Sometimes buying a motorhome in another country (Germany, France, the Netherlands, with large markets and well-kept vehicles) can pay off. But bringing it into Spain and being able to drive it legally involves a series of import and registration procedures worth knowing before you dive in. Here are the general steps; as this is a regulatory matter, always confirm the details with official sources or a specialist agent.
The general steps
- Purchase and documentation of origin: getting all the vehicle's paperwork in the country of origin (permit, technical sheet, invoice).
- Deregistration in the country of origin and temporary driving permits to bring it over.
- Taxes: settling VAT (specific rules apply to intra-EU purchases between private individuals) and the registration tax, which depends on emissions and value.
- Type approval / Spanish technical sheet: obtaining technical documentation valid in Spain, sometimes with an inspection.
- Registration roadworthiness test: passing the test to legalise the vehicle (see the roadworthiness test).
- Registration with the traffic authority: local tax, fees and getting the Spanish plates.
[Note: taxes, fees and specific requirements according to current regulations and the country of origin.]
Things worth bearing in mind
- The procedures take time and money: add the taxes and fees to the purchase price to see whether it really pays off.
- Conversions: if the camper comes already converted, those conversions need to be approvable in Spain (see getting it approved).
- A specialist agent can save you a lot of headaches with the import.
- Language and distance complicate the purchase and any after-sales issues.
Does it pay off?
It depends. In some cases, the saving on the price outweighs the paperwork; in others, between taxes, agent fees and travel, the saving evaporates. Do the full cost sums before deciding.
In summary
Importing and registering a motorhome in Spain involves documentation of origin, taxes, type approval, a roadworthiness test and registration with the traffic authority, with time and cost that need adding to the price. The step you can take today: if buying abroad tempts you, work out the total cost with all taxes and fees (ideally with a specialist agent) and compare it with buying in Spain; only then will you know whether it truly pays off.
