In short: registering in Spain a vehicle imported from a non-EU country takes 5 steps before 3 bodies (Customs, ITV, DGT) + 2 taxes (national IEDMT and municipal IVTM). The process takes 1–2 months; during this time you can request placas verdes provisionales (temporary green plates) to drive legally.
In person or by representative? It's mixed: AEAT steps are online (certificate/Cl@ve or a customs broker), but the ITV (vehicle inspection) and the DGT registration (by prior appointment) require appearing in person. A gestor can handle most of it for you.
Who: any person resident in Spain who has imported a vehicle from a non-EU country. Particularly relevant for Ukrainian Temporary Protection holders — see the specific card on the traslado de residencia regime (exemption from VAT, import duties and IEDMT). If you already have DUA + ITV and only the final steps remain — see the remaining-steps card.
Bodies involved: Customs (AEAT — Tax Agency), ITV station, City Council (IVTM), Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT — Traffic Authority).
Estimated cost (without gestor fees): IEDMT 0–24.75% of value + VAT 21% + import duty ~10% + ITV ~€50 + individual homologation ~€200–500 (if no CoC) + IVTM ~€70–110/year + DGT fee €99.77 + plates ~€15–30.
Steps:
- Customs — DUA at AEAT (sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es). You pay VAT + import duty. You receive certificate H1.
- ITV at a station in your region. With original registration certificate + CoC or individual homologation + H1 + contract/invoice → you receive a reduced technical sheet (ficha reducida).
- IEDMT — declaration-payment Form 576. Rate by CO2: 0% (<120 g/km), 4.75% (120–159), 9.75% (160–199), 14.75% (≥200).
- IVTM — your city's annual vehicle tax.
- DGT — Registration (sede.dgt.gob.es, prior appointment at your Provincial Office). Application form 9050 with: TIE + padrón certificate + H1 + ITV technical sheet + IEDMT receipt + IVTM receipt + contract/invoice + original registration. Tasa 1.1: €99.77 (by card at the Jefatura, no cash, or online). You receive Spanish plates and a Spanish registration certificate.
Official source: DGT — Import a vehicle from outside the EU.
Informational only; check the official source and a professional (gestor) for your specific case.