Registering a car in Spain on the Costa Blanca is a chore that most Poles living in places like Alicante, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Benidorm, Calpe or Altea face sooner or later. The procedure differs from that known in Poland, and additional complications arise when the car is in Poland and is to be brought to Spain.
In this article, we explain:
- What car registration looks like in Spain on the Costa Blanca,
- What documents are required,
- How the registration of a car from Poland in Spain goes,
- How long the whole process takes and how much it costs in the Costa Blanca region.
When is it necessary to register a car in Spain?
The car must be registered in Spain if:
- you are a resident in Spain,
- You stay in the country more than 183 days a year,
- You use the vehicle permanently in the Costa Blanca.
Prolonged driving on Polish plates in Spain can lead to a fine and, in extreme cases, to the arrest of the vehicle.
Car registration on the Costa Blanca – basic information
The registration process takes place at three main institutions:
- DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) – usually in Alicante,
- ITV Comunidad Valenciana stations,
- The local municipal office (Ayuntamiento) with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Option 1: Register a car that is already on the Costa Blanca
Applies to individuals who:
- Have bought a car in Spain,
- Have acquired a car from another Costa Blanca resident,
- have a vehicle already imported to Spain.
1. number NIE and empadronamiento
To register a car in Spain, the following are required:
- NO number,
- empadronamiento (registration) in a municipality, such as Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa or Benidorm.
2 ITV technical survey on the Costa Blanca
Every car must pass ITV:
- standard technical examination,
- ficha técnica edition.
In the Comunidad Valenciana, ITV inspections are detailed and restrictive.
3. local taxes
You must pay before registering:
- Impuesto de Circulación – road tax at the municipal office,
- possibly Impuesto de Matriculación – dependent on CO₂ emissions.
4. registration with DGT
With a set of documents, you submit an application to:
- DGT Alicante,
- or through a local gestor operating on the Costa Blanca.
Once approved:
- you receive a registration number,
- permiso de circulación,
- you make license plates.
Option 2: Car registration from Poland on the Costa Blanca
This is the most common situation among Poles moving to the Costa Blanca.
1. documents prepared in Poland
Even before you leave, it’s a good idea to gather:
- registration certificate,
- Vehicle card (if there was one),
- Sales contract or invoice,
- valid OC.
2. transportation of the car from Poland to Spain
The most popular options:
- car ride on wheels,
- transportation by trailer,
- transportation by a shipping company.
3. sworn translations
To register a car from Poland in Spain, the following are required:
- Sworn translations of documents into Spanish.
Without them, DGT will not accept the application.
4. ITV imports in Comunidad Valenciana
A car from Poland must pass the import ITV, which includes:
- VIN check,
- Verification of technical parameters,
- Often required Certificate of Compliance (COC).
5. taxes when importing a car from Poland
Mostly:
- no duty (EU),
- possible registration tax,
- Mandatory road tax in the municipality.
Individuals transferring residency to the Costa Blanca can take advantage of the tax exemption (cambio de residencia).
6. registration with DGT Alicante
The final step is:
- Submission of a set of documents,
- registration fee,
- assigning a number,
- manufacture of license plates.
How long does it take to register a car on the Costa Blanca?
Average duration:
- car bought in Spain: 1-3 weeks,
- car from Poland: 3-6 weeks.
The timing depends on:
- ITV terms,
- DGT occupancy,
- The completeness of the documents.
Is it worth using a gestor on the Costa Blanca?
There are a number of gestors on the Costa Blanca that specialize in serving foreigners.
Advantages:
- Knowledge of local offices,
- time savings,
- assistance in Polish or English.
Disadvantages:
- additional cost.
Summary – registering a car on the Costa Blanca
Registering a car in Spain on the Costa Blanca is a process that requires good organization, especially if you are bringing a car from Poland. Correct documents, a positive ITV and clearance of local taxes are crucial.
A well-conducted registration allows you to move legally and smoothly in Spain.
Leave a Reply