust us—you don’t want to get stuck halfway up.

What could possibly go wrong now? There’s a lot! The process of registering a foreign vehicle in Spain involves more than just sticking on new plates. You’ll have to go through a series of hoops, and if you aren’t prepared it is easy to get stuck at the first one.

We’ll walk you through each step and point out the common mistakes to avoid the drama.

Step One: Don’t skip the technical inspection

You can take one thing away from this guide: Every foreign car entering Spain needs to pass the ITV. This is Spain’s MOT with a little more paperwork, and lots of waiting. The inspection checks the basics—emissions, brakes, lights, the usual stuff—but crucially, it also confirms the car meets EU standards, or, for cars from outside the EU, that it’s been properly adapted to drive legally on Spanish roads.

This isn’t a simple ticking off a list. Miss this out, or go to a test centre with no experience in international cars, and you could be looking at weeks of delays—or worse, being told you can’t register the car at all.

What is our advice? Our advice? Ask before booking. You can tell the difference between having a good experience and having to pull your hair out.

Step two: Prepare your paperwork and double-check everything

The fun part is now here: the paperwork. Spanish bureaucracy was created for a purpose. You’ll need the following minimum requirements:

• You must have your own ID (passport, NIE or other).
• Original registration documents for the car from its previous country.
• A Certificate of Conformity (CoC)—basically proof the car meets EU standards.
• You’ll either need to get a “ficha reduceida” or, in more complicated cases, an individual homologation if you don’t already have a CoC. It’s here that people often get caught.

There are fewer rules if you move your entire residence to Spain. However, you still have to prove that you actually moved.

Amazing how many people think they can “sort out the paperwork later.” The truth is, if you show up with your paperwork in a mess, you can expect to be sent around the office and agency on a wild goose-chase. It’s a long process; missing documents make it even longer.

Why buy a used vehicle abroad in the first instance?

Honestly? Spanish used car costs are astronomical, especially when you’re looking for something in great condition or with low mileage. Cars in countries like Germany, France, or the Netherlands are usually better maintained, come with full service histories, as well as having more bells and windows. And because people in those countries swap cars more often, there’s a much bigger choice—and better value to be found.

In Germany and Switzerland, it is not uncommon for people to switch cars every two years. This means that there are always a constant supply of nearly-new vehicles on the market. In Spain, it’s the other way around. The market’s tighter, people hang onto cars for longer, and if you do find something half decent, you’ll pay a premium—sometimes for a car that’s seen better days.

Importing is a popular idea right now. If you’re smart about it, you can end up with an even better car for much less money.

How to avoid the most common mistakes people make

What are the most common mistakes people make? Here are some of the most common mistakes:

• If you have any technical or paperwork problems, or if you miss the ITV test.
• Lack of documentation (or failure to realise they require the Certificates of Conformity).
• A car that is not easily registered in Spain.
• Underestimating how long the process actually takes—especially if you need individual homologation.
• Budgeting for unexpected costs such as inspection fees, taxes and registration plates.

Don’t be scared to ask for professional help if the whole thing feels overwhelming. Specialists can handle the entire process for you. It may cost a little more, but it could be worth it if you save yourself weeks of headaches and frustration.

Importing an automobile to Spain: Does it make sense?

Importing a car to Spain can absolutely be worth it—as long as you know what you’re getting into and are prepared for a bit of Spanish red tape. It’s a great way for many people to get the car they want at a lower price than the Spanish market can offer.

Do your homework, ask questions, and above all—don’t rush. It’s best to take things slowly, keep all your paperwork in order, and have patience.

All that effort will be worthwhile once you’re driving down the coast, with tapas on the boot and sunshine on your cheeks, all the ITV stamps still in your glove box. Safe driving—and buena suerte!