Question about importing a car from Canada to Spain
What is the process for importing a car from Canada to Spain as a new resident?
Answers
These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
”Best advice about importing a car from Canada to Spain is: don’t do it! sell it and buy here in Spain. It will have to be modified to pass the ITV and the parking is so tight it will be a mess of scrapes and dings in no time”
What does ITV stand for in Spain? The ITV in Spain refers to a vehicle inspection that verifies whether your vehicle complies with the safety and maintenance requirements set by the Spanish authorities. It is mandatory, and if you operate a vehicle without a valid ITV certificate, you can anticipate penalties, including fines, and potentially having your driver’s license confiscated.
”I was told that it’s not worth it if the car is not made in Europe”
”Yes. If your car is higher-end. High-end cars here are very expensive in Spain. Usually 50-75% more price plus conversion from $ to €) I brought my 2 cars from Canada and had absolutely no issues. But I did my homework first. There are others who experienced horror stories. But if you understand that Spanish bureaucracy can not be changed and you have to live with it you will have no issues. Here are some tips 1. Must have “ Baja Consular” declaration 2. Must have fog lights on the back – do them in Canada if you don’t have them 3. Must know where the chassis serial number is 4. If you do not speak Spanish don’t go to ITV or agencia tributaria assuming they speak English. 5 Stay calm and be happy. There are insurance brokers that will insure your car with your Canadian plates (1-2 months) till you get Spanish ones. Also, they will accept your Cad DL Note: Most likely will scratch your car in the first 2-3 months, but after that, you will be fine. The cost to bring my cars here and to put them on the road here (for me from Toronto) was roughly 3000 $ Cad each (2,078.28 euros). Container, unloading, paperwork, ITV Totally worth it. For me. Others may tell a different story”
”I also shipped my car and had absolutely no issues. I shipped a 40ft container with my household goods and car. My shipping company handled everything and then a local lawyer arranged the engineer’s report, ITV test, and registration. No import taxes or fees, and no special registration tax. The only thing I had to do was add an aftermarket rear fog light; the cost was €100 (total) for light, switch, and installation. I drove my car here with my Canadian plates until I got my Spanish plates. I was insured through Liberty Seguros for my Canadian plates. Absolutely no problems driving anywhere or parking problems. I don’t know why some people always comment on size; lots of bigger vehicles are sold in Spain too”
”Can anyone give a price point though? On average what did you pay to ship your car to Spain? What car did you ship? We want to bring our 2011 VW Tiguan with us to Spain, but not if it’s over 4k”
”Just don’t think about it. Parking spaces – all indoor spaces are incredibly small. There is a huge used car market here plus Spain is a major manufacture centre- the 5th largest maker in the world last time I checked”
”I shipped my car, a 2005 BMW in very good condition to Spain for $2200.00 from Toronto to Valencia. I paid around $2000.00 in tax as I wasn’t moving there yet and was transported to Madrid for around $1800. All Cdn funds. 3 years ago”
So in conclusion, According to Spainguru Facebook group members, importing a car from Canada to Spain as a new resident can be done with proper preparation and understanding of Spanish requirements. It involves obtaining necessary declarations, meeting regulations such as fog lights, and navigating bureaucracy. Seeking assistance from shipping companies and local lawyers is advisable. Costs can vary, and it’s important to consider parking and local car market availability. Ultimately, individual experiences may differ.
Related article:
Has anyone imported a US car to Spain? Recommend? Cost? Tips appreciated!
