Buying or Importing a Car in Almería – Full Guide

Whether you’ve just moved to Spain, purchased a property in Almería, or plan to spend extended time here, owning a car can offer the freedom to explore the beautiful Andalusian coast and countryside at your own pace.

But buying—or bringing—your own vehicle into Spain isn’t quite the same as in other countries. There are important legal, financial, and bureaucratic steps to consider. In this guide, we cover buying new or second-hand and how to import your car from abroad, including costs and paperwork.

✅ Can Foreigners Buy a Car in Spain?

Yes—foreign nationals can buy a car in Spain, even if they’re not permanent residents. However, you’ll need to have:

• A valid NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
• Proof of address in Spain (e.g. padrón certificate)
• A Spanish bank account (for insurance and tax payments)
• A valid driving licence (EU or recognised international permits)

🛒 New vs Second-Hand: Where to Buy

You can purchase a vehicle either:

• From a dealership – Ideal for new cars or second-hand models with a warranty
• Privately – Often cheaper, but requires due diligence
• Online – Sites like Milanuncios, Coches.net, and Autocasion are widely used in Spain

📄 Documents Required to Buy a Car

When buying a car in Spain, especially second-hand, make sure you have:

• Passport and NIE
• Proof of address (e.g. utility bill or padrón)
• Contract of sale (contrato de compraventa) if buying privately
• The car’s Permiso de Circulación (logbook)
• ITV certificate (Spain’s MOT)
• Proof of Impuesto de Circulación (road tax) payment
• Valid insurance policy

🧾 Taxes and Fees

Here are the typical taxes and costs involved:

• Transfer tax (ITP): 4–8% depending on vehicle value and region
• Vehicle registration (for new or imported vehicles)
• Annual road tax (Impuesto de Circulación)
• ITV tests, typically from the 4th year onward
• Optional: gestor or legal fees (recommended for expats)

🚚 Importing Your Car into Spain

Bringing your vehicle with you when moving to Spain can be practical, especially if you’re attached to your car or it’s more affordable than buying locally. However, importing a car comes with its own process, costs, and timeframes.

🛃 Can I Import My Car into Spain?

Yes, but the rules differ based on:

• Whether you’re importing from an EU country or from outside the EU (like the UK)
• Whether you’re becoming a resident or using the car short-term
• How long you’ve owned the vehicle prior to import

📋 Steps to Import a Car into Spain

1. Transport the vehicle to Spain (personally or by transporter)
2. Register with Spanish customs and pay import duties (if applicable)
3. Pass the ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) – Spain’s version of the MOT, including homologation for foreign vehicles
4. Obtain a Spanish registration certificate (Permiso de Circulación)
5. Pay relevant taxes and registration fees
6. Fit Spanish number plates and insure the vehicle with a Spanish insurer

💰 Costs of Importing a Car into Spain

Here are the typical costs you should factor in:

🇬🇧 Importing from the UK Post-Brexit

Post-Brexit, UK-registered vehicles are treated as non-EU imports, meaning:

• You will likely pay customs duty and VAT
• Headlights and emissions systems may need modification to meet EU standards
• Homologation documents (Certificate of Conformity) are required
• A Spanish driving licence may be needed after a period of residence

However, import duties and VAT may be waived if:

• You’ve owned the vehicle for 6+ months
• You’re registering the car within 60 days of becoming a Spanish resident
• You’re importing the vehicle as part of a personal move (change of residence)

Your lawyer or gestor can help confirm eligibility and gather the required documentation.

🛡️ Do I Need Spanish Insurance for an Imported Car?

Yes. Even if your foreign insurance covers the vehicle temporarily, you must switch to a Spanish insurer once the vehicle is registered. Most insurers require:

• NIE
• Proof of address
• ITV approval
• Spanish licence plates

👨‍⚖️ Use a Gestor or Lawyer for the Import Process

Importing a car involves multiple Spanish institutions—customs, traffic authority (DGT), ITV stations, and the tax office. A local gestor or solicitor can make the process much smoother by handling:

• Paperwork
• Tax submissions
• ITV appointments
• Registration and number plate issuance

This is especially recommended if you’re unfamiliar with Spanish administration or don’t speak the language.

🏡 Based in Almería or Andalucía?

At Medimar Homes, we understand that relocating involves more than just buying a property. We’re here to support clients through every part of their move, including car registration, legal guidance, and trusted local contacts to assist with vehicle imports or purchases.

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