Buying A Car In Spain (Expat Advice)

Living in Spain as an expat means you will need to manage your transportation with care.

It’s common for people to want to drive a car in Spain and make sure they can get from point A to point B easily.

For the most part, driving in Spain is easy but it’s essential to know what the regulations are for expats buying a car in Spain.

With more and more expats coming to Spain, it’s become important to understand what is required to get a vehicle in Spain without issues.

In general, a person can buy a vehicle in Spain without having to be a resident. This means buying a car in pain for non-residents isn’t a big deal and it’s commonly done throughout the country. Even if you have just come, you will be good to go.

This guide is going to showcase what the rules are for buying a car in Spain for expats.

Rules For Buying A Car In Spain

It’s best to start with the basics.

For the most part, you are going to have no issue buying a vehicle in Spain. Expats buying cars in Spain can do so without issue because it’s permitted for them to have ownership of a vehicle as soon as they land.

A lot of people will apply for an international license to make sure the transition is smooth. You can find a Spanish translator if you need to get the official documents translated into Spanish.

The general rule is a foreign citizen is more than welcome to own a vehicle in Spain.

What will you require to complete the transaction?

You are going to require an address in Spain to highlight where you are staying. This is to make sure there is some form of record before ownership is given to you. If you have bought a house, this will be a breeze because you can show the documentation for the house itself.

How To Buy A Car In Spain

Now that you understand the legalities of buying a car in Spain for expats, it’s time to dig deeper into the process itself.

It should be a breeze as Spain is home to a wide array of vehicles. You can find all the makes and models here without too much of a hassle. You can also end up getting a good deal on the European models because they tend to be affordable compared to other vehicles.

Start by making sure you have proof of address and your passport. This will ensure when you do select a vehicle that it is going to be easy to complete the purchase.

Look at the various dealers in the region and find the vehicle that you are looking for. Some expats will want to get a brand-new vehicle and others are going to be more than happy with a used vehicle. This is up to you.

You might have to go through additional requirements when it comes to financing. This happens due to you having to showcase financial health before the loan is given to you. What is going to be required during this process?

It’s going to be the same as any other country.

You will have to show proof of income.

Take the time to do this and you should end up with a good deal as soon as you need it.

It’s also important to think about the documentation you are going to get with the vehicle. It’s not just about what you are going to be giving to the seller.

In essence, you will want to make sure the ownership is given to you for the vehicle. This should have all of the requisite information on it along with the ownership being handed to you.

You will also want to make sure it has passed a safety test which is known as a Ficha Tecnica in Spain. You should also look to have a receipt for the purchase itself that lists the amount you have paid in total.

Car Insurance

What about getting car insurance on the vehicle in Spain?

For the most part, you are going to have to get some form of car insurance as soon as the vehicle is bought. This is due to you not being able to drive the vehicle until you do this and it has to be fully insured by a certified insurer.

You can pick and choose which insurance provides is best for you and go from there. There are numerous options and each one is going to offer a different rate, so do a bit of shopping before signing on the dotted line.

It can be challenging to go through this process but it will be worth it.

Remember that you are going to be paying this insurance company a monthly premium, so getting it right is a must on your end.

Final Thoughts

We recommend following the tips in this guide before buying a car in Spain.

Expats buying a vehicle in Spain should know it’s best to get an international license before coming to the country. This will make it easier to transition to Spain and make sure you can drive whenever you get behind the wheel.

Also, feel free to read more about working remotely abroad, the finest cities in Europe, and locating the Spanish Consulate in America.