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Whether you have bought a new vehicle abroad, or you have simply decided to bring your old vehicle with you to start a new life in the archipelago, the process of registering imported vehicles in Tenerife can be a headache if you are not familiar with the bureaucracy and basic requirements depending on your specific situation. At Asesoría Quintero we provide you with a general guide to help you with this process.
In this guide, we will explain step by step how to register a foreign vehicle in Tenerife, differentiating between when you are importing into or out of the European Union.
It is important to note that certain steps in this guide can be complicated if you are not familiar with Spanish bureaucracy or the language, so it is advisable to rely on an advisor such as Asesoría Quintero to carry out certain procedures.
Registration of a vehicle imported from the EU in Tenerife
When trying to import a vehicle from a member country of the European Union to Tenerife, the process can be smoother thanks to free movement agreements and harmonisation of regulations. However, there are still specific requirements and steps to follow to ensure that the vehicle complies with local regulations and obtains Spanish registration. Here are the steps to register your vehicle from the EU:
STEP 1. Accreditation of vehicle ownership
Securing vehicle ownership is crucial for registration in Spain. If you are buying it for import, you will need a document validating the purchase, such as a sales contract or invoice, backed up by the original vehicle documentation. Include the European Certificate of Conformity.
If you are an existing owner and moving your residence, the original vehicle documentation will serve as proof of ownership for registration in Spain.
STEP 2. Obtain the Spanish ITV technical data sheet
To obtain the Spanish ficha técnica and register your vehicle, it is necessary for it to pass a technical inspection at an authorised ITV station. During this inspection, be sure to bring the following documentation:
- Driving licence from the country of origin.
- Document that proves the homologation of the vehicle to circulate in Spain. This can be:
○ European Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
○ Reduced registration certificate.
○ For vehicles prior to 2002, a personalised homologation document.
- If you are not the owner of the vehicle shown on the registration certificate, you will need to present a contract of sale or invoice for the vehicle.
Once you have passed the inspection, the ITV station will provide you with the vehicle’s ITV certificate in Spanish.
STEP 3. Payment of taxes related to purchase and registration
In order to comply with the tax requirements related to the purchase of vehicles, it is important to bear in mind the following:
For new vehicles purchased in the European Union (EU):
You will need to provide proof of payment of VAT. This can be either form 309 or 300 from the State Tax Agency. You can also prove that you are included in the census of VAT taxpayers.
For used vehicles purchased in the EU:
- If the purchase is between private individuals, you will need a contract of sale, accompanied by a translation, and payment of transfer tax.
- If you bought the vehicle from a dealer in a country other than Spain, you will need to present an invoice including the VAT number.
- If the seller is a Spanish dealer, you will require an invoice and a document issued by the Tax Authorities to justify their activity during the corresponding financial year.
In case you have transferred your residence from an EU country to our country and you already owned the vehicle before the transfer, you will not need to pay the taxes associated with the purchase of the vehicle.
On the other hand, in relation to the taxes linked to the registration, make sure you have the following documents:
- Proof of payment, exemption or not subject to registration tax, using model 576, 06 or 05 of the State Tax Agency.
- Proof of payment or exemption from Road Traffic Tax issued by the Town Hall where you live. Remember that this tax is paid annually and the amount varies according to the power of the vehicle.
It is essential to keep proof of payment of these taxes to avoid future legal problems.
STEP 4. Vehicle registration
Vehicles registered for the first time in Spain
When the vehicle has not been previously registered in Spain, the corresponding registration process will be carried out. During this process, the vehicle will be assigned a registration number and you will be provided with the vehicle’s registration certificate.
Vehicles previously registered in Spain
On the other hand, if your vehicle was previously registered in Spain, for example if you moved out of the country with your vehicle and now return and wish to bring it back with you, a vehicle rehabilitation process will be carried out. This involves recovering the registration that you previously had in our country.
STEP 5. Place your plate with the new number plate
After completing the registration process, it is necessary to obtain the registration plates for your vehicle. You can purchase them from a specialised shop and then properly affix them to your vehicle according to local regulations.
In addition, once the vehicle is registered, it is imperative to take out the mandatory insurance policy. This will ensure that you are legally covered while driving on the roads. Don’t forget to comply with this important requirement to ensure your peace of mind and comply with traffic regulations.
Find out more about the importance of having insurance in Tenerife in our blog article.
At Asesoría Quintero we carry out all the necessary procedures. Fill in the following form and we will contact you as soon as possible.
Registration of an imported vehicle in Tenerife from outside the EU
Importing a vehicle from a non-EU country to Tenerife can present additional challenges due to the need to comply with stricter regulations and often homologation requirements. From customs documentation to technical inspections, each step of the registration process can require meticulous attention to ensure legal compliance.
STEP 1. Proof of vehicle ownership
If you are purchasing a vehicle with the intention of bringing it into our country, it is crucial to ensure ownership of the vehicle from the moment of purchase. To do this, you will need to keep a document that validates this transaction. You may choose to keep a copy of the sales contract, duly signed by both parties, or a purchase invoice detailing the purchase of the vehicle.
STEP 2. Customs formalities
If you are planning to import a vehicle from outside the European Union to our country, you should bear in mind that the initial step is to go through customs. Once at customs, after paying the required taxes and fees, you will be given the Single Administrative Document (DUA). This document is essential and you should keep it carefully, as it will be needed to carry out the vehicle registration process at a later stage.
Keeping the DUA in your possession will allow you to complete the necessary legal formalities for the successful import and registration of your foreign vehicle in our country.
STEP 3. Obtain the Spanish ITV technical data sheet
In order to obtain the Spanish technical card and register your vehicle, it is necessary for it to pass a technical inspection at an authorised ITV station. During this inspection, be sure to bring the following documentation:
- Driving licence from the country of origin.
- Document that proves the homologation of the vehicle to circulate in Spain. This can be:
- European Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
- Reduced registration certificate.
- For vehicles prior to 2002, a personalised homologation document.
- Si no eres el titular del vehículo que consta en el permiso de circulación, necesitarás presentar un contrato de compraventa o factura del vehículo.
If you are not the owner of the vehicle shown on the registration certificate, you will need to present a contract of sale or invoice for the vehicle.
Once you have passed the inspection, the ITV station will provide you with the vehicle’s ITV certificate in Spanish.
STEP 4. Payment of registration-related taxes
It is essential to have the following documents related to vehicle registration and circulation taxes:
For Registration Tax, make sure you have proof of payment, exemption or non-taxation. This can be by means of forms 576, 06 or 05 of the State Tax Agency.
This tax is payable only once and the amount is determined by the CO2 emissions of the vehicle, with the exception of trailers.
Also, be sure to obtain proof of payment or exemption from the road tax from your local council. This tax must be paid annually and the amount varies according to the power of the vehicle.
Remember to keep all proof of payment of these taxes, as they are essential to comply with your tax obligations and avoid legal problems in the future.
STEP 5. Vehicle registration
When the vehicle has not been previously registered in Spain, the corresponding registration process will be carried out. During this process, the vehicle will be assigned a registration number and you will be provided with a vehicle registration certificate.
STEP 6. Attach your plate with the new number plate
After completing the registration process, it is necessary to obtain the registration plates for your vehicle. You can purchase them from a specialised shop and then properly affix them to your vehicle according to local regulations.
In addition, once the vehicle is registered, it is imperative to take out the mandatory insurance policy. This will ensure that you are legally covered while driving on the roads. Don’t forget to comply with this important requirement to ensure your peace of mind and to comply with traffic regulations.
Temporary vehicle registration in Tenerife
It is important to note that until your vehicle is fully registered in our country, you will not be able to drive it legally. As the registration process can take some time, the option of applying for a temporary registration for your vehicle has been provided.
Through this procedure, you will be provided with temporary green-backed registration plates, which will allow you to drive your vehicle for a period of 2 months, with the possibility of extending it if necessary. This measure gives you the flexibility to use your vehicle while you complete the procedures for its final registration, thus ensuring that you can move around legally and safely during the process.
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