How To Move To Spain - Globaloptimizer.com

Knowing what it takes to move to Spain and ship your household items and belongings will save you significant time at customs. The geographical location of Spain is advantageous when shipping goods but be prepared for customs because allowances and regulations are not always clear. You must declare all items you intend to bring into the country by giving a detailed list as well as all necessary value documents. These should be made available in Spanish. As long as you can stay within the limited quantities allowed, there aren’t many restrictions in Spain.

What else is required to relocate to Spain? Spain’s health requirements are fairly standard. You should be okay as long as you have all of the basic childhood and adult vaccines up to date.

This relocation guide will provide you with all of the information and steps you need to move to Spain, including moving your household goods, custom regulations, storage options, and what to do if you have pets.

Moving And Shipping Household Goods

If you’re wondering how to move your belongings and household items to Spain, don’t worry. Spain is among the world’s most important transportation hubs due to its convenient geographical location. You can ship your belongings and household items to the country by air freight, train, sea, or road. Shipping goods by sea can take months, but it is one of the less expensive options and may be more convenient given the number of ports in Spain. Air shipping is the most expensive method.

What you pack for your move to Spain is determined by your specific needs. As experienced expats, we always recommend packing the essential clothing for the first few weeks in a country and having all of your important documents on hand. Everything else is shippable.

Required Documents For Shipping Your Belongings

For customs, you must prepare a detailed list of all your belongings. Shipments that are not properly documented must be evaluated separately. This will cause delays and may result in additional taxes and costs. If your shipment is held up at customs due to a lack of proper documentation, customs are allowed to auction the items after a period of 1 month.

Please keep in mind that Spain’s customs regulations may differ between the mainland and the Spanish islands. It is recommended that you check with customs at your destination.

The following documents must be presented to Spanish customs:

passport with last entry stamp (copy or original legalized by Spanish Consulate at origin);
original residence visa and work permit;
legalized rental lease of two years at least or legalized property purchase contract;
Spanish Identification Card (D.N.I.);
Certificate of residence change or certificate of origin or (non-Spanish citizens must provide proof of a residence resignation document issued by their country/city of origin, demonstrating that they canceled their residency abroad due to moving to Spain);
consular registration at the place of arrival;
Confirmation in written form from the employer stating that the expat will be working in Spain;
Spanish fiscal identification number (N.I.E.);
authorization for the destination agent to clear the shipment;
customs application for duty-free import;
Two legalized copies of shipment inventory, written in Spanish and authorized by the Spanish Consulate at origin, containing a detailed description of all goods which are not older than six months. It should include the model and serial number of the appliances.

Be aware that you may be required to present a receipt, invoice, or another proof-of-purchase document for large appliances or expensive items.

Spain’s Import And Customs Allowances

Entering Spain From Within The E.U.

When it comes to customs regulations, E.U. citizens and non-EU citizens face different restrictions. If you are relocating to Spain from another E.U. country, the relocation process should be simple. Spain adheres to standard E.U. rules as defined by the Union Customs Code. This means that you can freely move goods within the E.U., free of import duties, commercial restrictions, or customs requirements.

Customs allowances are available for the following items when traveling within the E.U.:

Tobacco products:

200 cigars;
800 cigarettes;
400 cigarillos (cigars not weighing more than 3 g each);
1 kg of smoking tobacco.

Alcoholic beverages:

10 liters of spirit drinks;
90 liters of wine (which would include a maximum of 60 liters for sparkling wines);
20 liters of intermediate products;
110 liters of beer.

Entering Spain From Outside The E.U.

If you enter Spain from outside the E.U., you can transport goods free of taxation and customs duties if they are not of a commercial nature. However, there are more restrictions on the value and quantity of goods that can be imported into non-EU countries.

Certain goods imported by air or sea freight, such as perfume, coffee, tea, or electronic devices, are taxed if the total value exceeds 430 EUR (465 USD). The limit value for other modes of transportation is 300 EUR (325 USD), and for travelers under the age of 15, it is 150 EUR (160 USD). In general, personal items and luggage imported on a one-time basis are not subject to customs or taxation.

The following items are also tax-free up to a certain amount:

Tobacco:

250 grams of tobacco.
200 cigarettes;
50 cigars;
100 cigarillos;

Alcoholic beverages:

Fuel;
1 liter of alcohol and alcoholic beverages;
Maximum 10 liters in a portable container.
2 liters of alcoholic beverages having an alcoholic strength which do not exceed 22% volume;
16 liters of beer and 4 liters of still wine (only for V.A.T. and excise duty)
The fuel stored in the standard tank of the vehicle;

You can go via the green channel at Spanish customs if you stay within the allowed quantities and do not bring any prohibited items. However, if you are bringing goods for commercial use, exceeding the prescribed limits, bringing restricted items, or carrying 10,000 EUR or more (10,800 USD), you must go through the red channel at the border and declare these items. More information is available on the European Customs website.

If you want to hire a moving company, look for certifications that prove they are a reputable company with high-quality standards.

Prohibited Or Restricted Items In Spain

Restricted Items

Meat or any meat products, milk, and other dairy products are examples of food.
Flowers, fruits, vegetables, and other plants are examples of plant products.
Wild animals or plant species that have been designated as endangered.
A permit is required for certain species of flora and fauna protected by the CITES standard. Ivory, tortoise shells, certain hunting trophies, and parrot family birds are examples of such items.
Some medications and cosmetics may necessitate a prescription or other form of authorization.

Banned Products

You are not permitted to bring firearms, ammunition, or unapproved fireworks.
Civilian and military products, as well as counterfeit products and waste (including radioactive materials), are prohibited.
Take no narcotic, psychotropic, or veterinary medications with you.
It is illegal to bring endangered species and cultural property into Spain.
Taking obscene or pornographic material is also prohibited.

Importing Prescription Medicines

If you have any medical condition that necessitates a prescription, you have to show proof. Bring a translated and certified letter from the doctor stating your need for the medication.

If your medication falls under the controlled drugs category of Spanish customs, you must apply for an import license at the Spanish consulate in your home country. The following documents will be required:

license for the exportation of controlled drugs;
full contact information of the applicant;
flight details;
Destination address in Spain.

Home Good Storage

If you are new to Spain and need a storage unit, you should have no trouble finding long and short-term storage options. Spain, on average, has a good number of storage facilities spread out across the country. Spain is even one of Europe’s top choices in the self-storage industry. However, prices are among the highest in the world, with annual costs averaging 260 EUR (280 USD) per square meter. Short-term renting can range in price from 100 to 350 EUR (110 to 380 USD) per month, depending on how much space you require.

When first comparing services and making reservations, you may encounter some difficulties. Unlike in many other countries, most storage companies in Spain do not publish their prices online, so plan on filling out forms on company websites or contacting them by phone or email.

In terms of storage services, the major cities in Spain have plenty of options. Even if you are searching for storage outside of the major cities, you should have no trouble finding services. Make sure to look for the trasteros in your area.

Vaccinations And Health Requirements For Spain

Spain’s vaccination requirements are standard. You should be up to date on not only routine childhood vaccines but also adult vaccines such as flu and tetanus. In general, there are no strict immigration or health requirements for moving to Spain.

What Vaccinations Do I Need For Spain?

Depending on your origin, you should consult your doctor to see if you require additional vaccinations, such as rabies, Hepatitis A, or Hepatitis B. Rabies exists in bats in Spain, so take extra precautions if you spend a lot of time outside. Obtain your vaccinations four to six weeks before your move.

There are no medical requirements for moving to Spain. Some visas, however, do require a medical certificate. It complies with the Ministry of Health, Consumerism, and Wellbeing, also the Ministry of Labor, Immigration, and Social Security, as well as other E.U. regulations. Check with the diplomatic mission or the consular post for all necessary information and the requirements for this certificate before applying for a visa.

What Are The Pet Import Requirements In Spain?

If you do not have a European Pet Passport, you must bring the following items:

A zoo-sanitary certificate translated into Spanish signed by an official veterinarian from the country from which you are traveling;
A written declaration by the owner or authorized person stating the non-commercial intention of the transportation (the model can be downloaded from the European Commission’s website);
a certified copy of the pet’s identification and vaccination records;
If your pet is traveling to Spain from a country with a high rabies incidence, a blood titer test should be performed at least one month after the last rabies vaccine. So it should not be less than three months before the travel date.

Traveling With Other Pets To Spain

Other pets from E.U. countries, such as fish, reptiles, or rodents, can enter Spain fairly easily. These pets only require a veterinary certificate that matches the INTRA model. There is one for reptiles and another for other pets.

If you are relocating to Spain from any non-EU country, you will require a zoo-sanitary certificate signed by a veterinarian and presented in Spanish. This should match one of three models: reptiles, domestic rodents, or rabbits.

Requirements For Moving With Birds

An INTRA-2 veterinary certificate must accompany birds arriving from another E.U. country. This must be written in Spanish and issued at least ten days before your departure date.

Imported birds from outside the E.U. must meet additional requirements for vaccines and isolation, so check these before moving. Therefore, you have to go through one of the Entry Points and notify the Civil Guard of the pet’s transportation. You might be asked to present the following:

a zoo-sanitary certificate in Spanish signed by an official veterinarian from the country of origin;
a written declaration by the owner or authorized person stating the transportation’s non-commercial purpose;

Work Permits And Employment-Based Visas

Because Spain is a member of the European Union, whether you need a work permit or an employment visa depends on where you are from. If you are an EU/EEA national, you can skip ahead to Formalities After Entering the Country__ because you are free to live and work in Spain. Non-EU/EEA nationals will require a visa based on the purpose of their visit.

For EU/EEA Nationals

Living and working in Spain is relatively simple if you are an EEA, E.U., or Swiss national. You are allowed to spend time in Spain for a maximum of three months without having to report your presence or register with the authorities. You are only required to have a valid national I.D. card or passport, which you must show to authorities whenever they ask.

You do not need a work or visa permit to stay, study, or work in Spain if you are a national of any of those countries. Keep in mind that you will still need to complete some formalities, such as obtaining the Foreigner’s Identity Number (Nero de Identidad de Extranjeros__, also known as N.I.E.) and registering for residency (empadronamiento__), which are covered in this guide.

For Non-EU/EEA Nationals

You will require permission from the Spanish government to work and live in Spain if you are not from an E.U. country. This implies that you must apply for a work visa. When you are already in Spain, you can apply for one of two types of visas. The entrepreneur law covers two visas: the European Blue Card (visa for highly skilled workers) and the entrepreneur visa if you wish to start your own business (por cuenta propia__).

For regular work permits, whether you want to work as a freelancer (autonomo) or for an employer (por cuenta ajena__), you must begin the application process in your country of origin.

Spain Work Visa Requirements And Application Forms

To apply for any work permit, you must fill out the appropriate application form for the type of work permit visa you require. The correct form can be found on the Foreigner’s Office website. After completing the application, you must bring it to the Foreigner’s Office, or Oficina de Extranjera, along with the following documents:

copy of your passport;
Your N.I.E. (if you are present in the country already);
medical certificate;
criminal record;
three passport-sized photographs;
your employer’s social security number;
job offer with the labor conditions;
evidence of your employer’s financial resources (if needed)
complete job description and company activity
And the corresponding Spain work permit visa application form.

Types Of Spain Work Permits

Type A – This work permit is valid for seasonal and limited work for a period of up to nine months, including renewals.
Type B initial – This work permit allows you to work in Spain for a maximum of one year in a specific occupation and geographical area.
Type B renewed – This work permit is a renewal of the initial work permit for a period of up to two years. With this permit, you can also engage in a variety of professional activities.
Type C – This work permit is a kind of renewal of the type B permit and allows you to engage in any activity throughout the country.
Permanent – This work permit has an unlimited duration, but it must be renewed every five years. After your type C visa expires, you can apply for this visa.
Other types of permits – These permits include the extraordinary permit (when any non-EU citizen has aided Spanish economic and cultural progress) and the type F permit (for working around the Spanish borders, providing the worker returns daily to their country).

High-Skilled Worker Visa (European Blue Card)

You can apply for a Blue Card (European), which is the equivalent of a Green Card in the U.S. if you are a highly skilled worker. This visa allows highly skilled non-EU workers to live and work in any European country. The exceptions include Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

Requirements For The European Blue Card

This type of work permit is entirely dependent on your professional qualifications. A high-skilled worker, according to the Spanish Ministry of Immigration, is:

the manager of highly qualified staff in strategic sectors for large businesses, corporate groups, or small and medium-sized enterprises (S.M.E.s);
the manager of highly qualified staff of general-interest business projects;
a postgraduate or graduate from universities and prestigious business schools.

The application process for a high-skilled visa and work permit is similar to that of other workers. Your employer is responsible for carrying it out in accordance with these procedures and requirements.

The Business Visa

You can enter Spain without a visa for business purposes, depending on your country of origin. That is, only if you are a citizen of one of the Schengen visa-free countries. Otherwise, you must contact the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. When you arrive, you will fill out the Spanish Visa application form, which is the same for all short-term visas to Spain. You must bring the following documentation with you:

Spain visa application form;
two standard passport photos, no more than three months old;
Your passport (valid for three months after the date you leave Spain) and copies of your passport, including visa and stamp pages;
Flight booking confirming the inbound and outbound dates, as well as accommodation booking;
work certificate (or work contract mentioning salary, start date, and role);
Proof of sufficient financial means;
letter of invitation from the work company containing justification for your travels;
Proof of civil status; and proof of travel health insurance for Spain.

Costs For Spain Work Permits And Visas

These are the long-term work permits and work visa costs for expats looking to settle in Spain, according to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If your application is denied, you will not be refunded. Consult the consular posts or the Spanish diplomatic missions to see if you are eligible for a fee reduction or waiver.

Type Of Visa Costs

Entrepreneur Visa 80-170 EUR
Employed Work Visa 62-176 EUR
Work Visa (except Work Permit) 73-550 EUR

NIE, Foreigner’s Identity Number

In Spain, an N.I.E. is the equivalent of a tax identification number. It is required of all foreigners performing formalities in Spain, such as signing utility contracts or opening bank accounts. You can apply for any N.I.E. at the Consular Post, or Comisara__, in the district to which you are relocating. You must submit the following documents:

Form EX-15
a copy document of the passport or identity card;
Evidence of your interest in applying for an N.I.E. – professional, economic, or social.

T.I.E., Foreigner’s Identity Card

Non-EU nationals who want to stay in Spain for more than six months must apply at the Foreigner’s Office. In addition to your personal information and residency status, this physical card contains your N.I.E. As a result, non-EU citizens only need to apply for the T.I.E. It should be renewed every five years, and you must carry it with you and present it to authorities whenever they ask.

To apply for a T.I.E., you must bring the following documents:

two copies of the form EX-17 completely filled out and signed;
proof of payment (16 E.U.R./20 USD).
three recent standard passport photographs;
your passport with the date of entry stamp into Spain;
visa, when applicable;

If your family member is an E.U. citizen, you will be issued a special T.I.E., the tarjeta de residencia familiar de cino de la Unión (form EX-19).

Registering Your Residence: Empadronamiento

Every foreigner is required to register with the Padrón Municipal, the local municipal registry.

You will be needed to provide the following:

your N.I.E.;
your personal information: gender, name and surname, place of residence, date, and place of birth, nationality;
your qualifications.
Your residency or I.D. card;

Some requirements may differ depending on the autonomous region. Furthermore, some may allow you to register online and mail your documents, whereas others may require an appointment or cita previa and that you hand-deliver the application forms. Always confirm the correct procedure with your municipal registry office.

Social Security Number

In general, whether you are an E.U. national or not, if you are doing any kind of paid work or internship, you will need a social security number.

Self-Employment Visas For Spain

If you intend to work for yourself or as an entrepreneur in Spain, the application process for a self-employment visa is similar to that for an employed work visa. However, there will be some differences in the requirements and application forms you will require.

Spanish Self-Employment Visa Application Process And Form

If you wish to start a business in Spain, your chosen activity should be innovative and of special interest to the country. If this is the case, the starting step in obtaining a self-employment visa for Spain is to submit a visa request (autorizació n) to the consular office or diplomatic mission in your home country.

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You cannot apply for this authorization or visa while in Spain. You must bring the form EX07 and pay two separate fees in advance. These are available for download from the Spanish general secretary.

Modelo 790 código 052 (Initial temporary residency authorization)
Modelo 790 Código 062 (self-employed authorizations)

You will also require the following:

accreditation of sufficient economic investment;
list of licenses or authorizations required for the professional activity;
defined business plan, expected profits, indicating planned investments, and job creation (when applicable).
Proof of qualification or training for professional activity;

These organizations can vouch for your qualifications, investment, and activity project:

ATA (Federación Nacional de Asociaciones de Empresarios y Trabajadores Autónomo) ;
UPTA (Unión de Profesionales y Trabajadores Autónomos);
CIAE (Confederación Intersectorial de Autónomos del Estado Español);
OPA (Organización de Profesionales y Autónomos);
UATAE (Unión de Asociaciones de Trabajadores Autónomos y Emprendedores).

This should be completed in three months. You can apply for a visa once your authorization has been granted.

Requirements For Spanish Self-Employment Visas

You have one month after receiving the authorization to apply for the visa. You must do this in person at the diplomatic mission or consular office, and you must bring the following documents with you:

passport;
medical certificate;
criminal record from the country you have lived in the past five years or the country of origin;
proof of payment of the corresponding fees.

After that, the consular office has one month to approve or deny your application. You have one month after your visa is approved to pick it up in person. You will be able to stay in Spain for three months with this visa. During this time, you must apply for a work permit and complete all other formalities after entering the country.

Non-Lucrative Residence Visas

To work in Spain as a non-EU national, you will require a work and residency visa. When applying for a visa, you must state the purpose of your stay so that they can properly process your application.

Golden Visa (Investors Residency)

If you buy a property worth more than 500,000 EUR (595,000 USD), you will be eligible for a Golden Visa, which will allow you to live in Spain.

The documents required to apply for a Golden Visa are the same as those required for other visas. There is one exception: you must provide proof of purchase. Such proof can include domain certification, Land Registry charges, and the deed of sale.

More information on investing in Spain can be found on the website of the Foreigner’s Office.

Study Visa (Research Work)

If you want to study, conduct research, or engage in other non-labor activities in Spain, you must first obtain authorization for a visa and then apply for the visa.

All information on the formalities for student exchange, studying, voluntary work, or other non-labor activity in Spain can be found on the government’s Portal de Inmigración website.

You can apply for a visa for only residence, which will not allow you to engage in any professional activity. The official immigration website has all the information you need about residence visas and permits.

Family Reunification: Spouse, Family, And Fiancé Visas For Spain

For EEA/EU Nationals

If you are an EEA/EU or Swiss national, and your family is as well, you may bring them with you when you move to the country. They do not require visas or residency permits because they are EU/EEA or Swiss citizens.

For Non-EU/EEA Nationals

Do you want to know if you can bring your family? Not yet, is the answer. Only foreigners who have lived for a period of 1 year in Spain and renewed their initial residence permit are eligible to reunite with their families.

Luckily, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you have one of the following residence permits, your family members can join you in Spain immediately:

an E.U. long-term residence permit signed by another E.U. member state;
entrepreneur visa;
an E.U. Blue Card;
study/research visa.

Which Family Members Can You Bring?

You are permitted to reunite with your spouse or any other person with whom you have a similar relationship under Spanish immigration law. That includes fiancés/fiancées, civil partners, and even unmarried partners (pareja de hecho). In short, spouses and fiancés are eligible to apply for a family visa in Spain.

You can reunite with your children if they are under the age of 18 or up to the age of 21 if they have special needs. This can also apply to parents and in-laws who require assistance.

Application Process For Family Reunification Visa

If you are lucky to bring your family with you right away, you will have to apply for your family’s residence visa. You can do this at the Spanish Embassy in your home country.

Are you already in Spain and would like to reunite with your family? Then you must present the following documents to the local Foreigner’s Office:

original and copy of your own passport;
copy of your own residence permit;
copy of employment contract;
copies of the passport documents of your family members;
proof of family relationships (birth certificates, marriage certificates);
proof of health insurance;
proof of financial channels to support your family;
Proof of accommodation for you and your family (this can include a rental contract and certificate of property purchase).

Once your application for family reunification is approved, your family must apply for a residence visa in person at the Spanish Embassy in their home country. This must be completed within two months of receiving the certificate of family reunification. The documents they must bring are the same as those for regular visa applications.