Import a Car in Catalonia

DGT Office in Barcelona

Tips for importing in Catalonia

• 1Barcelona has a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) — check the DGT label
• 2La Jonquera border crossing is the most common entry point
• 3ITV stations in nearby towns are usually faster than in Barcelona city
• 4ITP in Catalonia is 5%, 1% higher than Madrid

Steps to import a car in Catalonia

1. 1

   Buy your vehicle in France or elsewhere in the EU

   Proximity to France means a large share of cars imported into Catalonia arrive directly overland from the neighboring country.

2. 2

   Enter via La Jonquera or the Port of Barcelona

   You have two real routes in: the La Jonquera land crossing, or maritime transport into the Port of Barcelona, one of Spain's major ports.

3. 3

   Get your ITV done outside Barcelona city

   ITV stations in towns near Barcelona tend to offer appointments sooner than stations in the city center.

4. 4

   Check whether your car is exempt from the tax

   Since Decreto-ley 5/2025, Catalonia exempts zero-emission vehicles from ITP, on top of the usual national CO₂ registration tax bracket.

5. 5

   Pay the ITP (5%)

   One point above Madrid, unless your vehicle is zero-emission or over 10 years old and worth under €40,000 — both exempt in Catalonia.

6. 6

   Register at the DGT on Gran Via

   Also check the DGT environmental label before driving, since Barcelona enforces its own low emission zone.

Most imported brands in Catalonia