English Reg Car in Spain

[PhillipJLloyd]

The length of time an English car can remain in Spain is also dependant upon ownership of the vehicle. If for example you have a residence in the UK where the car is registered and then spend time in Spain and you reach the limit of time allowed then the simplest way around the problem is to transfer ownership from you to your partner, they then have the right to have that car in Spain for the same amount of time as you, you would of course need to insure the vehicle on a green card as most UK insurances do not cover vehicles for more than 90 days in a given year for overseas travel.

One way of never registering a car in Spain. Save you a lot of money to !!

[ginger]

Gus's info is absolutely correct.  I have friends who have owned an apartment in Spain for 15+ years. They are on the Foreigners' Register (NIE) and local Padron.  When they increased their visits following retirement they bought a Spanish registered car which is kept in their apartment garage when not here.  They keep it insured and taxed and plan a visit every 2 years to tie in with the ITV. For financial reasons they do not exceed 183 days total visits in any one year as they choose not to be tax resident. This way they remain totally legal.  I don't know if this might give you any thoughts on how to manage your visits.

[gus-lopez]

How long can an English Registrated Car stay in Spain. What happens if you come for four months earlier on in the year then go back to the U.K. for four months then come back later in the same year. How long can you stay the second time ?

"You " can't come for 4 months. 90 days & you have to register on the foreigners list. If you are complying correcly, then the car can be used for 6 months in any 12 month period. It used to have to be  "sealed "  ,(precintado ) years ago but they aren't to keen on doing it now. They much prefer the UK method of 6 months then remove it from the country for 6 months before it can return again.

If  you are staying illegally for 4 months then if caught the car would have to be replated immediately.

The basic rule is if you spend at least or more 181 days in any country in any one year you are considered to be a resident of the country therefore  you should change the registration of anything like car ASAP after this time though you will probably get away with longer, keep all paperwork such as your ferry ticket to show the vehicle has not been in the country beyond the stipulated time limit.

No that is for tax residency & the 183 days is cumulative ,whereas for registration on the foreigners list it is 90 days & is consecutive. I.e. if you leave for a day then the clock resets but it is up to you to have cast iron proof.

[hyacintho]

The basic rule is if you spend at least or more 181 days in any country in any one year you are considered to be a resident of the country therefore  you should change the registration of anything like car ASAP after this time though you will probably get away with longer, keep all paperwork such as your ferry ticket to show the vehicle has not been in the country beyond the stipulated time limit.

[Karen4]

I think it might be 6 months in any 12 month period. If you're registered as resident in Spain you should have re- registered your car within a certain time anyway.
http://www.tumbit.com/how-to-guides/articles/23-how-to-import-or-re-register-a-uk-car-in-spain.html

[cactusqueen]

How long can an English Registrated Car stay in Spain. What happens if you come for four months earlier on in the year then go back to the U.K. for four months then come back later in the same year. How long can you stay the second time ?