How to Ship a Car from the UK to Spain: A Complete Guide

Shipping a car from the UK to Spain typically takes 2–5 days by sea freight (RoRo) or 5–10 days by road, with costs starting from around £495 depending on the method and vehicle size. Spain is one of the UK’s most popular car shipping destinations — whether you are relocating, buying a car in the UK to use at a Spanish property, or moving a vehicle for a family member. This guide covers every method available, the post-Brexit rules for keeping a UK-registered car in Spain, customs requirements, and how to prepare your vehicle before collection.

Shipping Methods: Road vs Sea

Spain is unusual among international car shipping destinations in that it offers both road transport and sea freight as practical options. The right choice depends on your timeline, vehicle condition, and budget.

Sea Freight to Spain (RoRo)

Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) sea freight operates on a fixed weekly sailing schedule from UK ports to Santander and Bilbao [verify Bilbao status] in northern Spain. The vehicle is driven aboard the vessel and secured for the crossing.

Key details:

• Transit time: 2–5 days from UK departure port to arrival in Spain
• Cost: From £495 [confirm correct figure with ShipCars]
• Ports: UK departure to Santander and/or Bilbao — both are in northern Spain, well-connected by road to the rest of the country
• Added mileage: Zero — the vehicle is not driven during transit
• Vehicle condition: Running vehicles only for standard RoRo

RoRo is the fastest and most cost-effective sea freight option for Spain. It suits most standard vehicles and is the method ShipCars recommends for straightforward Spain shipments.

Learn more about RoRo car shipping →

Container shipping to Spain is also available for classic, luxury, or high-value vehicles that require additional protection during transit.

Container car shipping explained →

Road Transport Options

For customers who prefer or require road transport — or whose vehicle cannot be shipped by sea — three road options are available.

Option 1 — Multi-Car Transporter (Shared)

A multi-car transporter carries several vehicles at once on an enclosed or open trailer, consolidating loads via UK and European depots before delivery.

• Transit time: 2–4 weeks (slower due to depot consolidation)
• Added mileage: Zero
• Vehicle condition: Running vehicles only
• Cost: Most economical road option
• Best for: Buyers with flexible timing who want the lowest road transport cost

Option 2 — Trade Plate Driver

A professional driver collects the vehicle from your UK address and drives it to your Spanish destination on a trade plate, typically via the Channel Tunnel or ferry.

• Transit time: 5–7 days door-to-door
• Added mileage: Approximately 1,200 miles (UK collection point to Spanish destination)
• Vehicle condition: Running vehicles and some non-runners (on a braked trailer)
• Cost: Mid-range
• Best for: Customers who need reliable door-to-door delivery within a set timeline

Note: The additional 1,200 miles will register on the vehicle’s odometer. If you are shipping a low-mileage or high-value car where odometer accuracy matters, consider an alternative method.

Option 3 — Dedicated Single Transporter

A sole-use single-car trailer carries only your vehicle, typically enclosed, with no depot stops.

• Transit time: 7–10 days door-to-door
• Added mileage: Zero
• Vehicle condition: Running vehicles and non-runners
• Cost: Premium — the highest-cost road option
• Best for: Classic cars, luxury vehicles, non-runners, and owners who want sole-use, enclosed transport

Method Comparison Table

Get a free, itemised quote for your Spain shipment →

Post-Brexit Rules: Keeping a UK Car in Spain

Since the UK left the EU, the rules for UK-registered vehicles in Spain depend on how long you intend to keep the car there. The two situations are very different.

If You Are Staying for Less Than 6 Months

A UK-registered car can be used in Spain for up to six months in any 12-month period without being formally imported. To drive it legally during this period, you need:

• A valid UK driving licence (or international driving permit if required)
• The V5C logbook (carry it in the car)
• Valid UK motor insurance — contact your insurer for a Green Card (formal proof of insurance cover for EU use)
• A UK sticker displayed on the rear of the vehicle (the GB oval is no longer sufficient — use a UK sticker)

After six months, the vehicle must either be returned to the UK or permanently imported into Spain.

Source: gov.uk — Taking a vehicle out of the UK — verify against current guidance before publishing, as rules can change.

If You Are Staying for More Than 6 Months (Permanent Import)

If you plan to keep the car in Spain permanently — as a resident, or for use at a property you occupy for more than six months in a year — you must formally import the vehicle into Spain. This involves:

1. Notify the UK DVLA Complete and detach the yellow V5C/2 section (section 5 of your V5C logbook) and send it to the DVLA to notify them of the permanent export. Retain the main V5C document.

2. Pay Spanish import taxes

• Spanish VAT (IVA): 21% on the vehicle’s assessed value
• Import duty: Standard rate applies for vehicles imported from outside the EU — [PLACEHOLDER: verify current rate with Spanish customs authority (Agencia Tributaria) before publishing]
• Exemptions may apply — for example, residents relocating permanently to Spain may qualify for a transfer-of-residence relief. This should be confirmed with a Spanish tax adviser or gestor.

3. Pass the ITV test The ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) is the Spanish equivalent of an MOT. UK-spec vehicles must pass the ITV to be registered in Spain.

4. Register with the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico Once the ITV is passed and taxes are settled, the vehicle is registered with the local traffic authority and issued Spanish plates.

⚠️ Regulatory note: Spanish import tax rates and exemption rules are set by Spanish law and can change. Verify with the Agencia Tributaria (aeat.es) or a qualified Spanish gestor before relying on any figures. ShipCars handles UK export documentation; Spanish import tax and re-registration is the responsibility of the owner or their appointed Spanish agent.

Documents You Need to Ship a Car to Spain

UK-side documents (for shipping)

• V5C logbook — the primary vehicle ownership document; required for the export declaration
• Proof of identity — passport or driving licence
• Proof of ownership — purchase invoice or title if recently bought
• Green Card (if driving in Spain) — obtain from your UK insurer

For a permanent import into Spain

• V5C (main document — retain this)
• V5C/2 (yellow slip) — sent to DVLA to notify permanent export
• Certificate of Conformity (CoC) — issued by the vehicle manufacturer; confirms the vehicle meets European technical standards. May be required for Spanish ITV registration. Contact the manufacturer or a main dealer.
• Proof of insurance (Spanish policy required for registration)
• ITV certificate (once passed)

Vehicle Preparation Before Collection

Before your vehicle is collected for shipping to Spain:

• Reduce fuel to below a quarter tank — a requirement for all sea freight and most road transport
• Remove all personal belongings — items left in the vehicle are not covered by marine insurance on RoRo sailings and may be removed or lost
• Remove roof boxes, bike racks, and external accessories where possible — these can increase transport costs and may be damaged in transit
• Photograph the vehicle thoroughly before collection — exterior all-round, interior, existing damage — to protect yourself if a dispute arises on delivery
• Ensure the vehicle is driveable if using a method that requires a running vehicle; inform ShipCars if it is a non-runner so the correct method is booked

Full guide to photographing your car before shipping →

Pre-Shipment Checklist for Spain

• Chosen the right shipping method (RoRo, road transporter, or trade plate driver)
• V5C logbook located and ready
• Proof of identity confirmed
• Staying under or over six months? (determines whether permanent import is required)
• Green Card arranged with UK insurer (if driving in Spain)
• UK sticker fitted to rear of vehicle
• Fuel reduced to below a quarter tank
• Personal belongings removed
• Vehicle photographed thoroughly before collection
• Non-runner status confirmed with Ship Cars if applicable
• Quote received and method confirmed

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Spain?

Sea freight (RoRo) to Spain starts from £495 [confirm current pricing with ShipCars]. Road transport costs vary by method: multi-car transporter is the most economical road option; a trade plate driver is mid-range; a dedicated single transporter is the highest-cost option. Final pricing depends on vehicle size, collection location in the UK, and chosen method. Get a free, itemised quote →

How long does it take to ship a car to Spain from the UK?

RoRo sea freight takes 2–5 days from UK departure to arrival in Spain. A trade plate driver delivers in 5–7 days door-to-door. A dedicated single transporter takes 7–10 days. A shared multi-car transporter is the slowest road option at 2–4 weeks due to depot consolidation.

Can I ship a non-running car to Spain?

Yes. RoRo sea freight and shared multi-car transporters require a running vehicle. Non-runners can be shipped using a trade plate driver (carried on a braked trailer) or a dedicated single transporter. Inform ShipCars at the quote stage so the correct method is booked.

Do I need to pay import duty to bring a UK car into Spain permanently?

If you are permanently importing a UK vehicle into Spain, Spanish VAT (IVA at 21%) and import duty apply. Exemptions may be available under transfer-of-residence rules for people relocating permanently to Spain. Spanish import rules are set by the Agencia Tributaria — verify current rates and any applicable exemptions with a qualified Spanish gestor or customs agent before shipping.

What happens to my UK car registration after six months in Spain?

After six months in any 12-month period, a UK car must be formally imported and re-registered with Spanish plates. This involves passing the ITV test, paying IVA and import duty, and registering with the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico. The UK DVLA should be notified of permanent export by sending the V5C/2 yellow slip.

Do I need a Green Card to drive my UK car in Spain?

Yes. Since the UK left the EU, a Green Card (or equivalent proof of EU-cover insurance) is recommended when driving a UK-registered vehicle in Spain. Contact your UK insurer to obtain one — it is typically free or low-cost to add to an existing policy. You must also display a UK sticker on the rear of the vehicle.

What ports does Ship Cars use for sea freight to Spain?

RoRo sailings operate to Santander and Bilbao [verify Bilbao status] in northern Spain. These ports offer good road connections to the rest of Spain and are served by weekly sailings from UK departure ports. Contact ShipCars to confirm current sailing schedule →

Should I use RoRo or a road transporter to ship my car to Spain?

For most standard vehicles, RoRo sea freight is the fastest and most cost-effective method — 2–5 days and starting from £495. Road transport is worth considering if you need door-to-door delivery to a specific Spanish address, you have a non-runner, or you prefer not to use sea freight. A dedicated single transporter is the best option for classic or high-value vehicles requiring enclosed transport.

Related Guides and Pages

• Car shipping to Spain — service page →
• RoRo car shipping explained →
• Container car shipping explained →
• Vehicle photography before shipping — step-by-step →
• Why is my car shipping quote so low? Red flags explained →
• Get a free car shipping quote to Spain →