How to legally own a car in the Spain? In general, owning a car in Spain is considered to be relatively easy compared to other countries, but the process of obtaining and registering a vehicle can be time-consuming and bureaucratic.
How to legally own a car in the Spain?
[toc]
What conditions do I need to own a car in the Spain?
To own a car in Spain, you need to meet the following conditions:
- Be at least 18 years old: You need to be at least 18 years old to legally own a car in Spain.
- Have a valid driving license: To drive a car in Spain, you need to have a valid driving license. If you are a non-EU citizen, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home country’s driving license.
- Obtain a Vehicle Registration Certificate (Permiso de Circulación): The vehicle registration certificate proves that you are the legal owner of the car. You need to apply for this certificate at the Provincial Traffic Headquarters (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico) or at your local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento).
- Get car insurance: It is mandatory to have third-party liability insurance to drive a car in Spain. You can get car insurance from any insurance company in Spain.
- Pay the necessary taxes and fees: When you buy a car in Spain, you need to pay a number of taxes and fees, including the Value Added Tax (VAT) and the Road Tax (Impuesto de Circulación).
- Pass the mandatory vehicle inspection (ITV): All vehicles in Spain must pass a mandatory vehicle inspection (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos or ITV) to ensure that they meet the safety and emissions standards.
Once you have fulfilled these conditions, you can legally own and drive a car in Spain.
If I’m not a Spanish citizen, can I legally own a vehicle in the Spain?
Yes, it is possible for non-Spanish citizens to own a vehicle in Spain. However, there are certain requirements and procedures that need to be followed.
What conditions do I need to own a car in the Spain for a non-Spainish citizen?
To own a car in Spain as a non-Spanish citizen, you will need to have a valid residence permit or be a registered non-resident. Additionally, you will need to have a valid Spanish driver’s license or an international driving permit. You will also need to purchase insurance coverage for the vehicle, pay any applicable taxes and fees, and register the vehicle with the relevant authorities. Finally, you will need to comply with all traffic and safety regulations in Spain, including carrying required safety equipment in your vehicle and adhering to speed limits and traffic laws.
How to register a vehicle in Spain?
To register a vehicle in Spain, you will need to follow these steps:
- Obtain a digital certificate: Before you can register a vehicle online, you need to obtain a digital certificate from the Spanish tax agency. This certificate is necessary for all online procedures with the Spanish government.
- Obtain a technical inspection: You will need to get your vehicle inspected by an authorized technical inspection center. This inspection is necessary to ensure that your vehicle meets safety and environmental standards.
- Pay the registration tax: Once you have passed the technical inspection, you will need to pay the registration tax, which is a one-time fee based on the vehicle’s value.
- Complete the registration process: You can complete the registration process online through the Directorate General of Traffic website. You will need to provide various documents, including the vehicle’s technical inspection certificate, proof of payment of the registration tax, and proof of ownership.
- Obtain license plates: Once your vehicle is registered, you will need to obtain license plates from a local vehicle registration office.
Note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the type of vehicle and your individual circumstances. It may be helpful to consult with a local expert or the Spanish government website for more information.