Talk Quesada forum

We are also moving to Spain but have been knocked sideways by a new Law from Spain dated 9th May 18.
It says we can only keep our car in Spain for one month after arriving unless you have owned it for six months.
As our car failed its test last week we had to buy another which we thought we could run over there for six months.
The problem now is, we have bought a car last week and hope to travel over at the end of the month,
will the car be scrapped a month later and we will have to buy a spanish left hand drive car.
Anyone know what it is about ?

As far as I know, the 30 day rule only applies to residents. Non-residents can drive a foreign registered car for up to 6 months in 12.

With regard to owning the car for 6 months prior to arriving in Spain ,I think this is a tax issue. If you have owned the car for 6 months it is regarded as a personal possession. If less than 6 months, then you are liable for import duty.

I stand to be corrected, but that is my (very limited) understanding. But I would like to know more about this new law that you mention.

annamay wrote:We are also moving to Spain but have been knocked sideways by a new Law from Spain dated 9th May 18.
It says we can only keep our car in Spain for one month after arriving unless you have owned it for six months.
As our car failed its test last week we had to buy another which we thought we could run over there for six months.
The problem now is, we have bought a car last week and hope to travel over at the end of the month,
will the car be scrapped a month later and we will have to buy a spanish left hand drive car.
Anyone know what it is about ?

I thought this was answered on another thread?
It is not a new rule that came out in May.
1. If you intend to become resident in Spain then you must start the process of re-matriculation within 30 days of arrival. I'ts always been that way. (In UK you have a grace period of 14 days if you import a car from the EU before it must be re-registered on UK plates).
2. To import a car into Spain and avoid any duty then you must have owned the car for a minimum of 6 months before arrival. It's always been that way. (In UK you avoid VAT if the car is over 6 months old and has a minimum of 6,000Km on the clock).
3. If the car is less than 6 months old then you will be liable for the full VAT on the new value of the car. It's always been that way.

The rules are the same both ways. The car will not be scrapped (that's a bit silly) but you will have to pay VAT on it.
If you are not going to be a resident then you can keep a car in any EU country for up to 6 months without re-registering it. Once you become resident you cannot drive a car with foreign (UK in this case) number plates.

I'd love to know where this "new law of 9th May 18" comes from because I've been coming here for 14 years and been a resident for 8 of those and those have always been the rules.

Just make sure you have all the documents with you when you travel.

Despite logging on a few days ago, annamay doesn`t wish to reveal the source of the `new law`

Hi,,,

Rent First,

its a big change in lifestyle and summer temperature, doing a few holidays is so different to full time living.

Torrevieja is nice, but personally I would not want to live in a concrete cooking pot on the coast,

Quesada is nice and very convenient, a bit pricey though if you looking at buying.

But regardless,

Rent for a least 1 year, maybe 2, you can still get all your paperwork sorted etc and you can experience a Long long hot hot summer or two and try a windy winter, It can get quite cold in the winter too, so why not test the water without to much commitment.

Its not money down the drain, Spain is not for everyone,

Good Luck what ever you decide

kind regards

Betty Richards, C/Quesada.

So many mixed topics.

Healthcare - we will be fine, people forget the obvious the UK NHS / government is treating and paying for the Spanish in the UK - so this is a balancing the books, we pay for their treatment, they pay for ours - difference works out at year end. Mind you, most Spaniards in UK are young and working & many of the UK expats are a little older and need more healthcare - either way, no one wants to upset the applecart, this is not really an EU thing, as the UK would have to pay or treat those that need to and don't want them back from Spain on top of everything else the NHS has to deal with.

I'd 2nd Guardamar, I also invested there myself 18 months back and have been offered around 15% more for my flat than purchased it for. Location. Torre is a busier, crime, people, noise, Guardamar, quieter, a little more costly, but still some good value properties - lots of parks & walks, very different to Torre, prettier, less overbuilt/property. Quesada also i'd prefer to Torre as plenty to do & many Spanish towns nearby if you prefer if you don't, plenty of other facilities.

Renting first / staying out for a little while first to find the pro's and con's is worth it though. I have friends in Playa Flamenca, so started renting there for 6 months over the summer - did not like it. OK for a holiday, not for a resident - a concrete jungle with no soul, that's manic over the summer, pissed idiots screaming past your doorstep for the summer months of the year - not my cuppa It does take a while to find your feet and often your first expectations, may not be quite what you end up liking - take your time...

I bought two years ago, just outside of Torrevieja. !0 min bus ride to the large shopping centre, and 10 mins further on the same bus to the harbour in Torre. There are quite a few estates, for want of a description, ie, La Siesta, Los Torretas I, II, and III, La Florida, San Luis, and probably lots I have not discovered yet. If you are in good health the area I live is flat, and good walking, cycling, and can walk into Torre. We don't live permanent but love it when we are out there. So many places to visit, or go on coach tours. As others has said, rent first would be a good idea, as each area would I guess have plus and minus. good luck.

I think also if Torre, just on the outskirts a little better - little quieter but close enough to the action if you need it. Depends if you want walking to beach etc.