Taking your car to Spain

The following rules apply to both cars and motorcycles:-

Car for holiday use

If you intend to stay no more than six months you can bring your EU registered car, but check with your insurance company regarding the validity of your policy while abroad. New insurance can be obtained when in Spain, but will generally be more expensive. Household insurance may also be invalid during extended stays abroad.
 

So long as you spend no more than six months in Spain and you are a non-resident you can bring your EU registered car into Spain. The vehicle must have a current UK tax disk, MOT, and insurance at all times. All documents should be carried. Should the MOT run out while in Spain you will need to pass an ITV test ( the Spanish equivalent).  The car should be kept off the road and unused after this period.
 

While you will see many people disregarding this law - be warned. As with many laws which seem to go ignored you will be prosecuted if caught and can be fined up to €1,800.

 

Moving to Spain

If  you intend to become a Spanish resident, and this is a legal requirement if you intend to spend more than 183 days in Spain, then your car must be must be registered in Spain. This can be either an imported car or one bought in Spain. An existing vehicle brought in from another country can be retrospectively imported.
Buying a car in Spain is generally cheaper than the UK. Second hand buys are particularly good (nothing rusts!).
 

You will need either a residencia or a valid NIE/NIF number complete with a local council registration document called an empadronamiento. It is essential to make sure the correct paperwork is signed and completed by both parties  as proof of ownership can be difficult to prove later.

Reputable car dealers will have laid down procedures for changing ownership but private sales may be a little vague. Car transfers can be complicated for the non-Spanish speaker and paperwork is probably best left to a gestor.

Left-hand cars

Driving a right hand drive car is not only difficult but positively dangerous. In a Spanish car you will more quickly adapt to driving on the 'wrong side'.
Unless you have owned your car for at least six months you will be liable to import duties, local taxes, and registration fees.
 

It is also worth remembering that the costs of spares, servicing, and insurance will be higher for a right hand drive vehicle. You will also suffer a lower re-sale value when you sell your car. 
 

Finally, as a resident you will need to exchange your license for a Spanish one within 12 months. To do this, you can have your existing credit card type licence sent to Madrid for inscription. Again, the use of a gestor is strongly recommended.
 

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For more information on Valencia and our range of property go to:

www.rawlinsholden.co.uk or in Spanish at www.rhinmobiliaria.com

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