Import a motorhome or campervan to Tenerife

A motorhome coming from Germany or mainland Spain pays no customs duty in the Canaries, but it is charged 15 % IGIC and, if it has foreign plates, Spanish registration tax. Here is what you pay, when you can avoid it and how we get your motorhome to Tenerife.

Why a motorhome is a special case in the Canaries

The Canary Islands are inside the EU customs union but outside the EU VAT area. So a motorhome from Germany, Italy or mainland Spain pays no duty, but it does need a customs declaration and is charged IGIC, the Canary Islands tax that replaces VAT. From the UK or another third country you need a full import declaration, and duty may apply depending on origin.

The difference from a car is the rate: Canary Islands law charges motorhomes and caravans at 15 %, unless they are used exclusively for business. For a converted van, the rate depends on how the vehicle is classified in its technical documents.

Registration tax: a 30 % reduction

If the motorhome has foreign plates and you register it in Spain, registration tax (IEDMT) is due. Motorhomes and vehicles fitted out as living accommodation get a 30 % reduction in the taxable base. The rate depends on CO₂ emissions: in the Canaries it is 0 %, 3.75 %, 8.75 % or 13.75 %, one point below mainland Spain. If emissions cannot be proven, the top rate applies.

If you are moving to Tenerife with it, transfer-of-residence relief can remove both IGIC and registration tax: you must have used the motorhome for at least 6 months at your previous home and must not sell, lend or hire it out for the following 12 months. For registration tax you also need to have lived outside Spain for at least 12 consecutive months.

Just coming for the winter?

According to the Spanish Tax Agency, a private vehicle from mainland Spain or another EU country can stay in the Canaries for up to 6 consecutive months without customs formalities, as long as only you use it and you do not lend or hire it out. If you stay longer or move here, it has to be imported. We can help you work out which applies.

How we bring your motorhome to Tenerife

Online quote: message us on WhatsApp or call with the model, year, weight, dimensions and departure city.
Documents: we check the vehicle papers and whether you qualify for transfer-of-residence relief.
Transport: we coordinate the drive to Huelva or Cádiz and the ro-ro ferry to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, or sea freight depending on size and origin.
Declaration and taxes: we file the customs declaration and handle the IGIC or the exemption.
Handover and registration: once cleared, we guide you through the ITV (vehicle inspection), registration tax and DGT registration.

What we need from you

Registration document and technical papers (for EU vehicles, including the European Certificate of Conformity, CoC).
Purchase invoice or contract.
Passport or ID card, and NIE if you have one.
If you are moving: your padrón certificate (empadronamiento) in Tenerife and proof of your previous residence.
Weight, dimensions and collection address, so we can plan the transport.

Motorhome questions

I already paid VAT in Germany. Why do I have to pay IGIC?

Because the Canaries are outside the EU VAT area: on arrival the motorhome is charged Canary Islands IGIC, and VAT paid at origin is not offset against it. If you move your residence to Tenerife and meet the conditions, you can claim the exemption.

How long is the ferry from mainland Spain?

The crossing from Huelva to Santa Cruz de Tenerife takes roughly 32–38 hours, depending on the operator and port calls. Add the road leg plus port and customs time, so we give you the overall timing for your specific case.

What if I buy the motorhome in the UK?

Since Brexit the UK is a third country: a full import declaration, 0 % duty only if the vehicle has UK preferential origin, plus IGIC and, to register it, registration tax and whatever type approval the ITV requires.

Importing a motorhome or campervan to Tenerife