Import a Car in Canary Islands
Complete guide • ITP 5.5% • 2026 data
The Canary Islands have a special tax regime (REF) with IGIC instead of VAT. ITP is 5.5%. Maritime imports are the norm and special tariffs must be considered.
DGT Office in Las Palmas / Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico de Las Palmas, C/ León y Castillo 431
Tips for importing in Canary Islands
- 1IGIC (7%) replaces VAT (21%) — important tax difference
- 2Maritime transport from mainland Europe takes 3-5 days
- 3DGT offices in Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- 4Check the special tariffs of the Canary Islands tax regime
Steps to import a car in Canary Islands
- 1
Find the vehicle with the REF in mind
Since the Canary Islands' special economic and tax regime applies, it's worth confirming in advance how the purchase will be taxed.
- 2
Ship it by sea to Las Palmas or Tenerife
The crossing from the mainland takes 3 to 5 days; there's no overland alternative given the islands' distance and insularity.
- 3
Pass the import ITV inspection
Schedule the technical inspection with the maritime transit time in mind, so you don't stack up further delays.
- 4
IGIC replaces VAT
You don't pay the national 21% VAT here, but IGIC (7%) instead — the major tax difference compared with importing on the mainland.
- 5
Pay the ITP (5.5%)
The regional rate sits alongside the special tax regime; also check the REF's own tariffs before considering the car registered.
- 6
Register at the DGT in Las Palmas or Santa Cruz
The archipelago has two provincial offices — pick the one on your own island rather than traveling between provinces.
Most imported brands in Canary Islands
Importing a car to Canary Islands?
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