Shipping and Removals in Spain

Shipping to Spain requires careful planning before you pack up your prized possessions. Even though Spain has well-respected, efficient ports that benefited from increased cargo traffic in 2024, international removals are expensive. The country’s major cities offer both furnished accommodation and plenty of shopping options to purchase reasonably priced items locally.

Get quotes from several removal companies before making your choice. Professional international movers will handle the hassles for you, but you’ll pay more for the convenience. Going the DIY route means rolling up your sleeves for research and mountains of paperwork.

Accommodation in Spain 
Relocation Companies in Spain

Shipping household goods to Spain

Your household goods can be imported duty-free to Spain, provided you’ve owned the items for a minimum of six months and lived outside Spain (or the EU) for at least 12 months. You must import the goods within one year of securing a residence or work permit. You cannot sell or transfer any imported household goods for 12 months after their arrival in Spain. 

Several shipping methods are available, including air freight, which is the fastest, alongside sea, road and rail shipping. Getting your belongings to your final destination might require different shipping methods along the way. Air freight gets your stuff there fast but hits your wallet hard. Sea freight won’t break the bank if you can wait a few extra weeks for your belongings.

You’ll need comprehensive documentation for customs clearance, which typically takes two to five business days at major ports, including Valencia, Barcelona, Algeciras, and Bilbao. Essential paperwork includes

• your NIE number (foreigner identification number),
• a detailed inventory list, valued and signed in Spanish,
• passport copies, and
• residence certificates.
• UK citizens post-Brexit require Transfer of Residence (ToR) tax relief applications.

Upon arrival, you must register at your local Town Hall (Padron). Most documents require certified Spanish translations.

Secure full coverage insurance from a freight company to protect your items from theft or damage in transit. Be aware that certain items are prohibited, including illicit drugs, firearms without authorisation, explosives, counterfeit goods, and perishable foods.

Work Permits in Spain

Shipping pets to Spain

Pet import regulations for Spain require that animals be microchipped with an ISO-compliant (15-digit) chip and vaccinated against rabies a minimum of 21 days before travelling. If you’re from EU and EFTA countries, you must have a valid EU pet passport.

Those from non-EU and EFTA countries need a health certificate translated into Spanish. Pets from outside these regions without proper health certificates will need to undergo 30 days of quarantine in Spain. Health certificates are only valid for 10 days from the date of issue, so timing is crucial for your pet’s journey.

All dogs and cats must be registered at a local vet upon arrival. You’ll need to produce your NIE number, passport and Spanish address to complete the registration. Spain classifies certain breeds as ‘potentially dangerous dogs’, including pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Staffordshire bull terriers. These breeds require special permits and insurance and must be muzzled in public spaces.