Vehicle import from Qatar to Spain

How to import a car from Qatar to Spain?

To import a vehicle into Spain, you will need to meet a number of requirements in order to make the process as smooth as possible. This will help you avoid additional costs caused by delays when clearing the vehicle through Spanish Customs.

What documents are required to import a vehicle from Qatar to Spain?

VEHICLE DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

1.- Export certificate: This document is issued by the Qatari authorities and contains the owner's details along with the vehicle's information. It serves as proof of the intention to carry out the export within a specified timeframe. The validity period of the document determines how long you have to complete the export.

2.- Vehicle registration document: In Qatar and Spain, these documents are equivalent and serve the same purpose — think of them as the vehicle's identity card. This document lists all the vehicle's technical specifications, including chassis number, year of manufacture, and other technical data. The owner's details appear on the front side. Please note that these documents must be translated into English or Spanish before being presented to the Spanish Customs authority.

OWNER DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

1.- Deregistration from the Consular Registration. This document must be requested from the Spanish Embassy in Qatar. It is essential if you wish to apply for the duty exemption on grounds of change of residence for the vehicle. It allows you to demonstrate that you have resided in the country of origin for at least 12 consecutive months and to benefit from this exemption. You can apply for consular deregistration by downloading the following form.

2.- National ID (DNI): Both sides must be submitted and be clearly legible.

3.- CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION (EMPADRONAMIENTO): Depending on the municipality where you register, this process may be immediate or deferred. In the latter case, the local council must provide a document acknowledging your application. This proof of application will serve as evidence of residency for customs purposes. In most cases, Customs will also request the final certificate or a signed commitment to submit it within a set deadline.

4.- VEHICLE VALUATION: You may provide the purchase invoice for the vehicle if you have it, or request it from the dealership where the car was purchased. You will also need to consult the tax authority valuation tables to calculate the vehicle's market value (original price minus depreciation based on the vehicle's age).

The documentation requirements outlined above may be expanded in certain cases. Customs has the authority to act on its own initiative and request additional documents, such as the purchase contract or rental agreement for the property where you intend to establish your habitual residence. In short, it is advisable to keep all your documents safely stored — either physically or in the cloud, depending on your preference. We strongly recommend the electronic format, as 100% of the required documentation can be submitted online.