Moving to Spain - Movers.com

Moving to Spain

Moving to Spain or for that matter any country can become difficult-unless you make yourself aware of the customs regulation details in that country. After all, you do not want your belongings to be stranded in some port in the country. In some countries especially, customs regulations can be very stringent-and you may suddenly find yourself in a puddle. So, do your homework!

The customs regulations information listed on our website have been collected from several sources including information made-available-by embassies and government websites.

Customs Regulations applicable while shipping to Spain

Although you may be moving to Spain for views of ancient monuments or vibrant cities steeped in culture,international moving is a complicated business. As if making the choice to move thousands of miles away from your current home wasn't daunting enough, you still have to take care of logistics. While relocating overseas to Spain may be life changing and exciting, it will also require a lot of meticulous planning and proper documentation to ensure a stress-free experience.

Read on for more information on what to expect when clearing customs and moving to Spain.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY

No foreign country will allow you to visit, much less live there without the proper documentation - so you'll want to make sure everything is in order ahead of time. These important documents should be received a minimum of 20 to 30 days in advance of the arrival of your shipment to avoid any additional charges of demurrage. It is best to hire a customs brokering service for assistance in preparing these documents by their particular deadline.

When moving to Spain, you will need:
  • Passport (original with photo - must show last entry stamp and biographic pages, or notarized copy by the Spanish Embassy at origin)
  • Residence visa/work visa
  • Residence/work permit and NIE number (bank guaranty required if permit is not obtained)
  • Certificate of Residence Change Asunto Cambio Residencia (obtained at local or city hall - must state customer has lived abroad for a minimum of 12 consecutive months)
  • Comprehensive valued inventory of shipment in Spanish (two copies signed and dated by customer, notarized by Spanish Consulate)
  • International Air Waybill/ Bill of Lading
  • Rental agreement/purchase title (must state a minimum two years stay in Spain; notarized)
  • Customs application (for duty free import of personal effects and household goods)
  • Power of Attorney (allowing destination agent to arrange customs clearance)
  • Declaration of Customer (stating length of stay in Spain)

SHIPPING REGULATIONS

When you move to Spain, you will be faced with various regulations you must abide by in order to successfully clear customs with your shipment.

Things to keep in mind:
  • New items that require special permits must be loaded near container doors
  • All shipments are subject to possible inspection
  • Purchase invoices for appliances may be necessary

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Most countries have a list of items that are not allowed in the country whatsoever. In Spain, you cannot import the following items under any circumstance:
  • Firearms, explosives and ammunition of any kind
  • Drugs or illegal narcotics of any kind
  • Pornography, subversive material/literature
  • Cleaning fluids
  • Paint
  • Toxic materials or chemicals

RESTRICTED ITEMS

When shipping your household goods and personal effects to Spain, you should also be aware of the numerous items that are subject to duty fees, need special permission, or have limits on quantity. Some of these items include, but may not be limited to:
  • Tobacco products (no more than 200 cigarettes, 100 small cigars, or 50 large cigars)
  • Alcohol products (must be 18 years old to import; no more than 2 liters)
  • Works of art and antiques (duty free if shipped with household goods and require special permit)
  • New furniture (requires import license if worth over 3,000 EUR - invoices must be stamped by Spanish Consulate)
  • Sport guns (require permit from Spanish Police, approved by the Direccion General de la Guardia Civil, and valid Spanish hunting license)
  • Inheritance (documents translated to Spanish and authenticated by Spanish Consulate)
    • Death certificate
    • Testament confirming right to inheritance
    • Certificate from origin country and Spanish Ministry of Finance confirming payment or exemption from tax
  • Wedding Trousseaux (must have Change of Residence issued at origin, marriage license or Spanish family book authenticated by Spanish Consulate)
  • New items (less then six months old, subject to taxes and duties)
  • Plants (require Phytosanitary Certificate)

MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS

If you are considering taking your vehicle with you to Spain, you must be in possession of that vehicle for at least six months prior to importation. All vehicles imported to Spain are granted a permit (good for six months), upon the expiration of this permit, vehicles must be imported or exported permanently, where payment of taxes will be due based on CIF value.

If you plan on shipping your vehicle,you will need:
  • Certificate of Title
  • Passport (copy)
  • Residence permit (for permanent import)
  • Identification card Documento Nacional de Identidad
  • Purchase invoice
  • Vehicle registration
  • Driver's license
  • International Insurance Policy
  • Valid license plates
  • Certificate of CIF value of vehicle in Spain

PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS

If you own a pet, you'll most likely want to bring him or her along with you to Spain. Most animals are eligible for import to Spain, excluding any endangered species. To be sure your animal companion makes it through customs without any trouble, you will need:
  • Certificate of vaccination (must include rabies, dated between 30 days and 11 months prior to arrival)
  • Health certificate (must be dated no more than five days prior to arrival)
All documents should be notarized by the Spanish Consulate at origin.

INTERNATIONAL MOVES

International moves are much more complex than a local or long distance move, as they come with numerous expenses and plenty of paperwork. The most important part of your move will be finding full-service international movers and freight forwarders that have proper licensure and insurance.

Need help finding international moving companies in your area for your Move to Spain? You can get started here at Movers.com by submitting our free quote form,which will connect you with up to seven qualified movers in your area.

HELPFUL LINKS


Spain

NOTE - Customs regulations of Spain are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to Spain (this destination )and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, Movers.com cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate before you make your move to Spain.

Major Citie(s) in Spain

  • Sevilla
  • Madrid
  • Zaragoza
  • Santa Cruz de Tenerife
  • Santander
  • Valladolid
  • Toledo
  • Barcelona
  • Merida
  • Santiago de Compostella
  • Palma de Mallorca
  • Logrono
  • Pamplona
  • Vitoria-Gasteiz
  • Oviedo
  • Murcia
  • Valencia

Movers.com's moving services offerings

Local Movers

Local Movers

Moving under 100 miles within your state? Find a local mover today

Long Distance Movers

Long Distance Movers

Moving out of state or over 100 miles away? Get free moving quotes

Auto Transport

Auto Transport

Ship your car with confidence using the best auto movers

International Movers

International Movers

Choose an international mover and relocate overseas with ease

Corporate Relocation

Corporate Relocation

There'll be no desk left behind with corporate moving companies

Moving Labor

Moving Labor

Simplify your life by hiring helpers to move your valued items

Self Service Moves

Self Service Moves

Pack by yourself and just hire a moving truck to save money!

Self Storage

Self Storage

Keep your valuables under lock and key with affordable self storage

Small Moves

Small Moves

Moving to a studio or dorm room? Find a small move specialist

Special Movers

Special Movers

Let special movers handle your pianos, pets, artwork, & more

truck Rental

Truck Rentals

Rental trucks are inexpensive options for do-it-yourself moves

Moving Boxes

Moving Boxes

Get packing materials and boxes for an affordable rate

Secure and trusted

AMSA Logo BBB Logo

Connect with us

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest

© 2023 Movers.com