How to Register a Car in Andorra: Complete Guide 2025

Registering a vehicle in Andorra may seem like a complex process, especially if you are coming from Spain or France. However, with the right information and by following the correct steps, it is a procedure that can be completed in just a few days. At ImportoCotxe.ad, we have years of experience helping residents and companies with this process, and in this guide we explain everything you need to know.

Key Differences Compared to Spain and France

The registration process in Andorra has important particularities you should be aware of. Although the procedures are similar in terms of execution, there are two fundamental aspects that make the difference:

Tax aspect: Andorra is not part of the European Union, meaning that any vehicle entering the country must go through customs procedures and be formally imported. This involves paying IGI (Impost General Indirecte)—a 4.5% tax applied to the value of the vehicle plus transportation.

Regulatory aspect: Vehicles must have a manufacturing year of no more than 6 years. In 2025, only vehicles manufactured from 2019 onwards can be imported. In 2026, the minimum year will be 2020. This rule applies both to new purchases and to changes of residence.

Who Can Register a Car in Andorra?

Not everyone can register a vehicle with Andorran plates:

Eligible to register with Andorran plates:

   
• Residents in Andorra (active or passive): With passport or NIA
   
• Andorran companies: With NRT and administrator information
   
• Non-EU residents: With passport or residence card from outside the EU, eligible for tourist plates

Not eligible:

   
• EU residents without Andorran residence
   
• Non-Andorran companies

Essential Requirements Before Starting

Before beginning any procedure, verify these key points:

1. Vehicle age

The car must have been manufactured no more than 6 years before the current year. If your vehicle is older, it cannot be registered in Andorra under any circumstances.

2. Homologation

   
• With European homologation: You will need the COC (Certificate of European Conformity)
   
• Without European homologation: Requires individual homologation plus Andorran homologation (a more complex and costly process)

3. Documentation according to your situation

If buying a new car for import:

   
• Purchase invoice
   
• COC (Certificate of European Conformity)
   
• Export documents from the country of origin
   
• Personal documentation (NIA/passport if resident, NRT if company)

If you are a new resident bringing your own car:

   
• Original vehicle documents from the country of origin
   
• Official deregistration of the vehicle in the country of origin
   
• Certificate of residence deregistration in the country of origin
   
• Resident documentation in Andorra
   
• Proof of ownership for more than 6 months (for IGI exemption)

The Full Registration Process Step by Step

Step 1: Customs procedures

Every vehicle entering Andorra must go through customs. The process varies depending on your situation:

For vehicles purchased abroad:

   
1. Submit the export declaration from the country of origin
   
2. Confirm export at the EU–Andorra border
   
3. Pay customs duties (0€ if coming from the EU)
   
4. Pay IGI (4.5%) on taxable base + transport

For residency changes (bringing your own car):

   
1. Submit the vehicle documentation and deregistration from the country of origin
   
2. Prove more than 6 months of ownership AND less than 1 year of residence = IGI Exemption
   
3. If not meeting the requirements, you must pay the 4.5% IGI

The customs process takes approximately 1 hour with the correct documentation.

Step 2: Mandatory insurance

Before continuing, you must purchase insurance:

   
• Andorran insurers issue a certificate for non-registered vehicles
   
• Minimum coverage: third-party
   
• This certificate is required for the ITV and the Govern
   
• Prices are similar to Spain and France

Step 3: Technical Inspection (ITV)

ITV Serveis Andorra

   
• Address: Carretera de Bixessarri s/n – Aixovall AD600 – Sant Julià de Lòria
   
• Phone: 127 (Andorra) / +376.741.350 (international)
   
• Website: https://www.itvserveis.ad
   
• Price: 65€
   
• Important: Appointment required
   
• If it fails the first time, one free reinspection is included

Step 4: Servei de Tràmits (Government Office)

Once the ITV is passed, submit all documents to the Government:

   
• Registration fee: 220€
   
• Annual circulation tax: Varies by vehicle (electric cars pay less)
   
• Processing time: 24–48 hours to receive the yellow card

Step 5: License plates (ACA)

With the yellow card:

   
• Go to ACA (https://aca.ad/es)
   
• No appointment required
   
• Plates price: 60€
   
• Installation: 30€
   
• Usually delivered the same day

Total Costs Breakdown

Example: Car worth 30,000€ purchased in Germany

Fixed registration costs:

   
• Customs procedures: 220€
   
• IGI (4.5%): 1.350€
   
• COC: 300€
   
• ITV: 65€
   
• Government fees: 350€
   
• Plates + installation: 90€

Total fixed costs: 2,375€

Variable costs:

   
• Transport from origin (with provisional plate if not registered)
   
• Internal transport in Andorra (tow truck if unregistered)
   
• Annual insurance

Special Case: Change of Residence

If you meet the exemption requirements:

   
• You save: The IGI (4.5% of vehicle value)
   
• You only pay: Registration procedures (approx. 1,025€ + transport)

VAT Refund on European Purchases

A critical step when buying within the EU:

   
1. Buy the vehicle with deductible VAT
   
2. Pay the full price (base + VAT)
   
3. The dealer holds the VAT as a deposit
   
4. Customs export confirmation allows VAT recovery
   
5. IMPORTANT: A mistake means losing the VAT (21% in many countries)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

   
1. Confusing manufacturing date with first registration: The 6-year rule applies to manufacturing date
   
2. Incorrect VAT recovery: A customs mistake can cost thousands
   
3. Buying without a COC available: Especially problematic for used cars
   
4. Not checking European homologation: Without it, the process becomes much more expensive
   
5. Exceeding 6 months as a resident with foreign plates: Police may start issuing fines

Important Deadlines

   
• New residents: Maximum recommended: 6 months to change plates
   
• IGI exemption (residency change): Must be done within 1 year
   
• Complete registration process: 1–2 business days with full documentation
   
• Purchase + import from abroad: Around 3 weeks in total

How ImportoCotxe.ad Simplifies the Entire Process

At ImportoCotxe.ad, we offer a full-service solution that removes all complications:

Our services based on your situation

Andorran residents and companies:

   
• Online vehicle search with final prices (ALL included)
   
• We advance VAT and manage its recovery
   
• Delivery with Andorran plates in your name
   
• No surprises or hidden fees

New residents:

   
• We verify if your vehicle can be imported
   
• We collect your vehicle and manage everything
   
• You receive your Andorran documents within 24 hours

Non-residents (outside the EU):

   
• Registration with tourist plates
   
• Only 500€ extra on the vehicle price
   
• Annual renewal available

Why choose us

   
• No VAT risk: We advance and recover the VAT
   
• Final price guaranteed: The price you see is the final price
   
• Experience: Years importing vehicles into Andorra
   
• Speed: Optimised process and established partners
   
• Peace of mind: We handle all procedures for you

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a diesel car?
Yes, there are no special restrictions for diesel, petrol or electric cars. Electric vehicles simply pay a lower annual circulation tax.

What if my car is 7 years old?
It cannot be registered in Andorra. You will need to sell it in the country of origin and purchase another vehicle.

Can I drive temporarily with foreign plates?
If you are a new resident, you typically have around 6 months, but we recommend changing plates as soon as possible.

Is the process the same for motorcycles?
Yes, the process is very similar, with the same age restrictions and requirements.

Conclusion

Registering a car in Andorra requires following a specific process and meeting strict requirements, particularly regarding the vehicle’s age. The key to success is having all documentation ready and avoiding mistakes in critical steps, especially VAT recovery.

If you prefer to avoid complications and guarantee that everything is done correctly, ImportoCotxe.ad takes care of the entire process for you. Call us at +376 666 486 or email us at info@importocotxe.ad to receive your vehicle fully registered with no surprises and a fixed final price from the start.