International Removals to SPAIN from the UK

The cost of removals to Spain will depend on several factors, such as the volume of goods you are sending, what packing is required, and the distance you are from the port.

There will also be additional costs to consider, such as optional insurance/shipment protection and Spanish customs inspection fees that need to be paid on arrival.

The best way to get a more accurate price or estimate is to call our team or request a removals quote online. They can also advise on the best way to reduce your removal costs.

We offer a fully comprehensive removals service to Spain, which will take care of everything for you. The removals service includes door-to-door pick-up and delivery (not door-to-port), export packing by professional international removal packers, specialist cartons, crates and antique packing as required, help with customs paperwork and inventory listing, shipping via accredited shipping lines, transport to and from the port, customs clearance service,

Additional fees that are not included in your removal costs quote include customs inspection fees, duties and port fees payable on arrival in Spain, storage services and maritime insurance or shipment protection cover, which is recommended but not required.

Your household belongings and furniture will be shipped to Spain via a lorry, as part of a part load / shared service. You can use a dedicated lorry, but it will be more expensive. 

Our Spain removal service includes the following steps:

1) A home or video survey to provide you with an accurate quote or removal estimate.

2) A personal Move Coordinator to plan and manage all aspects of your home removal.

3) They will guide you through completing all the necessary paperwork for sea freight shipping, customs clearance, and shipment protection.

4) On move day, our movers and packers will take care of all the packing and export wrapping of furniture and other belongings.

5) For shared or part-load, your household goods and personal belongings will be taken in our removal vans.

6) On arrival at port (we ship to all major ports in Spain), our local partner agents will handle the customs process for you. Once your shipment has been cleared and all customs fees and duties paid, it will be released for final delivery.

7) Your belongings will then be delivered to their final destination to your new home address or storage if required. Our partner will then unload your goods and unpack furniture to ensure all your belongings arrive safely.

If you are only sending a few personal belongings such as luggage and boxes, we recommend our baggage or box shipping service.

We can deliver boxes and other packing materials for you to self-pack. Once you are ready, we can collect them and deliver them to your address in Spain.

Our baggage shipping service for small moves includes up to about 20 boxes or suitcases and can include items such as TVs, bicycles, surfboards and toolboxes.

It does not, however include large items of furniture.

All areas of mainland Spain adhere to Spanish regulations concerning the importation of goods into the country. Whether you’re visiting or planning a permanent move to Spain, it’s important to understand the items that are restricted or prohibited, and avoid bringing them with you. This will help you to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any problems at customs.

There are some items that require pre-approval for import into mainland, including:

• Products that come from endangered animals and plants protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), some of which require a protected species permit.
• Living plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables are subject to restrictions and may require declaration.
• Pets such as cats, dogs and ferrets require a mandatory health inspection upon entry into any EU territory, including Spain. A Common Veterinary Entry Document Pets is required to certify this health check. Pets also require proof of rabies vaccination and identification via a microchip or tattoo to enter.
• Other animals – such as birds and tortoises – require a health certificate from their country of origin.
• Meat, milk, and dairy products for personal consumption are generally allowed from EU countries and some others, but those from non-EU countries may face restrictions.
• Sport and hunting guns require a licence.
• Ozone-depleting substances are regulated.
• Goods that could be used for torture or other degrading treatment are strictly prohibited.

For comprehensive guidance on import regulations, consult the official Spanish customs website or contact local customs offices in Spain, which details items that can and cannot be imported.

If you only have a small number of personal effects to send to Spain, then our air freight removal service is for you. We can provide you with boxes and cartons, or you can use your own bags and suitcases. This is the quickest removals service but also the most expensive. 

You can check out our more detailed Spain Removals Guide below, or why not give one of our advisers a call on 01942 559960?

They will be happy to answer all of your questions, give you some guideline prices, and arrange a home survey consultation to give you a more accurate price.

We recommend getting a few quotes for your move so you can compare the different styles of companies and ensure you are happy with their service. Make sure, however, that you are comparing like with like. For example, are the volumes the same? Is everything included?

Also, overseas removals are very different to domestic moves. It is therefore essential to ensure that your removalist is experienced, if not specialising in international moves.

We are confident that you’ll find your quote from United Removals to be very competitive and can be assured that standards of service are second to none.

In recent years, shipping costs have increased, so you may want to keep this in mind when you consider what you want to take with you to Spain and what you can leave behind. However, it isn’t all bad news; remember, it becomes relatively cheaper as you ship more.

You need to think about the cost involved in replacing some of your items in Spain if you are not sure about shipping them. Even when they are only small items, this cost can soon add up, particularly if there are many things.

Research the cost of replacement items as some things are more expensive, and some may not even be available – it may turn out that shipping them may be more economical in the long run.

Will you need storage in the UK or Spain?

Moving from one location in the UK to another is rarely the smooth process that people hope for, so it goes without saying that when you move to another country, the entire process can become a little trickier.

Often people find that they have a period once they have sold their property and before they move when they need to place their belongings in storage, and this is something we can help you with.

We have several storage solutions depending on your needs. We can arrange storage for your personal effects in the UK before they are shipped or in Spain after they arrive – whichever suits your situation.

Suppose the issue is that you do not have a fixed address in Spain to ship your belongings to. In that case, we can arrange for your household goods and personal effects to be placed in storage in Spain whilst you sort out accommodation.

Once you have a property ready, our local movers can arrange delivery of your belongings from storage.

Your belongings must be appropriately packed for shipping to Spain. The journey is a lengthy one, and they will be moved around from one form of transport to another more than once.

This means that there is chance items could move within your shipping container, and if they are not adequately protected, then they could become damaged.

A high standard of export packing is, therefore, essential so it is recommended that you use a professional packing service. This will also save you a lot of time and stress.

Our team of professional packers are expertly trained to deal with all the issues that can be encountered with export wrapping. The boxes that we use to transport all of your smaller items are double-walled, and we also ensure that all of your furniture is export wrapped to ensure that it arrives in good condition at your destination.

For those delicate and fragile items, such as artwork and antiques, we can arrange specialist packing to offer better protection to your personal effects. This includes custom built crates.

Our expert packing team is here to help you with as little or as much of your packing process as you want. We offer all of our customers the following packing services:

• Full international export standard packing & wrap service
• Fully trained export packers
• Provision of export quality boxes, cartons, packing paper & packing materials
• Custom wood casing/crates, if required
• Professional antique wrapping for delicate items
• Advice on preparing your items for transport to Spain
• Premium grade disinfectant available for outdoor items
• Full inventory list for customs

You may wish to start packing some boxes before your move day. Speak to our team about using export quality cartons, and remember you’ll need to keep an inventory of items for customs.

The Spanish government is quite stringent when it comes to biosecurity issues in order to protect their unique environment, and as such, all of your items will need to be cleaned thoroughly in preparation for shipping. This is especially the case when it comes to any outdoor items.

If you are planning to ship tools, bikes, garden equipment and BBQ then these will need to be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly. Our team can offer a professional disinfecting service that should clean all of your belongings thoroughly enough to keep the Customs inspectors happy.

Our international removals service is perfect for shipping your furniture to Spain from the UK.

For furniture removals, every item is carefully packed or ‘export wrapped’ using packing materials such as blanket wrap. All furniture pieces including sofas, armchairs, beds, tables and cupboards can be packed and shipped in a container.

As large items are bulky you consider which are cost effective to send. For example, most houses and apartments in Spain have built-in wardrobes so it might not be worthwhile shipping these.

You may wish to put your belongings in self-storage units whilst you are selling your property or waiting for your visa to come through.

Shipping your belongings to Spain from storage is a simple process. If your household belongings and furniture are in self-storage units in the UK, our team can arrange to collect them and professionally pack them for shipping either at the self-storage unit or back at our depot.

If you wish to pre-pack yourself, please ensure you have appropriate international shipping cartons/boxes and that everything is carefully wrapped and packed for its journey.

Many of our customers worry about customs clearance for all of their belongings when they arrive in Spain especially since Brexit. This is something that we can help you with. You may find the following information useful when planning your move.

If you are an EU citizen you should have no problem with customs. For non-EU citizens moving to Spain you are able to import used personal effects and household goods duty free but you should check that you meet the requirements and have all the correct documentation.

Customs regulations and duties are subject to change, so it can be a good idea to check for the most up-to-date guidelines and information.

If you do not meet the criteria for household effects, or it is deemed that your goods are commercial imports, then Customs duty and GST may be applied.

On arrival in Spain, your household goods and personal effects will require inspection and clearance from Spanish Customs before they are allowed into the country.

In order for your shipping container to be released, you will need to pay any Spain Customs inspections and customs fees, and also any quarantine fees. These will be payable locally. Our agents in Spain will be able to assist you with the customs clearance process.

The personal Move Coordinator who is assigned to you when you choose us to assist with your removal will be able to advise you with information regarding what you can and can’t take to Spain and how you can prepare and clean your items for shipping. If you prefer, our expert packers can help you with this.

United International Removals take great care to ensure your belongings are well-packed and taken care of during their journey. We only use accredited shipping lines and partners to ensure the highest service levels.

However, due to the nature of international shipping and removals, it is recommended that you take out your own maritime insurance policy or shipment protection cover for complete peace of mind. Just like when you mail a parcel overseas, the shipping company cannot cover the full value of your goods in the unlikely event of something going missing or being broken.

We can offer and recommend a highly flexible Shipment Protection Cover that will provide you with many advantages.

This cover is simple and easy to put in place. All that is required is completing a shipment protection valuation form detailing the items that need to be covered and their value.

The shipment protection costs are calculated on the value of the belongings you want to cover and whether you have packed them yourself or if they have been packed professionally.

Spain’s allure is undeniable, with its sunny climate, culture, and gorgeous landscapes. For those seeking a new adventure abroad, Spain offers a plethora of enticing options including removals to the Canary Islands. From vibrant cities to charming coastal towns there’s something for everyone and, with our expert relocation services, getting there is a breeze. 

1. Madrid

As the capital and largest city of Spain, Madrid offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. From its grand boulevards to its world-class museums, Madrid exudes a sense of elegance and sophistication. It boasts a thriving arts scene, bustling nightlife, excellent public transportation, and a laid-back lifestyle.

2. Barcelona

Barcelona is a bustling metropolis renowned for its stunning architecture, lively street life, and rich cultural scene. From the iconic Sagrada Familia to the bustling streets of Las Ramblas, there’s no shortage of attractions to explore in this dynamic city.

3. Murcia

Murcia is a hidden gem of a city, boasting an impressive array of historic landmarks, including the iconic Cathedral of Murcia and the Almudí Palace. With its warm climate and fertile landscapes, Murcia is also renowned for its delicious cuisine, particularly its fresh fruits and vegetables.

4. Alicante

Perched on the picturesque Costa Blanca, Alicante is a charming coastal city renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. The city’s biggest attraction is the Santa Bárbara Castle, which offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean sea and the surrounding area. With its warm climate and lively atmosphere, Alicante is a popular destination for tourists and expats alike.

5. Valencia

Valencia is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, parks and futuristic architecture. With a warm climate and a rich culinary tradition, Valencia offers a high quality of life. It’s a city with a relaxed pace of life, friendly locals and sunshine.

6. Malaga

Malaga’s historic centre is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, lined with charming cafes, tapas bars and boutique shops. Visitors can explore the imposing Alcazaba fortress, wander through the enchanting gardens or relax on the picturesque beaches along the Mediterranean coastline.

7. Marbella

Located on the glamorous Costa del Sol, Marbella is a luxurious resort town known for its upscale amenities, stunning beaches and nightlife. The city is famous for its glitzy marinas, exclusive golf courses and high end shopping districts. With its year round sunshine, cosmopolitan atmosphere and luxurious lifestyle, it’s easy to see why Marbella is popular.

 From the exciting streets of Barcelona to the tranquil beaches of the Costa del Sol, Spain offers a wealth of opportunities for those seeking a new life abroad. Whether you’re drawn to the excitement of city living or the laidback charm of coastal towns, there’s a perfect destination waiting for you in Spain, and our international removal experts will get you there.

Read our previous post on where to live in Spain for more information.

Moving to Spain with pets requires careful planning and adherence to specific regulations. It’s important to ensure that your pet has an up-to-date microchip and rabies vaccination, as these are mandatory for entry into Spain. Additionally, certain breeds may be subject to breed-specific regulations, so it’s important to research these requirements in advance.

When traveling to Spain, pets must be accompanied by a valid pet passport issued by an authorised veterinarian. It’s also advisable to arrange for a health certificate from your veterinarian shortly before travel to confirm that your pet is in good health.

Upon arrival in Spain, pets may be subject to inspection by customs officials, so it’s essential to have all necessary documentation readily available. It’s a good idea to use a pet relocation service to ensure a smooth transition for your furry friends.

Make sure to read our previous post on How To Move to Spain with Your Pet for more information.

For those relocating from the UK to Spain, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the local job market. Though tourism remains a prominent industry, there are also opportunities in sectors 

Various recruitment agencies in Spain specialise in assisting expats in securing employment opportunities, and these can make the job search journey a lot simpler.

To broaden your job search horizon and potentially uncover hidden job opportunities, network as much as possible with those in similar industries to you.

EU citizens are entitled to stay in Spain for up to 90 days without requiring a visa. However, for extended stays or if you plan to work, you must register with the local authorities and obtain a residence certificate. Non-EU citizens, such as British expats moving post-Brexit, face a more intricate visa application process. Seeking guidance from an immigration specialist is recommended to navigate the requirements and ensure all documentation is prepared accurately.

When relocating to Spain, it’s common to transfer funds from the UK. Various international banks and currency exchange services provide competitive rates for transferring substantial amounts from the UK to Spain. It’s important to compare these rates and associated fees to secure the most favourable deal. It’s also a good idea to get a local bank account, as this can streamline financial transactions, making transferring money a lot more convenient.

We hope this information helps you with your move to Spain. If you need further assistance, or more information on the removals process, our knowledgeable team is here to help.