Shipping and Removals in Spain

Expats planning on shipping to Spain should think carefully before they pack up their prized possessions. Even though Spain has a number of well-respected, efficient ports, shipping is expensive, and the country’s major cities claim both furnished accommodation and plenty of shopping options to purchase reasonably priced items.

It’s advised that expats solicit quotes from multiple service providers before selecting a company. Relocation companies will typically ensure the process is seamless, but this comes at a cost. Expats who choose to do it themselves will need to conduct some research and be prepared for the paperwork involved.  

Shipping household goods to Spain

Expats can import their household items duty-free to Spain, provided they’ve owned the goods for a minimum of six months, and they import the goods within one year of securing a residence or work permit. There are several options for shipping household goods to Spain, including air freight, which is the fastest, and sea, road and rail shipping. 

Depending on where expats are moving, they may have to use a combination of shipping methods. While air freight is the speediest, it is also the priciest. Expats who are not in a rush to receive their goods should consider shipping their household goods by sea, as this is often the most cost-effective option. 

It is recommended that new arrivals secure comprehensive insurance from a different freight company to protect their items from being stolen or damaged in transit. 

Shipping pets to Spain

Shipping pets to Spain requires that the animal be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies a minimum of 21 days before travelling to the country. Expats from the EU and EFTA countries must have an EU passport for their pets, while those from non-EU and EFTA countries are required to submit a health certificate that is translated into Spanish. 

Pets from outside these regions without a health certificate will need to undergo 30 days of quarantine in Spain. Additionally, all dogs and cats must be registered at a local vet upon arrival. Expats will need to produce their NIE number, passport and Spanish address to complete the registration.