Importing an American Car to Spain: 2026 Guide

This guide summarizes what you are responsible for when registering a car in Spain and the indicative costs for 2026. Values should be confirmed with the authorities or a broker before each purchase.

How does delivery work in Spain?

• Selection in the USA. Licensed dealer in the USA, with access to thousands of cars in every state. Before any commitment, you will receive photos, available documents, and the type of title (clean, salvage, rebuilt).
• Maritime transport. From the USA to Europe, with assistance until arrival.
• Customs processed. The car is cleared through customs upon entry into the EU: customs duties are never paid a second time in Spain.
• Delivery in Spain. Delivery to your dealership or your address. You can also choose a car from our stock in Portugal.

Customs duties and VAT

Customs duties. From July 1, 2026, cars manufactured in the USA, with proven origin, enter the EU with 0 % duty (Regulation (EU) 2026/1455, in force until 12/31/2029). Classic cars 30 years old or more, in original condition and of a discontinued model, enter as collector's items (code 9705), also with 0 % duty. In both cases, nothing to pay in Spain.

VAT. For a reseller with a valid VAT number (VIES), the sale is made without Portuguese VAT, and VAT is automatically charged in Spain. For a private individual, the VAT from the Portuguese invoice or the margin scheme applies. The exact framework is specified in each proposal.

Registration tax (IEDMT)

The IEDMT (Tax on the Use of Motor Vehicles) is calculated based on CO2 emissions: 0 % up to 120 g/km, 4.75 %, 9.75 % and 14.75 % above 200 g/km. A classic car without documented CO2 values generally pays the maximum rate (some autonomous communities apply more). The base is the tax value set by the Ministry of Finance, depreciated with age. It is declared on form 576 before the registration request at the DGT (Spanish Directorate-General for Traffic).

Individual homologation and ITV

Without a European Certificate of Conformity (COC), the car requires individual homologation (headlights, speedometer in km/h, emissions) and then import inspection (ITV). Expect several months and a significant budget, depending on the model.

Historic vehicle regime

Royal Decree 892/2024, in force since 01/10/2024, allows a car 30 years old or older to be classified as historic after inspection by a Historic Vehicle Technical Service and ITV. Periodic inspections become less frequent with age.

Annual tax

IVTM (annual municipal tax). Many municipalities grant discounts, up to 100 %, for historic vehicles or vehicles over 25 years old — it depends on the municipality.

Indicative costs in Spain (2026)

Heading	Indicative value
IEDMT — classic CO2-free certified	As a rule, 14.75 % of the tax value
Model 576	Before enrollment
Individual homologation + ITV	Under budget, several months
DGT Fee	≈ 100 €
IVTM (municipal)	Discount possible for history negotiators

Indicative prices, excluding transport and car price. Taxation changes frequently: confirm with the Spanish authorities or a customs broker.

For resellers and individuals

• Resellers. Dealer prices and terms negotiated on a case-by-case basis, with access to B2B program.
• Private individuals. We also sell directly, with the legal guarantee of conformity.
• Pre-purchase inspection. Upon request, made by an industry professional (paid service).

Do you want an American car in Spain?

Tell us the model, year, and budget: we'll search in the US or suggest a car from our stock. Contact us on WhatsApp, see the cars available or make one customized search.

Frequently asked questions

Why does a classic car pay the maximum IEDMT rate? Because the tax rate depends on the homologated CO2 emissions, and an older car rarely has that value. Without that value, the highest tax bracket is applied to the established tax value.

How long does the approval process take? It depends on the model and the technical workshop: from a few weeks to several months.

Does the historical regime reduce IEDMT? We did not find any exemption from IEDMT specific to the historical regime. The advantages are mainly in inspection and, in many municipalities, in IVTM.

Other destinations in Europe

Portugal · Germany · France · Belgium · Netherlands · Italy · Poland · Austria · Switzerland · Luxembourg · Ireland · Sweden · Denmark · Norway

All destinations: importing an American car to Europe

Sources: dgt.es (Regulation of Historic Vehicles); Tax Agency (form 576). Last checked: October 2026.

In stock or on its way

Public prices, without Portuguese registration.

1972 Chevrolet C10 Short Bed — LS 6.0 engine, 22/24-inch wheels61 500 €1966 Ford Mustang Convertible — California car, automatic convertible top.49 000 €1969 Plymouth Road Runner — Drag car, new 440 engine64 500 €1982 Chevrolet Corvette — 24,251 original miles, Cross-Fire Injection34 000 €1966 Ford Mustang — Red, V8, Carfax report37 500 €1968 Chevrolet K10 4x4 — Restored show truck, 46,000 original miles.64 500 €

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