Car Shipping to Pasajes, Spain | Via RORO & Container Services
- Fast Information
- Cost starts from: £495
- Roll on/Roll off: Yes ✓
- Container Shipping: Yes ✓
- Frequency of sailing: Weekly
Ship Cars Ltd ships vehicles from the UK to Pasajes, Spain, by RoRo and container. RoRo starts from £495 for a standard car; transit takes approximately 5 days from UK departure port to Pasajes. The Port of Pasajes serves the Basque Country, Navarre, and northern Spain. Post-Brexit UK vehicles are subject to Spanish IVA (currently 21%) and 10% customs duty, though duty may be waived under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement if UK origin is confirmed via the V5C.
Car Shipping to Pasajes, Spain: Your Complete Guide
Shipping your vehicle to Pasajes, Spain, connects you to a major port on the Bay of Biscay and a key gateway to the Basque Country and northern Spain. As one of the most important commercial ports in the region, the Port of Pasajes is a primary entry point for vehicle imports, serving residents, returning nationals, and the area’s significant industrial and tourism sectors.
Why Ship to Pasajes Rather Than Santander?
The Port of Pasajes (Puerto de Pasaia) is located 8 km east of San Sebastián in the Basque Country. It is the primary commercial port for the eastern Basque Country, serving Gipuzkoa province, and has strong road and rail connections towards Pamplona, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Bilbao. The Port of Santander, by contrast, is the primary entry point for Cantabria, western Asturias, and central northern Spain towards Burgos and Madrid.
- Ship to Pasajes if: your destination is San Sebastián, eastern Basque Country (Gipuzkoa), Navarre, or La Rioja.
- Ship to Santander if: your destination is Cantabria, western Basque Country (Bilbao area), central/northern Castile, or Madrid.
Ship Cars can advise on the optimal port for your specific delivery address within northern Spain.
What Shipping Methods Are Available to Pasajes — RoRo or Container?
At Ship Cars, we offer a range of vehicle shipping options, from Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) which is highly cost effective and container shipping that includes; Full Container Load (FCL) when shipping luxury, electric or hybrid cars.
Important: Personal effects may not be permitted inside vehicles shipped by RoRo — check with Ship Cars at the time of booking, as restrictions vary by shipping line and Spanish customs may require a separate declaration or charge additional duties on personal goods. Container shipping offers more flexibility for including personal effects, subject to a declared inventory and Spanish customs approval.
What Your Car Shipping Service Includes
When you book your Pasajes shipment with shipcars.co.uk, our comprehensive service covers:
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Origin port charges and handling fees in the UK.
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Ocean freight on reliable carrier lines directly to the Port of Pasajes.
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Essential documentation, including the Bill of Lading.
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Expert support and tracking from collection to departure.
Please Note: Spanish import VAT (IVA), customs clearance fees, and all local port/agent charges in the Basque Country are not included in our shipping quote. These are payable in Spain. For UK residents becoming Spanish residents, different tax rules apply.
Spain Import Rules: Key Regulations (Post-Brexit)
As a non-EU country, UK vehicles imported into Spain are subject to customs formalities. Key rules include:
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Vehicle Standards: The vehicle must meet EU roadworthiness and emissions standards. Most modern UK cars already comply.
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Import VAT (IVA): If you are importing the vehicle to become a Spanish resident, you will likely be liable to pay Spanish Import VAT (currently 21%) on the vehicle’s current market value. Significant exemptions exist if you are moving your primary residence to Spain and have owned/used the vehicle for >6 months.
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Duty: Customs Duty is typically 10% for cars. However, under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, if you can prove the vehicle’s origin is the UK or EU, no duty is payable. Your V5C logbook is key evidence.
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Registration: After clearance, you must register the vehicle with the Spanish authorities (Dirección General de Tráfico – DGT) and obtain Spanish number plates.
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Technical Inspection: The vehicle must pass the Spanish ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) test.
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Headlights: You may need to adjust or fit beam deflectors for right-hand traffic.
What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Car to Pasajes?
You or your appointed agent in Spain will require these documents:
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Original Bill of Lading.
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Original Vehicle Registration Document (V5C). This proves ownership and UK origin.
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Commercial Invoice or a declared value statement.
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Certificate of Marine Insurance.
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Copy of Your Passport and proof of new Spanish residency (e.g., “Certificado de Empadronamiento”, NIE number) if applicable.
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Proof of Ownership (e.g., sales invoice if recently purchased).
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Freight Certificate/Invoice.
Strong Recommendation: Using a licensed customs agent (agente de aduanas) in the Basque Country is highly advisable. They will handle the complex VAT/Duty declarations, liaise with customs, and guide you through the subsequent Spanish registration and ITV process.
What Is The Cost & Transit Summary
Here is a clear overview for shipping a standard small car to Pasajes.
Shipping Cost (Example) |
From £495 for a small car via RORO (all-inclusive of our listed services). |
Insurance |
Marine Insurance is a strategic necessity for vehicles during transit. Covering your vehicles against Total Loss due to fire and water damage and cosmetic damages. |
Total Transit Time |
Approximately 3 to 4 days from UK departure port to arrival in Pasajes. |
Sailing Frequency |
Regular sailings, with vessels departing 3 times per month. |
Collection Service |
Our flexible and secured collection services include Trade Plate-Insured driven service as well as transporter or recovery options. |
Local Taxes & Duties |
Payable in Spain. This may include Import VAT (IVA) and customs clearance fees, depending on your residency status. |
Ready for a Personalised Quote? Contact us today with your vehicle’s details and your planned residency status in Spain. We’ll provide a clear shipping quotation and explain the crucial next steps for customs clearance when importing your car to Pasajes.
Import Rules
Spanish import duty and IVA rates are set by the AEAT (Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria — aeat.es) and the applicable rate under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement is subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping to Pasajes
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Pasajes, Spain?
RoRo shipping from the UK to Pasajes starts from £495 for a standard car (UK port to Pasajes only). Spanish IVA (21%) and customs clearance fees are payable separately in Spain. Container shipping for high-value or non-running vehicles is available — contact Ship Cars for pricing. Get a free personalised quote from Ship Cars.
How long does it take to ship a car to Pasajes?
Transit from the UK to Pasajes takes approximately 5 days. Sailings depart 3 times per month. Including UK collection and Spanish customs clearance, allow 2–3 weeks total from booking to your vehicle being cleared and available at the Port of Pasajes.
What Spanish import duty and VAT do I pay when shipping a car from the UK?
Under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, if your vehicle was manufactured in the UK or EU, customs duty (typically 10%) may not apply — your V5C logbook is the primary evidence of UK origin. Spanish IVA at 21% applies to the vehicle’s current market value, but is waivable for those relocating their primary residence to Spain who have owned the vehicle for over 6 months. Verify current rates with the AEAT (aeat.es) before shipping.
What documents do I need to ship a car from the UK to Pasajes?
UK side: original V5C logbook, copy of passport, purchase or sales invoice. Spanish customs: original Bill of Lading, V5C, commercial invoice, marine insurance certificate, copy of passport, and NIE number or proof of Spanish residency if applicable. A licensed Spanish customs agent (agente de aduanas) is recommended for permanent vehicle imports at Pasajes.
Do I need to re-register my UK car in Spain?
Yes, for permanent imports. After customs clearance at Pasajes, the vehicle must pass the Spanish ITV test (MOT equivalent) and be registered with the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) to receive Spanish number plates. You should also notify the UK DVLA of the export by returning the V5C/2 section of your logbook.
Which part of Spain does Pasajes port serve?
The Port of Pasajes is located 8 km east of San Sebastián in Gipuzkoa, Basque Country. It is the natural entry port for eastern Basque Country, Navarre, La Rioja, and Pamplona. For destinations in western Basque Country (Bilbao area), Cantabria, or central Spain, the Port of Santander may be more convenient — Ship Cars can advise on the best port for your destination address.
Can I put personal belongings inside my car when shipping to Spain?
Personal effects inside a vehicle shipped by RoRo may be restricted or prohibited depending on the shipping line. Any personal goods inside the vehicle must be declared to Spanish customs with a detailed inventory. Container shipping offers more flexibility for personal effects. Confirm the applicable rules with Ship Cars before placing any items inside your vehicle.
