How much does it cost ?
Understanding the taxes, charges & other fees that comprise a vehicle import
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of importing your car or other vehicle type onto Spanish number plates depends on a number of factors. There can also be some variation between different regions of Spain, as certain local taxes and charges are not always identical.
In most cases, however, the main elements affecting the cost are the vehicle’s value and its CO2 emissions.
Calculating Registration Tax
Registration tax is typically charged at somewhere between 0% and 16.0% of the vehicle’s value, with the final calculation based primarily on both the vehicle’s value and its CO2 emissions. As you would expect, the lower the vehicle value and CO2 emissions, the lower the registration tax is likely to be.
Additionally, non EU vehicles (excluding vehicles registered in Northern Ireland) may be subject to customs duty/IVA which can be up to 33.1% of the vehicle's taxable value.
Other Taxes and Payments
There are also a number of smaller taxes and official fees to be paid when importing a vehicle onto Spanish plates. These can vary slightly depending on the region in which you live.
This may include payments due to your local town hall (ayuntamiento) as well as fees payable to the Provincial Traffic Department (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico).
Paying the Correct Amount Matters
It is important to make sure that the correct taxes are paid when importing your vehicle onto Spanish number plates. From time to time, we come across situations where a customer has chosen another company based on a much lower quoted price, only to discover later that the correct taxes were not paid at the time of importation.
In cases like these, the Spanish authorities can pursue the shortfall, which often makes the process far more expensive in the long run. Getting it done properly from the outset helps avoid unnecessary problems, delays and unexpected costs later on.
Permanent Plates and the ITV Test
To successfully import your car onto permanent Spanish number plates, the vehicle must undergo an ITV test (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos). This is broadly similar to an MOT test in the UK, although imported vehicles are subject to a more detailed inspection process.
If the vehicle is being imported from a non-EU country, a Certificate of Conformity or homologation documentation may also be required.
If your vehicle does not pass the ITV test first time, there is normally a period in which the necessary repairs can be completed before returning for a re-test, which is usually included without further ITV charge if completed within the allowed timeframe.
Our Fees
At Car Registrations Spain, we manage the entire importation process for you for a straightforward flat fee, helping to keep the process clear and stress-free from the outset.
Our service includes the initial engineer’s report, arranging a Certificate of Conformity where required, attending your local ITV test station with the vehicle, preparing and submitting the necessary paperwork, paying the relevant national and local taxes, organising any re-test if needed, collecting the final paperwork and obtaining your new permanent Spanish number plates.
We can also arrange for your new Spanish plates to be fitted to the vehicle once the registration process has been completed.
We Handle the Entire Process From Start to Finish
From ITV and paperwork to taxes, final registration and fitting your new plates, we make importing your vehicle onto Spanish number plates as simple as possible.