Importing Your Vehicle

Q: What is the total cost to import a car to Andorra?

The cost varies. The main tax is the 4.5% IGI on the current market value of the vehicle (unless you qualify for the relocation exemption). To this, you must add: the Government import fee (about €200), license plates (about €60), ITV (about €50), and the fees for the professional service handling the process, which can range from €400 to €800. In total, not including the IGI, the administrative cost usually ranges from €700 to €1,100.

Q: Do I need to hire a professional service or can I do it myself?

Although it's theoretically possible to do it yourself, it is highly recommended to hire a specialized agent. The process involves coordinating with various administrations, submitting specific documents, and meeting strict deadlines. An error can lead to delays and additional costs. A professional ensures the process is smooth and correct from the start.

Q: Can I import a car on a rental or lease contract?

Not directly. To import a vehicle, you must be the legal owner. In a rental or lease contract, the owner is the financial institution. You would first need to exercise the purchase option for the vehicle, put it in your name, and only then begin the import process to Andorra.

We guide you step-by-step through the import and registration of your vehicle. Our team of experts handles every procedure to ensure a fast, efficient, and surprise-free process.

Happy couple next to their high-end car with an Andorra license plate, enjoying the mountain roads after successfully importing it to the Principality.

PROCEDURES IN ANDORRA

Complete Guide to Importing and Registering Your Car in Andorra

Discover all the requirements, costs, taxes, and the step-by-step process to import your vehicle to Andorra in 2025. We explain how to register your car with Andorran plates simply and legally.

📋 Essential Requirements for Importation

Before starting any procedure, it’s crucial to ensure that both you and your vehicle meet the conditions required by Andorran regulations. Ignoring these points can halt the entire process.

1. Emissions Standards (Euro)

The vehicle must comply with European emissions standards. Currently, the requirements are:

✓Cars: Euro 5 standard or higher.
✓Motorcycles: Euro 4 standard or higher.

This usually limits the age of vehicles to a maximum of about 8-10 years. The standard is verified on the vehicle’s technical sheet.

2. Residency Permit and Ownership

Importing a vehicle is exclusively reserved for individuals with a residency permit in Andorra.

✓Valid Residency: You must have your residency permit (active or passive) granted and in effect.
✓Vehicle Ownership: You must be the legal owner of the vehicle you wish to import.

3. Origin and Characteristics

The vehicle must meet the Principality’s driving standards.

✓Left-Hand Drive: Right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles, such as those from the UK, cannot be imported.
✓European Homologation: The vehicle must have a European Certificate of Conformity (COC).

🔢 The Step-by-Step Process to Register Your Car in Andorra

Once you confirm that you meet the requirements, the import process follows a strict order involving different administrations, both in your country of origin and in Andorra.

1
De-registration for Export in the Country of Origin: First of all, you must de-register the vehicle in its current country to be able to export it. This is done at the corresponding traffic authority (DGT in Spain, Préfecture in France, etc.).
2
Obtain Temporary License Plates (Green Plates): To be able to drive legally from your country to Andorra and pass the ITV, you will need temporary license plates and associated insurance.
3
Declaration at the Andorran Customs (Duana): You will need to present the vehicle and all documentation at customs to make the import declaration. This is where the corresponding taxes will be settled.
4
Application to the Government of Andorra: With the customs papers, you will submit the import application to the Government of Andorra’s Procedures Area. They will review everything to ensure it is correct and give you authorization.
5
Pass the Vehicle Technical Inspection (ITV): The car must pass the Andorran ITV. It is a rigorous inspection that checks the mechanical, safety, and emissions status of the vehicle.
6
Obtaining the Andorran License Plate: Once you have passed the ITV and all documents are in order, you can apply for the Andorran license plates and the ‘carta amarilla’ (the registration document). Congratulations, your car is now Andorran!

✅ How to Import Your Car Tax-Free (Relocation Exemption)

The best news for new residents: there is a tax exemption if you import your vehicle as part of your move. This is known as a relocation exemption and allows you to save on the IGI payment (4.5%). To qualify, you must meet these conditions:

✓Have been a resident outside of Andorra for at least the 12 months prior to obtaining residency.
✓You must have been the owner of the vehicle for at least 6 months before applying for de-registration for export.
✓The procedure must be completed within a maximum of 6 months from obtaining your residency permit in Andorra.
✓You will not be able to sell the vehicle imported under this exemption for 12 months following registration.

Attention! This exemption can only be applied to one vehicle per person. If you plan to import more than one, the second and subsequent vehicles will have to pay the corresponding IGI.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Vehicle Importation

What is the total cost to import a car to Andorra? +

The cost varies. The main tax is the 4.5% IGI on the current market value of the vehicle (unless you qualify for the relocation exemption). To this, you must add: the Government import fee (about €200), license plates (about €60), ITV (about €50), and the fees for the professional service handling the process, which can range from €400 to €800. In total, not including the IGI, the administrative cost usually ranges from €700 to €1,100.

How long does the entire import process take? +

If you have all the documentation ready, the process from de-registering in your home country to getting Andorran plates can take between 2 and 4 weeks. The biggest delays are usually due to obtaining original documents (COC, invoice) or waiting for an ITV appointment.

Do I need to hire a professional service or can I do it myself? +

Although it’s theoretically possible to do it yourself, it is highly recommended to hire a specialized agent. The process involves coordinating with various administrations, submitting specific documents, and meeting strict deadlines. An error can lead to delays and additional costs. A professional ensures the process is smooth and correct from the start.

What is the Certificate of Conformity (COC)? Is it mandatory? +

The Certificate of Conformity (COC) is a document issued by the manufacturer certifying that the vehicle complies with EU homologation standards and regulations. Yes, it is an essential document for importation. If you don’t have it, you will need to request it from the vehicle manufacturer, which can have a cost and take several weeks.

Can I import a car on a rental or lease contract? +

Not directly. To import a vehicle, you must be the legal owner. In a rental or lease contract, the owner is the financial institution. You would first need to exercise the purchase option for the vehicle, put it in your name, and only then begin the import process to Andorra.

Simplify Your Vehicle Import

The import process can be complex and tedious. At AndorraWay, we help you manage all the procedures so that registering your car in Andorra is a fast, cost-effective, and surprise-free process.

Contact an expert