Can a UK resident own a car in Spain?

After spending a lot of time in Spain, many people think about buying a car. Spanish law allows foreign nationals, both residents and non-residents, to purchase a car in the country.

Do I have to be a resident to buy a car in Spain?

You do not need to be an official resident of Spain in order to buy a car here, although you must provide proof of address in the form of a padrón (empadronamiento), a tenancy agreement or property deeds.

Can I own a Spanish car with UK licence?

Yes, you can buy and drive a Spanish registered car and yes, you can drive it on your UK DL as a non-resident.

How long can I have my UK car in Spain?

Vehicles from the UK can be temporarily imported into Spain for up to six months in any period of 12 months. In order to stay on the right side of the law, the following documents should always be carried: Full, valid UK driving licence. Proof of ID (passport)

Can I insure a car in Spain as a non resident?

If your car is not Spanish and you don't have a NIE or resident's permit, you won't be able to insure it with a Spanish insurance company. If your car has a Spanish number plate, you can get insurance without a NIE, just using your passport.

How to Import or Buy a Car in Spain

Can I take my car to Spain permanently?

Anyone wishing to import a vehicle into Spain must be a permanent resident, own property in Spain or have a rental agreement for a minimum of a year and hold a Spanish driving licence.

Does my UK car insurance cover me in Spain?

If you're driving in most European countries

All UK vehicle insurance provides the minimum third party cover to drive in: the EU (including Ireland)

How long can a UK registered car stay in Spain after Brexit?

Your UK licence will be valid for 6 months after registering resident, you must have exchanged it for a Spanish one by the 6 month point as the UK one will be invalidated at that point. If bringing a vehicle in as household goods (i.e. at the time of your move) then you have 60 days in which to get it re-registered.

How much does it cost to re register a British car in Spain?

The cost of this document varies hugely depending on the service provider and the type of vehicle, but a ballpark starting figure is from around 100€ plus VAT (IVA in Spain).

Can I drive my UK car in Spain after Brexit?

Driving a UK registered car as a tourist in Spain

And the good news is that, if you are coming on holiday, you can drive in Spain using a driving licence that has been issued in the UK for visits of up to 3 months, without needing an international driving permit.

What do you need to own a car in Spain?

How much does it cost to register my car in Spain?

They'll give you your licence plate number and the final documentation and you'll have to pay 94 euro. Take all your documents to a specialist and have them make up the number plates for you using your new number. It will cost between 6 and 50 euro. Then put the plates on the car and away you go!

Do you pay car road tax in Spain?

If you own a vehicle in Spain such as a car or motorbike then you must obtain compulsory road tax. Although you will often hear the IVTM referred to as car tax in Spain, it does also apply to every type of motor vehicle such as caravans, scooters, vans, motorbikes and motorcycles.

Can I buy a car in Spain as a non resident after Brexit?

Spanish law allows foreign nationals, both residents and non-residents, to purchase a car in the country. According to the General Directorate of Traffic, about 861,000 cars were sold in Spain between January and December 2021. The market is full of dealers offering various new and used cars.

Can a Spanish resident drive a UK registered car in Spain?

Of course, you can drive or ride a vehicle registered in another country. People mix concepts, between having a vehicle and driving someone else's vehicle. -Law states your vehicle should be registered and taxed in the country where you have your normal residence.

Can I import my UK car to Spain?

- If you are non resident then you can drive a foreign / UK registered vehicle for up to 6 months before you are legally obliged to import it on to Spanish plates. - If you are a Spanish resident then it's just 30 days.

Can I own a car in the UK if I live abroad?

As you are not resident in the UK with fixed address for insurance/registration purposes etc. you would not be able to legally own and drive a UK registered vehicle.

How long can a UK registered car stay in Europe after Brexit?

UK law still applies to a UK-registered vehicle if you take it abroad for less than 12 months. That means you need to make sure: your vehicle is taxed in the UK while it's abroad. you have a current MOT.

How long is UK car insurance valid in Europe?

Yes – as long as you have a minimum of third party car insurance, you can drive in Europe after Brexit – all UK insurers are legally required to include at least 30 days of European cover per year. If you're planning a longer trip, you might need to take out extra insurance.

Can I drive my UK car in Europe?

You need to carry your UK driving licence with you. You do not need an international driving permit ( IDP ) to visit and drive in the EU , Switzerland, Iceland or Liechtenstein. You might need an IDP to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you have: a paper driving licence.

How much is yearly car tax in Spain?

When you decide to buy a new car in Spain, you will have to pay a 21% of value added tax. This amount is already included in the final price the dealer shows you.

Do Spanish cars have MOT?

If you live in Spain and drive a vehicle on Spanish roads you will need an ITV which is the equivalent of an MOT in the UK. The inspection determines whether your vehicle is roadworthy or not.

How do I pay my car Suma?

Do I need a Spanish driving licence to own a car in Spain?

Whilst it is not necessary to obtain a Spanish licence, strictly speaking, you should carry a translation of your licence in Spanish, just in case you are stopped by the police. This can be obtained from the Real Automovil Club de Espana.

Can I have both EU and UK driving licence?

EU licence-holders visiting the UK can continue to drive using their EU licence without needing an International Driving Permit.