Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree2Likes
  • 1 Post By ClaudeNfat
  • 1 Post By ClaudeNfat

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Dec 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Caracas (VZ) - Santa Marta (Colombia) - Palmones (Spain))
Posts: 78
Buying a bike in Spain

Can a foreigner (non-EU, in fact Canadian) buy a bike in Spain? what would be the requirements?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Jan 2012
HUBB Advertiser
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Posts: 956
Buying in Spain

Hi , ClaudeNfat you have a great web site!!!! I am a US citizen and this year bought a new BMW in Spain. This was possible because I am a legal resident of Spain - having jumped through all the immigration hoops several years ago.

I am in Spain and just phoned up my BMW dealer to confirm that as a Canadian you cannot purchase a vehicle or motorcycle in Spain unless you are a diplomat or a legal resident. Info to the contrary appreciated.

I was surprised that only one name is allowed on each Spanish vehicle/moto title so sharing a title with a legal resident or a Spanish citizen seems to be out as well.

Also FYI Getting a Spanish driving permit is really difficult - especially if taking the exam in English from the official Spanish translation. (the translation could be better) The handling test seems to be designed to discourage new drivers too. You must cough up money to a driving school and use the motos provided by the school for all official testing. I don't get it - corrections welcome re the facts. Anyone who knows different please post as non EU licenses are only valid for tourists and for ? months after gaining residence status.

Rules seem to be heavily enforced here. I feel much like a Don Quiote - vibrating at a different - perhaps South American frequency - when compared to the Spanish system.... I also live in Buenos Aires.

I love Spain, once you get to know a Spaniard you have a friend for life, who really cares, this makes the rules much more bearable. Seems to be rules regarding friendships too...At least this has been my experience. But, all regulations are expected to be followed, even the King's son in law has been accused of corruption???

hope this helps ride hard ride free

__________________
Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com
Discover how to legally Buy, Tour and Sell a motorcycle in Argentina
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Jan 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Caracas (VZ) - Santa Marta (Colombia) - Palmones (Spain))
Posts: 78
Hi exfiltrate, thanks for taking the time to call your dealer and answer.
The solution I found, until I get a NIE (if I ever get one), is to purchase the bike (a used one obviously) through a dealership who then gives me papers as if I am on a rental. At the end, ¡f I decide to sell the bike, they will sell it for me and give me the proceeds. I thinks it is fair. How long are you staying in Spain?
cheers
claude
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Jan 2012
HUBB Advertiser
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Posts: 956
Why I like Horizons Unlimited...

ClaudeNfat - your previous post is a very creative solution to the problem of a foreigner buying a bike in Spain. Out of the box thinking like yours magically provides creative solutions when shared with other over landers on Horizons Unlimited.

Thank you and perhaps we will meet in Spain. I just travel a lot, no plans at the moment.

xfiltrate ride hard ride free
__________________
Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com
Discover how to legally Buy, Tour and Sell a motorcycle in Argentina
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Caracas (VZ) - Santa Marta (Colombia) - Palmones (Spain))
Posts: 78
easy enough

fill-up the EX-15 form stating that you request a NIE for the purchase of a vehicle, annex a copy of the invoice/contract/pro-forma invoice to the form and present it to an office of extranjeria or comisaria de policia.
Same day or a few days later you will receive your NIE.
Then go the Finance Ministry (Haciendo) to have this NIE activated (de alta)
Once you have purchased your bike, go the transito department with the vehicle papers, copy of the seller's DNI, a copy of your NIE, your passport and the forms that you paid the taxes (a gestor will do that more efficienly and for a mere 25€, I can recommend one in Granada). and in 20 minutes you have the papers in your name. Then you obviously have to purchase insurance. That's it, It took me 3 days.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Mar 2012
HUBB Advertiser
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Posts: 956
On the Road Again

Claudenfat we are riding out of northern Galicia Wednesday. Today is Monday.

Will be riding part way along the Camino de Santiago headed for Valencia. Will

be on the beaches of Valencia by the weekend. Are you anywhere in route?

xfiltrate
__________________
Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com
Discover how to legally Buy, Tour and Sell a motorcycle in Argentina
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Caracas (VZ) - Santa Marta (Colombia) - Palmones (Spain))
Posts: 78
hi X
too bad I'm in Morocco at the moment !! coming back to Spain later this week... let's keep in touch
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 27 Mar 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 561
Glad to hear it was easy enough to buy it and you are already travelling around.

Any foreigner, resident or not, needs a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero; Foreigner Identity Nr.) to buy a vehicle (or any property or I'd say anything, as long as it has some fiscal implication) which is in the case intended to be identified by the Tax Authorities (Hacienda formerly, nowadays "Agencia Tributaria"). We Spaniards have a NIF (Fiscal ID Nr, which is already in our ID).

Since July 2012, application must be done in person, whether in Spain or submitting the documents via a Spanish Embassy/Consulate (why so it's a long story, but mainly due to frauds regarding the residence). You need to fill up form EX-15, as well as form 790 for the application payment, AND you don't have any more to justify with documents why you need the NIE, but just to explain it (buy a bike, house, be named member of the board of Spanish society, etc). Whoever asks you to justify with documents why is wrong since July 2012 under the new legislation. But it happens often since it has always been like that (for non-Europeans citizens).

I know for sure that residents can buy vehicles (obvious) and that non residents can buy them and import them out of Spain to their home countries. But I don't know if you can just buy it without import. Is that your case, ClaudeNfat? I'd like to confirm it.

Happy you made it easy enough, eventhough the bureaucratic procedures.
Enjoy your rides in the Iberian Peninsula and beyond (the Straits!)

Esteban

PS: I'll be around Avila & Segovia this weekend with a couple of friends on Vespas... Top speed 70 km/h!
PS2: Xfiltrate, loved reading how you enjoy Spain. Considering the current situation, it's good to know that some values still seem to remain.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 27 Mar 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by xfiltrate View Post
Claudenfat we are riding out of northern Galicia Wednesday. Today is Monday.

Will be riding part way along the Camino de Santiago headed for Valencia. Will

be on the beaches of Valencia by the weekend. Are you anywhere in route?

xfiltrate
Hi Xfiltrate,

I am in South Galicia, near Vigo, if you are doing the Portuguese route you will be passing by my place.

About beaches, weather wise you are now in the right part of the country.

RCF
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 28 Mar 2012
HUBB Advertiser
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Posts: 956
Spain

To: rcf650, estebangc and ClaudeNfat, seems like if a foreigner secures

NIE in person he/she can purchase a bike. I actually bought my bike while I

was still in Argentina - perhaps that is why BMW told me I had to have

residency in Spain to purchase a bike - because I was not physically here.



Leaving right now from near A Coruña (Mera) had wonderful experience

since May plus 3 month ride to Turkey and back.


Perhaps we will meet in Segovia or on the road this weekend? After to

Alicante to look

for long lost relatives - Spanish navy vets and pirates who sailed to Cuba

and worked the Caribbean merchant ships.

Will look for Vespas we are riding (2) G650-GS one red and one white.

Spain and her people are fantastic - Life is Good

xfiltrate
__________________
Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com
Discover how to legally Buy, Tour and Sell a motorcycle in Argentina
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 28 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: tenerife
Posts: 75
Around here now

Hello to all of you, I am at home in a small village in Avila for the next few days....if you want you can all meet here, you can stay at my place too.....I am near ARENAS de SAN PEDRO, Avila..Sierra de Gredos...great biking country...
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 28 Mar 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 561
Quote:
Originally Posted by bobbyrandall View Post
Hello to all of you, I am at home in a small village in Avila for the next few days....if you want you can all meet here, you can stay at my place too.....I am near ARENAS de SAN PEDRO, Avila..Sierra de Gredos...great biking country...
That's very very kind, Bobby, thanks a lot. But not possible, I think. My friends plan to sleep in Don Benito on Thursday, near Merida... if they don't break down before. Then I'm flying to Madrid that night if the damn strike allows me to. Start on Friday morning on a rented scooter with limited kms allowed, so I calculated the route to remain within the limits. BUT, if you feel like having a (0% alcohol!) in San Martin de ValdeIglesias, it's my planned route by mid-late morning on Friday. PM in case you feel like.

Xfiltrate, look for a 1 black and 1 white old vespas... and 1 Piaggio Liberty 125 (colour yet to be defined). I'll watch any BMs 650 passing us!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 29 Mar 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 561
Flying Circus update: instead of leaving, the white Vespa suffered today "open heart surgery" and it seems that 58.000kms (more than 80.000kms actually; the clock stopped years ago) are too many and the engine is about to explode.

With the delay, I may go south first to meet them and then head north, plans are way too open (unknown). Bobby, Arenas de San Pedro may even be on the way for a drink and some chat, God only knows!

So beware of the most stupid group on the road, we'd be happy to stop to say hello to anyone crossing the festival of the slow: black Vespa 200, Piaggio Liberty 125 and... yellow GS1200.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
200cc Chilean bike for sale in Peru/Northern Chile FatMeercat South America 4 18 Apr 2017 19:57
buying a bike on Guatemala-Mexico border.possible? Will it work? gess68 Central America and Mexico 5 16 Jun 2012 01:31
Buying a bike in Brazil as a foreigner Smokin South America 4 23 Dec 2011 21:51
Khartoum to Ethiopia Birdy Ride Tales 2 26 Oct 2011 22:32

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:53.