Want to liven up your new life under the Spanish sun? Put yourself in the driver’s seat with our take on buying a car in Spain.

Spain is a nation of car enthusiasts, and four wheels are often the best way to see some of the wonderful sights this beautiful country has to offer. Indeed, you might be surprised to discover that Spain is the third largest producer of cars in Europe. Despite this, becoming a car owner yourself can be bureaucratic.

Some of Spain’s new car registration and tax requirements can seem daunting to a newcomer unfamiliar with the system. To help you, this article explains how to buy a car in Spain without hitting the brakes, including:

Buying a car in Spain

Car ownership in Spain is high. The vast majority of employed adults own cars. The figures show that in 2022 there were just over  25 million passenger cars  (PDF) in Spain, and approximately  27.3 million people  (in Spanish) with a driver’s license.

If you live in some of Spain’s major cities, such as Barcelona and Madrid, you’ll be able to get around easily using the local public transport systems. However, in other parts of the country you may find it difficult to get around without a car. The good news is that buying a car in Spain doesn’t have to be difficult. Also, new startups are making the process easier and more convenient, especially for those in the used car market.

However, car salesmen tend to have a bad reputation, and you may find it difficult to buy a car if you speak minimal Spanish. In general, buying from a car dealership is less risky and easier than buying from a private person. However, in both cases, it’s a good idea to do your research and consider your needs before buying a car.

Who can buy a car in Spain

The legal driving age in Spain is 18. You can drive with a foreign driving license for six months if you are at least 18 years old. After that, you will need to get a Spanish driver’s license. You do not need to be a resident to buy a car in Spain, but you will need to prove that you live in the country. If you are a non-EU resident or a non-EU resident, the following documents will be required:

  • Your NIE number (  Número de Identidad de Extranjero  ), a unique tax identification number used to track all financial and legal activities.
  • Your passport.
  • Proof of address (  padrón  ), including one of the following: house documents; lease agreement for a year (  escrituras  ); or proof of residence. (  Certificado de Empadronamiente  ), not older than three months and available at the local town hall (  ayuntamiento  ).
  • Three payment statements (  nóminas  ) if you use a dealer and finance the car, or something that proves your income.

You can also use your residence card (  residencia  ) instead of providing your NIE number and proof of address. If you have moved after obtaining your residence permit, you will need to provide proof of address as above.

You may not need or be asked for all of these documents before buying a car, but it’s best to err on the side of caution. Always make photocopies or photographs of any documents.

Buying a new car in Spain

Buying a car is an expensive business. Spain is no different. The average  cost  of buying a new car in 2020 was around €20,000 and the price continues to rise. In addition, a new car will depreciate significantly within the first year. Before you ride off into the sunset, you’ll need to consider ongoing costs such as insurance, taxes, gas, and emissions tests.

If you live in a big city or somewhere with good public transport, it might be better to rely on buses and trains, or to live green and invest in a good bike. There are also new car sharing services. However, Spain is a big place and traveling long distances may not be easy or practical.

Advantages of buying a new car

That being said, buying a new car has certain advantages. First, the dealership (  consecionario  ) will process the vehicle registration documents at the nearest Provincial Traffic Office (  Jefatura Provincial de  Tráfico  ), saving you time. Secondly, you will receive a warranty for a period of up to a year, which will give you additional peace of mind. Third, you can finance the car if you need it and pay it off in installments.

In some cases, the dealer may offer an incentive or waive the registration fee if you pay in cash. Be prepared to negotiate. If you are a non-resident, you do not have to pay the 21% sales tax (VAT) and registration tax.

Before agreeing to any deal, ask to see:

  • Log book (  Permiso de Circulación  ). It must state that the vehicle registration number matches the vehicle registration document. It will also contain basic information such as license plate number, make and model.
  • Transfer of ownership (  transferencia  ).
  • IVTM (  Impuesto Sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica  ), also known as road tax or car tax, paid in full for the current fiscal year.

Cars under four years old do not require an ITV (  Inspección Técnica de Vehículos  ). This ensures that the car is roadworthy and MOT compliant in the UK.

Where to buy a new car in Spain

Car dealerships in Spain

In Spain, there are thousands of car dealerships (  consecionarios  ) scattered throughout the country. Before entering any car dealership, it would be wise to prepare. Be sure to do your research, know your budget and roughly how much your favorite car is selling for elsewhere. If you know this, you can make a more complex deal. You can use a site like  Carnovo  to find new car prices.

Manufacturers with dealers in Spain include:

Car brokers in Spain

Buying a car can be a time-consuming process. You can take some of the stress out of the process by using the services of a car broker (  agente comercial de coches  ). They usually work for a customer in a car dealership. You tell them what you’re looking for and your budget, and they’ll try to find you the best available car in exchange for a fee.

One of the benefits of using a broker is that they file all the paperwork related to buying a car, including taxes and insurance. Some will help with the process of importing a car to Spain.

El Economista has  a directory of commercial agents  , which allows you to refine your search for those who specialize in cars.

Buying a car in Spain online

People are increasingly buying cars online and there are dedicated platforms that cater to this change in our buying habits. Two of the most popular sites for used cars are  Clicars  and  Webycar  . Both of these sites allow you to buy and sell online, and they feature nearly new cars. Motor.es  allows you to search for new cars in your budget or by manufacturer.

One of the advantages of buying through such a site is that they will take care of the transfer of the car and the paperwork for a small fee. The professional will also certify that the vehicle is inspected and roadworthy and you will receive a warranty. This generally makes it less risky than buying directly from a private individual.

Buying a used car in Spain

In Spain, people tend to buy new cars and keep them for a longer period of time, which increases the value of the used car market. It can be more expensive than you think, with  the average price  hovering around €11,000.

However, buying a used car is cheaper than buying a new one, and you can negotiate with someone privately. However, you will have to complete all the paperwork related to the sale yourself, and you will have no guarantee if something goes wrong.

Sellers have been known to hide problems from potential buyers, including changing the odometer or not disclosing previous problems or accidents. As a result, it is not uncommon to take the car to a mechanic for a full inspection (  toda prueba  ) before buying.

You can also request a report (  informe extendido del vehículo  ) from the General Directorate of Traffic (  Dirección General de Tráfico  )  , Spain’s traffic authority. He will tell you the history of the car. Please note that you may be liable for outstanding credits and unpaid tickets.

You can buy a used car from a dealer, a garage, online or through a private seller. Some cities will host used car fairs annually. In Barcelona, ​​for example, there is a popular holiday called  Ocasión  .

What is needed to buy a used car

  • If it is a private sale, ask the seller for ID and take photocopies or photographs. If they are Spanish citizens, they must have a DNI (  documento de identidad  ).
  • Contract of sale (  contrato de  compravente  ).
  • Log book (  Permiso de Circulación  ). Make sure the name the vehicle is registered to matches the ID.
  • Transfer of ownership (  transferencia  ) signed by both of you.
  • IVTM (  Impuesto Sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica  ), also known as road tax or car tax, has been paid in full for the current fiscal year. You can also use this  calculator  to determine how much it will cost you.
  • ITV card or receipt (  Inspección Técnica de Vehículos  ) for any vehicle over four years old. It will show you if the car is roadworthy.

Buying a car in Spain from a private owner

It’s quite common for people to buy from a private owner, especially since you can often get a better deal than through a dealership.

You can start your search at your local newsstand (  quiosco  ). Specialized magazines such as  Autopista  ,  Autofacíl  and  Coche Actual  are popular and most have online versions.

There are also many online platforms. Ooyyo  , for example, allows you to browse thousands of ads and then contact the seller directly. Popular sites for buying used cars include  AutoScout24.es  Autocacíon.com  and  Autobild.es  . Also, Coches.com has this  helpful tool  to check the value of a used car.

It is wise to check that the car has not been involved in serious accidents; that its service history matches that on the watch; and that it has been serviced by an authorized dealer.

In the case of a private sale, you and the seller are responsible for submitting all the documents that will transfer the car to your name (  transferencia  ) to the Provincial Traffic Office (  Jefatura Provincial de  Tráfico  ). Do not give money to the seller until this transfer is complete. There is a small transfer fee, around 50 to 70 euros, and it’s best to bring cash with you.

You will also need to pay the Vehicle Transfer Tax (  Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales  ), which is payable to the Spanish Tax Office  (  Agencia Tributaria )  . This tax depends on the value of the car, usually between 4% and 8% and depends on the region.

Where to buy a used car in Spain

Car dealerships in Spain

Spain’s main car dealerships will have a selection of used cars for sale. Alternatively, you can turn to used car sales specialists or online marketplaces. Some of them include:

Vehicle registration and other documents in Spain

Spain has a reputation as a bureaucratic country that loves paperwork. The amount you pay and the steps you take depend on where you bought the car, whether it was new or used, and whether it was imported.

What do the people of Spain need?

  • Your ID, passport or NIE card.
  • ITV card (  Inspección Técnica de Vehículos  ), which confirms the vehicle’s roadworthiness. It should also show the sale of the car.
  • Confirmation that you have paid IVTM (  Impuesto Sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica  ), equivalent to road tax at the local town hall (  ayuntamiento  ). It is also called  Impuesto de Circulación  .
  • Confirmation that you have paid the appropriate registration tax in your region, depending on the model and year of manufacture of your vehicle and its emissions. This is done at the Provincial Traffic Office (  Jefatura Provincial de  Tráfico  ). You will need Form 576 (  Modelo 576  ).

If it’s a used car, you also need to have a contract between you and the seller (  contrato de compraventa  ). You need to submit the documents in person to the DGT (  Dirección General de Tráfico  ) or fill out the form available on their website  (in Spanish), specifying all documents and fees.

Costs and deadlines

Vehicle registration fees may vary from year to year. The cost is about  100 euros and 30 euros for  a motorcycle  .

Obtaining title deeds or license plates should not take more than three months. If so, your application was not successful.

Some expats use  gestors  , professional agents who will submit documents for car registration for a fee. You can find a reputable gestor at  the Registro de Gestores Administrativos  .

Keep up to date with any changes to this process by checking the  DGT website  for the steps that apply to you.

The cost of a car in Spain

The cost of owning a car in Spain can increase. You need to pay road tax annually either at your local town hall (  ayuntamiento  ) or by direct debit from your bank. The price depends on the type of car, on which fuel it is used and where it is registered. On  average  , about 40 euros, if it is a diesel, then more. You can use this  handy calculator  to make an estimate.

If your vehicle is four years old, your vehicle must undergo an ITV inspection (to check it is roadworthy and pass an emissions test) every two years. At the age of 10, the examination must be done annually. The cost depends on the location, type of car, size and type of fuel. Expect it  to cost around  €40 to €50 and up.

Before taking the ITV test, you will need to have the results of any previous road tests (  ficha technica  ); your registration document (  Permiso de Circulación  ); confirmation of car insurance; and your ID.

Fuel, electric charging, insurance

As in many other parts of the world, gasoline prices have risen and continue to rise. As you would expect, the cost of fuel in Spain varies by region and petrol station and can fluctuate. As of February 2022, this is approximately  EUR 1.50 per liter  .

For those who own an electric car, Spain is one of the most expensive places to charge their vehicles. Among the world’s leading economies, Spain was almost the most expensive,  costing  approximately 22 euros per charge. This puts it ahead of countries traditionally considered more expensive, including the UK and Germany.

Anyone caught driving without insurance by the Spanish police can be  fined up to €3,000  . The insurance applies to the car and you can add other drivers to your policy. The cost of insurance will depend on the type of policy you purchase. The minimum in Spain is civil liability insurance. Fully comprehensive policies are likely to cost €400 a year or more, depending on the policy provider.

Import of a car to Spain

Although some expats can drive cars with foreign registrations in Spain, it is highly recommended to re-register your car in Spain and change the license plates to Spanish. Otherwise, you can be stopped and  a significant fine  imposed .

Remember that you can only drive in Spain for up to six months if you are not a resident. After that time, you will automatically be considered a tax resident and tax will be paid on all vehicles imported abroad.

Some people decide that it is easier to just buy a new or used car in Spain than to import it from another country and re-register it. If you are going to import a car, it will most likely cost between 300 and 1000 euros. You need to prepare the following documents: identity card, car sales contract and technical report (eg MOT). All foreign documents must be officially translated into Spanish.

The main stages of import

  • Arrange transport to Spain and the transport of your car.
  • Order  a Certificate of Conformity (COC)  that allows you to register the car.
  • Arrange an ITV check at a licensed agency. This is mandatory, even if the car has recently been driven.
  • Pay the import duty (  Impuesto Especial sobre Determinados Medios Transporte  ) on the value of your car at the Tax Agency (  Agencia Tributaria  ). You will need this form (  Modelo 576  ). If you register an EU car within 30 days, you are exempt from paying this tax. If you import a car from outside the EU, you will need to pay import tax before the car is released.
  • Pay the road tax at the local town hall (  ayuntamiento  ).
  • Pay the registration tax at the Provincial Traffic Office (  Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico  ).
  • Make an appointment at DGT to apply for registration and get number plates.

Because the process is time-consuming and complicated, some people choose to use a gestor rather than do it themselves. More information on importing a car can be found in the DGT and will vary depending on whether you are  in  or  out of the EU  . You can check the tax implications through the Spanish Tax Agency (  Agencia Tributaria  ).

Selling a car in Spain

You can sell your used car in Spain through dealerships, online platforms or privately. However, you need to make sure that you follow the rules and provide the proper documents to avoid problems. The easiest way to do this is to sell through a dealership or online car sales specialist as they will either take care of it for you or at least fully explain what to do. However, the downside to this is that it is more expensive.

You will need to provide:

  • Available registration documents as proof of ownership, as well as a form of transfer of ownership (  Solicitud de Transmisión de Vehículos  ).
  • ITV certificate  if the car is older than four years.
  • Receipts proving that you have paid current road tax.
  • Your NIE number (you should also ask for the buyer’s NIE number to show they can legally buy your car)

It is also advisable to use a contract of sale, which contains the details of the car and the terms of the agreement. View  the template here (in Spanish).

There are a number of online platforms for selling used cars in Spain, such as  AutosDirect  ,  Vibbo  (in Spanish) and  We Buy Your Car  .

The equipment you need for your car in Spain

  • Your driver’s license
  • ITV card (showing it has been serviced or roadworthy)
  • Traffic permit  (журнал)
  • Your car insurance policy
  • Form of the European agreement on road accidents (in case of road accidents)
  • Two emergency triangles (in case of breakdown)
  • A fluorescent jacket for anyone traveling in a car
  • Booster seat or child seat for children up to 12 years old (height and weight restrictions apply)
  • Spare wheel and tools needed to replace it

Useful resources

  • Directorate General of Traffic (  Dirección General de Tráfico  ) is the government department responsible for Spain’s road network
  • Provincial Traffic Office  (  Jefatura de Trafíco  )  – for driving information, fines, ITV assignments and toll payments
  • Tax Agency of Spain  (Agencia Tributaria)  – information on various taxes on vehicles and car imports
  • Directory of local town halls (  ayuntamientos  )
  • Directory of managers  – administrative agents who can issue registration documents for vehicles and import cars
Buying, importing and selling a car in Spain