Spain Advice & FAQ

Yes, with our online car ownership transfer service. We complete all the forms, pay the taxes and submit the ownership change. Straightforward cases with complete documents are normally submitted the same or next working day. Your new Permiso de Circulación (logbook) can take up to two weeks to arrive.

To transfer vehicle ownership in Spain, the following paperwork is typically required:

1. Proof of identity for both parties
2. Proof of address for the buyer
3. Vehicle documentation, including the Permiso de Circulación (logbook) and Ficha Técnica (specification sheet)
4. Proof of previous years’ road tax paid
5. Sales contract or invoice if buying from a company

The buyer has 30 days to complete the ownership transfer and should send the seller a copy of the Permiso de Circulación to prove the transfer is complete.

The ITP (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales) tax is usually between 4-8% of the fiscal value of the vehicle. It is paid using the Modelo 620/621 form.

To transfer car ownership in Spain, the cost typically includes a Tráfico fee of €55.70 (€27.85 for mopeds) and a transfer tax of 4-8% of the official/fiscal value of the vehicle, depending on the region and the type and size of the engine. In addition to these fees, there may be a gestor fee if you use the services of a professional.

The process can also be done online by us for a fee of €50, plus the official fees and taxes. It’s important to note that the transfer tax has nothing to do with the sale price of the vehicle. The exact cost may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the region in Spain where the transfer takes place.

It's the buyer’s responsibility to transfer vehicle ownership to themselves. .

The buyer pays the ITP tax (Modelo 621).

Yes you can, but be aware there are usually problems when it comes to the transfer process. Car dealers can’t legally sell a Spanish-registered car in the UK and so act as ‘middle-men’. For more information, read our article about buying a Spanish-registered car in the UK.

Yes. UK licences can still be exchanged if your Spanish residency began after the date your licence was first obtained and the licence had not expired before your residency began. The six-month period is how long you may drive in Spain on a UK licence; it isn’t the deadline for submitting the exchange.

Learn more about our UK to Spanish driving licence exchange.

It may be possible if the licence expired after your Spanish residency began. However, you cannot drive on an expired UK licence during the exchange process. Send us a copy of your driving licence and residency card, both sides, so we can check eligibility.

No, all UK driving licences are numbered. The DVLA will inform the DGT if you have ordered a new copy of your licence or if you are still holding an older licence, and the exchange will be delayed until you hand these in. We have had people try and fail!

Yes. We currently register eligible EU-registered vehicles in Málaga and across the Costa del Sol. We coordinate the ITV, taxes, DGT registration and Spanish plates. We don't currently register UK vehicles. If you would like a free quote for vehicle importation into Spain or changing your EU plates to Spanish plates, then contact us and we will be happy to help.

Yes. Simple English Advice can arrange your NIE entirely remotely while you remain in your own country. You do not need to travel to Spain for the application. Contact us and we'll explain the process and the documents needed for your case.

Yes, as long as they have an NIE and proof of a Spanish address, such as a rental contract, house deeds or empadronamiento.

Anyone can buy a car in Spain. The problem comes when trying to transfer ownership into their name. To legally own the vehicle, they must have an NIE document and proof of a Spanish address. Some places are now refusing to issue an NIE number on the basis of buying a car.

We and other agencies have been advising residents with the old Green Certificate (green A4 certificate or credit card-sized piece of paper) to update to a TIE card for years now. There are a couple of reasons:

1. Although the old green document is still supposed to be legally recognised in Spain, many people have come across certain agencies either not accepting it or delaying processes because of it. This is further complicated when the document is old and has become illegible.
2. The new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will only accept the TIE card as proof of Spanish residency. Holders of the old green card may not be able to use it as proof of legal residency status at Spanish or other Schengen borders. This means they may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen area and denied entry.

The Spanish Golden Visa programme ended on 3 April 2025. Renewals for visa holders approved before this date are allowed under the regulations in effect at the time of their initial approval.

The Padrón is the common name for a Certificado de Empadronamiento (Certificate of Registration). This document certifies your address and habitual residence in Spain. It’s needed to carry out certain administrative procedures in Spain. You can get it from your local Town Hall.

Yes, a digital certificate allows you to do online procedures with the Spanish Public Administration. You can pay taxes, make appointments, sign forms and documents electronically, etc. It is an essential tool if you live in Spain, or even if you don’t but have a property or other interests here. With appointments at government agencies becoming harder to get, a digital certificate can save a lot of time and stress.

No. On 19 May 2026, the Spanish Supreme Court annulled the parts of Royal Decree 1312/2024 that created the national Registro Único de Arrendamientos and required property owners to obtain an NRA through the Property Registry before advertising short-term accommodation on online platforms.

The ruling was partial. It didn't remove regional or local tourism-registration, licensing or planning requirements. Property owners must still comply with the rules that apply in their autonomous community and municipality.

The main reason is we just don’t like Facebook! We had one for a few years but deleted it because we got too many time wasters. We also get more than enough work through recommendations and our webpage without it.