Bring Your Car and Move to Spain: The Ultimate Guide

So, you’re thinking of moving to Spain with your car? That’s great! But you’re not just thinking about luggage and boxes. You’re thinking about the four-wheeled buddy that you’re carrying with you too. Moving to Spain with a car is just like riding a roller coaster, but don’t you worry because I’m gonna take you through each step. Ready? Let’s roll!

Why Ship Your Car to Spain?

Why on earth would one want to put in all the effort to move one’s car to Spain? Having a car of one’s own in Spain makes all the difference. Just imagine driving through the winding routes of Andalusia or that impromptu weekend to explore these beautiful coastal towns. There is something comforting about having your car as you get to know a new country.

Moving to Spain with Your Car Step 1: Do Your Homework

Before you even think about hitting the road, there’s a bit of groundwork to lay. Moving a car internationally involves more than just hopping on the next ferry.

Research Import Regulations

The rules on the importation of vehicles into Spain are many, and they could differ depending on whether your vehicle comes from within the European Union or otherwise. If you are of EU origin, then that should be pretty much straightforward. If from another part of the world outside the EU, then be ready to content with a little more paperwork.

Emission Standards

Spain takes emission issues seriously. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona will not compromise in maintaining strict standards of pollution reduction, so your car has to meet these standards unless you want to feature in your nightmare in the face of hefty fines. So call it a green light for your car to roam the streets of Spain.

Moving to Spain with Your Car Step 2: Gather all your paperwork.

You’ll need a fat stack of documents, among which the most indispensable will be your car’s registration and ownership proof, and perhaps a Certificate of Conformity, or COC—a document that testifies that your car meets EU standards and specifications. I suppose one may even call it the car’s passport.

Preparing Your Car for the Move

Now that the paperwork is in order, it’s time to get your car ready for the move. This’s more than just a stop by to see your friendly, old-fashioned mechanic.

Servicing Your Car

It’s adventure time, so let it go out in style. Get a full service to make sure everything is OK. Check the oil, brakes, tires — everything. That is like getting your car a clean bill of health before you send it off to its new home.

Clean Your Car

A clean car’s a happy car, right? Have a good wash on the inside and out. Not only will it look nice; often it’s required by customs inspections too. Plus, you really don’t want to turn up in Spain in a car full of old coffee cups and dog hair.

Moving to Spain with Your Car Step 3: The Actual Move

Your car is prepped, your paperwork’s in order—now let’s talk about how to actually get your car to Spain.

Driving to Spain

If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to drive all the way to Spain in your car. Careful, though—rest and overnight stops are imperative. You can almost picture it now: you, the open road, and a stereo full of your favorite tunes moving to Spain with your car.

Now, of course, if the drive proves to be a bit daunting and impossible to drive, definitely vehicle shipping is available to opt for. There are plenty of international car shipping companies that handle everything for you. Yes, that can be expensive, but this way, you wouldn’t have to do a very long drive and find wear on your car either.

Moving to Spain with Your Car Step 4: Arriving in Spain

You are here in Spain—congratulations! But hold on, there may be a couple more steps to make your car legal.

Temporary Import

You can bring in your car for temporary importation for a maximum period of six months without having to pay any kind of duty or tax, but you will need insurance and all the papers ready. It’s just like a trial period for your car in its new Spanish environment.

Registering Your Car

In case you are going to spend a longer period in the country, you will have to register your vehicle in Spain. This includes getting a Spanish matrícula, or number plate, and paying any due taxes. Do it in the shortest time possible; you never know when you will meet a fine or another legal problem for not doing things by the book. It is something of a bureaucratic maze but very necessary.

Spanish MOT (ITV)

Your car will need to undergo the Spanish equivalent of an MOT test, known as ITV. This is the short-form for Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, which confirms your vehicle’s safety conditions and environmental standards in Spain. It may be regarded as a form of baptism into the commencement of its life in Spain.

Step 5: Start Enjoying Your New Life in Spain!

Now all formality is behind you, kick-start your new life in Spain—be it running hastily around the streets of Barcelona or sitting on the edge of Pyrenees, quietly watching the nature pass by. With a car of your own, every drive will be unforgettable.

Final Tips for a Smooth Transition

Learn a little Spanish: While most of the Spaniards you are going to meet speak English, having a few words in basic Spanish will help during registration and, anyway, be very useful in your day-to-day life. It’s also fun as a way to connect to the culture.

Know the Local Driving Laws: You would be so surprised how Spanish driving laws are very different from what you are used to. For instance, it is illegal to drive with flip-flops. Take some time to get familiar with these laws so you don’t get fined for some offense.

Get Insurance: Make sure your car insurance covers you in Spain; you may need a Spanish insurance policy. That could be one less worry while you’re moving to Spain with your car.

Make Your Move Yours

Make every move special, as every car is. You probably don’t just see a car as a means of transport but also as an abode on wheels—an accomplice in your travel escapades. So, shape your move according to your needs and idiosyncrasies of that special car.

Find Scenic Routes: If you’re going to drive, map out a route so you can get some good scenery in while you’re on the road. Turn your move into an awesome one by just going on an epic road trip. Pack a few of the following into your car with you during your journey: snacks, water, first-aid kit, blanket—all those ‘just in case’ kinds of things.

Keep in touch with family and friends back home and let them know how you get on. Share the experiences and wonderful vistas that you meet on your way.

Living like the Spanish

Residing in Spain means a different culture for you, and so it can be for your car too. The Spaniards are easy-going with life in general, and driving is no exception.

Siesta Time: Remember, most companies shut down about noon for siesta. Do your running around beforehand.
Parking Woes: The general parking is simply atrocious; cities in particular can be tough. Find public lots or garages to avoid a fine. Check Out Local Spots: Otherwise, discover the various more off-the-beaten-path places you can get to with your car—Spain’s full of surprises.

Conclusion: Ready to Roll

Bringing your car to Spain might be a bit of a problem, but the right preparation will definitely help in going through the process smoothly and as excitingly as it can be. From researching regulations and preparing the car to hitting Spanish roads and embracing local customs, every step closer to a new adventure.

So, pack your bags, get your car ready, and hit that Spanish adventure high with confidence. Be it the drive to watch sunsets on the Costa del Sol or carving through the Pyrenees, that trusty car will be there with you all the way to make it memorable when you’re moving to Spain with your car. ¡Buen viaje!