If you have brought a car to Spain from outside the EU, the first key step is to apply for a DUA (Documento Único Administrativo). This is done remotely: without the physical presence of the car and without visiting customs. Below is my step-by-step guide and contacts of the company that really helped me go through this stage quickly and correctly.
All the details and steps of clearing a car in Spain were shared in the post Customs clearance of Ukrainian cars in Spain (own experience).
What is DUA and when is it needed?
The DUA is a customs declaration that confirms the import of a car into Spain. It will be needed for the following steps: taxes, technical procedures and final registration with the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico (DGT). The registration is done online through a broker/agent or with the support of the Tax Service (ADI) for the import of vehicles. See the AEAT service "Complimentar DUA de importación de vehículos". sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es
Validity period: 60 days
Once you have received the DUA, you have a limited time to continue the procedure with the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico. In practice, car imports are often tied to 60-day windows:
- DGT green temporary numbers are valid for 60 days (extended) while you complete your registration, if you need them;
- For cases of importation upon moving to permanent residence, a number of government resources also indicate 60-day guidelines for filing and moving through the procedure.
Please note: for your specific situation, the deadline may depend on the reasons (moving, type of car, availability of temporary "green" license plates, etc.). In the article, I emphasize 60 days as a practical deadline so that no one relaxes.
How to apply for DUA online: step by step
Step 1. Contact the broker
I contacted the Spanish company Gecotex. They are already familiar with the "preferential" scenarios for Ukrainians and respond quickly. Leave a request via the form: https://gecotex.es/importar-coche-ucraniano-espana-dua/
Step 2. Send scans/photos by email
You will need:
• technical passport (Ukrainian);
• NIE (white A4 sheet) and TIE (card);
• Empadronamiento (registration of residence in Spain);
• 4 photos of the car (front, back, both sides);
• 4 completed and signed forms that the company will send. Explanation of the fields:
— D/D.ª, El que suscribe, D — name and surname
— DNI/Pasaporte nº, con DNI / NIE, NIF — NIE number
— with domicile, municipio — city of residence
- vía pública - street
— n.º — house number
— Fdo. — signature
Step 3. Pay the bill
After checking the documents, they issue an invoice. For me, it was 302 euros. Someone paid 242 euros - from September 1, a mandatory 60 euros for Gases Fluorados was added (see below). You can pay at a bank branch or through the app. We send them a receipt by email.
Step 4. Get DUA
After payment, my DUA arrived by email within one day.
List of documents for the application (checklist)
• Ukrainian technical passport
• NIE and TIE
• Registration
• 4 photos of the car from different angles
• Signed forms from the broker
• Payment receipt
How much does it cost: what does the amount consist of?
- Broker services: guideline 200–300+ euros (based on experience and market examples).
- IVA/duties/other charges - depends on the specific import situation.
- The tax on fluorinated gases (Gases Fluorados) is a small but mandatory part if the car has air conditioning with such gases. In practice, it is often around 60 euros (the amount may vary; the tax is regulated by the AEAT).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to go to customs or take my car for DUA?
No. The DUA is done online through a broker or with the digital support of the AEAT (ADI). You do not need to physically drive the car.
What about "60 Days"? What is it about?
The procedure often includes 60 days: temporary "green" numbers are valid for 60 days (extended), and for the scenario of moving to a PMP, state resources provide a 60-day deadline for submission. Stick to this deadline so as not to disrupt the plan.
What is the tax on fluorinated gases and why “about €60”?
This is an AEAT eco-tax on the import/presence of fluorinated gases in products and equipment (including car air conditioning systems). The specific amount depends on the quantity/type of gas and the calculation rules; in practical cases for passenger cars it often comes to around €60.
Can I move to DGT if I don't have time to do everything in a month?
You can apply for temporary green license plates for 2 months (extended) to complete your registration. dgt.es
Useful notes
• If you are following the "moving to permanent residence" procedure, state sources state a 60-day deadline for filing related taxes/procedures — don't delay.
• Green temporary license plates are a working tool to drive legally while you finalize your registration: valid for 60 days and can be extended.
• Information is current as of September 2025. Tax rates and amounts sometimes change - check the official DGT and AEAT pages before paying/filing.
Do you need to apply for a DUA now?
Send a request via the verified Gecotex form — they respond quickly: https://gecotex.es/importar-coche-ucraniano-espana-dua/
