Shipping a car from Canada to Spain? An unusual request arrived in our inbox today.
How do you import a car from Canada if you intend to move to Spain?
First of all, it’s important to know that since Canada is outside Europe, the car will need to go through customs in order to be allowed into the country.
During this process, you’ll be required to pay 21% VAT (IVA) and 10% in customs fees. Both are calculated on the current value of the car.
Additionally, there is a registration tax: 16% of the current value of the vehicle.
This means a total of 47% of the vehicle’s current value will need to be paid in taxes.
The only way to avoid these tax payments is by proving a change of residence. To do this, you must meet the following requirements:
Requirements:
- Residence in the country of origin for at least one year with proof. You’ll need a Consular Discharge or a certificate from the city hall in your country of origin. If you don’t have a consular certificate, you might be able to obtain the exemption by providing an income tax return from recent years, a work contract, a residence permit, etc.
- Use and registration in the country of origin. You must have used the vehicle and had it registered in your name for at least one year before the change of residence.
- Registration in Spain: Once in Spain, it’s essential to register with the local municipality to prove your new residence. The authorities will use the date of your registration in the Padron as the official start date of your residency in Spain.
Documentation Required:
- Vehicle purchase contract or invoice.
- DNI (for Spanish citizens) or NIE.
- Passport.
- Original vehicle registration certificate.
- Padrón (wait until we confirm the vehicle’s ownership start date before obtaining this).
- Certificate of Discharge from the city hall in your country of origin. This proves you lived there for at least 12 consecutive months within the last year.
If you don’t have a Consular Discharge, you must provide any official document. You do this by proving your residency in the country of origin. (for example, a residence permit, work contract from your previous employer, letter from your company verifying your employment duration, rental contract, or tax declarations from your country of origin).
