Renting or Buying a Car in Galicia as a Foreigner: Guide 2025

Why you need a car in Galicia

Galicia is an extensive region with complex geography: mountains, valleys, rías and a highly indented coastline. Outside the main cities (Vigo, A Coruña, Ourense, Lugo, Pontevedra), public transport is sparse and infrequent. On the Costa da Morte, buses between Corcubión, Cee, Fisterra and Muxía run 2-4 times daily with no Sunday or holiday service.

Renting vs buying: comparison

International Driving Permit and exchange

• EU/EEA licence: Valid directly. Register with DGT within 2 years of residency.
• International Driving Permit (IDP): Supplements your national licence. Valid for 6 months from arrival.
• Spanish licence: Required after 6-month grace period for non-EU nationals.

Countries with direct exchange agreements: Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Morocco, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Japan, South Korea, Serbia, Bosnia.

Renting a car in Galicia

Requirements: passport or DNI/NIE, valid driving licence + IDP (non-EU), credit card in your name, minimum age 21.

Buying a second-hand car

1. Find the vehicle: Idealista, Coches.net, Wallapop or local dealers.
2. Check history: DGT report (vehículo.gob.es). Cost: 8.50 €.
3. Verify ITV: Ensure current ITV and consistent mileage.
4. Agree price and sign contract.
5. Pay ITP (8 % in Galicia).
6. Transfer at Traffic Office: Contract, ITV, ITP receipt, ID. Fee: 55.70 €. Deadline: 30 days.
7. Arrange insurance.

ITV in Galicia

Managed by Autocontrol Galicia. Stations in A Coruña (Arteixo), Vigo (Mos), Santiago, Pontevedra, Ourense and Lugo.

Book online at itvgalicia.es.

Mandatory car insurance

Liability insurance is compulsory. Key insurers in Galicia:

• Mapfre: Third-party from 300 €/year.
• Reale: Extended third-party from 350 €/year.
• Verti: Competitive for foreigners, from 280 €/year.
• Línea Directa: Accepts foreign no-claims history, from 320 €/year.

Tip: Ask about foreign-driver policies. Línea Directa and Qualitas Auto accept no-claims certificates from your home country for better rates.

Electric vehicles and charging points in Galicia

On the Costa da Morte, a 100 % EV is not recommended as your only car. A plug-in hybrid or conventional hybrid is more practical.

Driving in Galicia: specifics

• AP-9 motorway: Connects A Coruña, Santiago, Pontevedra and Vigo. Some toll sections (2-8 €).
• AG-55: A Coruña to Carballo. Main route to the Costa da Morte.
• Country roads: Narrow, winding, occasionally rough. Sharp bends between Corcubión and Fisterra.
• Rain and fog: Frequent year-round, especially autumn and winter.
• Tunnels: Several on motorways and national roads. Switch lights on.
• Agricultural vehicles: Common on secondary roads during harvest season.

Conclusion

If staying in Galicia over two years, buying second-hand is the most economical option. For shorter stays, renting offers flexibility without commitment. Whichever you choose, ensure your paperwork is in order (driving licence, NIE, insurance) and adapt your driving to Galician roads: frequent rain, bends and narrow lanes. With a reliable vehicle and proper insurance, you can explore everything Galicia offers, from the cliffs of Fisterra to the Cíes Islands.