How to Relocate Your Household & Pets to Spain

Jump right in:

• Moving and shipping household goods
• Required documents for shipping your belongings
• Spain’s import and customs allowances
• Prohibited or restricted items in Spain
• Importing prescription medicines
• Home good storage
• Vaccinations and health requirements for Spain
• Moving to Spain with pets
• Moving other types of pets to Spain

Moving and shipping household goods

If you’re wondering how to move your household items and belongings to Spain, rest assured. Due to Spain’s convenient geographical location, it’s one of the greatest transportation hubs in the world. It’s possible to ship your household items and belongings to the country via air freight, train, sea, or by road. Shipping goods by sea will take months, but it’s one of the cheaper options and may be more convenient considering how many ports Spain has. Shipping goods by air is the most expensive method.

Deciding what to pack when moving to Spain is based on your individual needs. As experienced expats, we always suggest packing the necessary clothes you’ll need for the first few weeks in a country and have all your important documents at hand. Everything else can be shipped.

Required documents for shipping your belongings

You’ll need to prepare a detailed list of all your belongings for customs. Shipments that aren’t properly documented will need to be assessed separately. This will cause delays and can result in additional costs such as VAT and customs duties. If the clearance of your shipment is held up at customs because of the lack of proper documents, customs is allowed to auction the items after one month.

Please keep in mind that the customs regulations for Spain may vary between the mainland and Spanish islands. It’s advisable you to check with customs at your destination.

The documents you’ll be required to present to Spanish customs are:

• passport with last entry stamp (original or copy legalized by Spanish consulate at origin)
• Spanish Identification Card (D.N.I.) (only for Spanish citizens) or the residence card (TIE) (for foreign residents)
• original residence visa and work permit
• certificate of origin or certificate of residence change (non-Spanish citizens need proof of cancellation of residency abroad showing they have officially deregistered from their previous place of residence)
• legalized rental lease or property purchase contract (in some cases, a shorter lease may be accepted depending on your situation)
• written confirmation from your employer stating that you’ll be working in Spain
• consular registration at place of arrival
• Spanish fiscal identification number(NIE)
• customs application for duty-free import
• authorization for destination agent to clear shipment
• two legalized copies of inventory of shipment, written in Spanish and authorized by the Spanish Consulate at origin, showing a detailed description of all goods not older than six months, including model and serial number of appliances

Be advised that for large appliances or expensive items, you may need to present an invoice, receipt, or other proof-of-purchase document.

Spain’s import and customs allowances

Entering Spain from within the EU 

When it comes to customs regulations, there are different rules depending on whether the goods are entering from within or outside the EU. If you’re moving to Spain from another Member State, the moving process should be hassle-free. Spain follows standard EU rules, which are defined by the Union Customs Code. That means you can move goods freely within the EU without import duties, but quantity limits and controls may apply for items like alcohol and tobacco.

For goods traveling within the EU, there are customs allowances for the following items:

Tobacco products:

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

Alcoholic beverages:

• 10 liters of spirits
• 20 liters of intermediate products
• 90 liters of wine (including a maximum of 60 liters for sparkling wines)
• 110 liters of beer

Entering Spain from outside the EU

If you’re entering Spain from outside the EU, you can also transport goods free of taxation and customs duties, as long as they’re not of a commercial nature. However, for non-EU countries, there are more restrictions on the value and quantity of goods you are allowed to import.

If you’re arriving as a traveler, goods such as perfume, coffee, tea, or electronic devices are subject to taxation only if their total value exceeds 430 EUR (504 USD) by air or sea, 300 EUR (351 USD) by land, or 150 EUR (176 USD) for travelers under 15 years old. In general, occasional imports such as personal items and luggage may be tax-free, but VAT and customs duties will apply if you exceed the exemption thresholds.

The following goods are also tax free, up to certain quantities:

Tobacco:

• 200 cigarettes
• 100 cigarillos
• 50 cigars
• 250 grams of tobacco

Alcoholic beverages:

• 1 liter of alcoholic beverages over 22% alcohol by volume or 1 liter of undenatured ethyl alcohol of at least 80%
• 2 liters of alcoholic beverages of an alcoholic strength not exceeding 22% volume
• 4 liters of still wine, and 16 liters of beer (only for VAT and excise duty)

Fuel:

• the fuel contained in the standard tank of the vehicle
• up to 10 liters in a portable container.

If you stay within the allowed quantities and do not bring any forbidden items, you can go through the green channel at Spanish customs. However, if you bring goods for commercial use, exceed the prescribed limits, bring restricted items, or carry 10,000+ EUR (11,700 USD), you’ll have to go through the red channel at the border and declare these items. You can read more about this on the European Customs website.

Prohibited or restricted items in Spain

Restricted items

• Food of animal origin such as meat, meat products, milk, dairy products, eggs, and processed foods of animal origin are restricted unless accompanied by proper sanitary certification.
• Certain plant products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, cuttings, and live plants, are restricted due to phytosanitary risks. Entry may require inspection or a phytosanitary certificate.
• Protected wild animals or plant species.
• Certain species of fauna and flora protected by the CITES convention (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) may be banned or require special import permits depending on the species and country of origin. This includes ivory, tortoise shells, hunting trophies, parrots, caviar, and coral.
• Some medication and cosmetics may require a prescription, import certificate, or special authorization. This includes drugs containing psychotropic or narcotic substances, which need prior approval from the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS).

Banned products

• Firearms, ammunition, and unapproved fireworks
• Products for civilian and military use, counterfeit goods, and waste (including radioactive materials)
• Narcotic, psychotropic, and veterinary drugs
• Obscene or pornographic material

Bringing endangered species or cultural property into Spain without appropriate permits is prohibited. Cultural goods may require authorization depending on their nature and value.

Importing prescription medicines

If you have a medical condition that requires a prescription, you should carry the original prescription or a recent medical report indicating your diagnosis, prescribed medication, dosage, and the doctor’s details.

If your medication contains controlled substances such as narcotics or psychotropics, you must apply for an import authorization from the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) before traveling. This process can be managed through the Spanish consulate if applying from abroad. This will require the following documents:

• import authorization from AEMPS (and export authorization from your country, if applicable)
• full contact information of applicant
• flight details
• destination address in Spain

Home good storage

If you are just arriving in Spain and need a storage unit, finding long and short-term storage options should not be a problem. On average, Spain offers a good number of storage facilities throughout the country.

For rental, prices vary according to size and region:

• Small storage units up to 3 m² typically cost 30 to 50 EUR (approx. 35–60 USD) per month.
• Medium units 4 to 7 m² range from 50 to 70 EUR (approx. 60–80 USD) monthly.
• Large units 8 m² or more start at around 70 EUR and can exceed 200 EUR (approx. 80–230 USD) per month, especially in central areas or units with ground-floor access.

You may have some difficulties when first comparing services and making reservations. While price transparency has improved in recent years, many storage companies in Spain still do not publish full pricing online. Clients are often required to fill out online forms or contact the company directly by phone or email to receive a complete quote.

As for storage services, the biggest cities in Spain are well covered in terms of options. Even if you’re looking for storage outside of the main cities, you should be able to find services easily. Be sure to search for the trasteros closest to you.

Vaccinations and health requirements for Spain

The vaccinations required for Spain are standard. You should be up to date on routine childhood vaccines, but also adult vaccines, such as for the flu and tetanus. In general, you will not find strict immigration vaccination or health requirements to move to Spain.

Depending on where you’re coming from, you should check with your doctor to see if you need additional vaccinations, such as for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or rabies. Rabies is present in bats in Spain, so take special care if you are spending a lot of time outdoors. Try to get your vaccines four to six weeks before moving.

Will you need a medical certificate?

There are no health requirements to move to Spain. However, some types of visas do require a medical certificate in conformity with the Ministry of Health, Consumption, and Wellbeing, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, and other EU regulations. Before applying for a visa, check with your diplomatic mission or consular post for all necessary information and requirements for this certificate.

Moving to Spain with pets

Wondering if you can bring pets into Spain? Of course you can! Moving to Spain with pets is relatively simple if you follow the official requirements carefully. As a general rule, all animals have to be vaccinated against rabies, no matter where you are coming from.

Dogs, cats, and ferrets younger than 15 weeks of age are not allowed to enter the country. Keep that in mind when planning your move. Spain also restricts the number of pets you can bring. If you have more than five pets, the movement will be subject to commercial regulations for animals.

Moving with pets within the EU

If you’re coming from an EU country, you’ll be glad to know Spain follows standard EU conditions. So, taking your dog or cat won’t be any problem if you follow these simple requirements.

• All pets need an identification document. If you’re traveling within the EU, your pet must have a European Pet Passport issued by an authorized veterinarian.
• When entering Spain with a pet from another EU country, your pet must have an ISO microchip and have all the mandatory vaccinations up to date.
• Vaccines have to be refreshed at least at least 21 days prior to the travel date. If your pet received all vaccines before having a microchip inserted, it will need to be vaccinated again.
• The microchip also needs to be ISO 11784/11785 compliant. If it’s not, you need to bring your own scanner with you, otherwise, you might be turned away at customs.

Traveling by plane with pets

If you’re traveling by plane, ensure you have the required transport container for your pets. Depending on the size of the pet, airlines will require a container with ventilation and enough room for your pet to move inside and lie down.

Some airlines allow small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin if they meet the airline’s weight, size, and container requirements. Although most EU flights are short- or medium-haul, whether your pet can travel in the cabin depends on airline policies. Most airlines allow one pet per passenger, but the total number of pets permitted per cabin may vary by airline.

If you need more information on the requirements for transporting animals, read the IATA regulations for carrying live animals carefully.

Moving with pets from outside the EU

If you’re relocating from a  non-EU country, you and your pet must enter Spain through one of these entry points. Once there, you should inform the Resguardo Fiscal de la Guardia Civil that you’re traveling with a pet, and go through inspection.

Pet owners entering Spain from the US or Canada need a USDA-certified veterinarian to complete the official EU export health certificate for Spain. It’s a mandatory certificate for pets from North America entering Spain.

If you don’t have access to a European Pet Passport, you’ll need to bring:

• a zoo-sanitary certificate, signed by an official veterinarian from the country you are traveling from, translated to Spanish
• a declaration written by the owner or authorized person stating the non-commercial purpose of the transportation (you can download the model on the European Commission’s website)
• a certified copy of the microchip identification and valid rabies vaccination record of the pet
• a blood titer test done at least one month after the last rabies vaccine and no less than three months prior to the travel date, if your pet is coming to Spain from a country with a high incidence of rabies

Moving other types of pets to Spain

Other pets, such as fish, reptiles, or rodents from EU-countries can enter Spain fairly easily. These pets may require a veterinary certificate corresponding with the INTRA model, although additional health certifications might apply depending on the species. There are specific INTRA models for reptiles, domestic rodents, and rabbits.

If you’re moving from a non-EU country, you’ll need a zoo-sanitary certificate signed by a veterinarian, issued in Spanish or accompanied by an official translation. This should correspond with one of three models: reptiles, domestic rodents, and rabbits.

Requirements for moving with birds

Birds arriving from another EU country must have a veterinary certificate in accordance with the INTRA-2 model. This certificate must be issued by an official veterinarian, written in Spanish or accompanied by an official translation, and dated no more than ten days prior to entry into Spain.

Birds imported from outside the EU must meet some additional requirements regarding vaccines and isolation, so be sure to check these before moving. You must go through one of the official entry points and declare the transportation of the pet to the Civil Guard. You may also be asked to present:

• a zoo-sanitary certificate, signed by an official veterinarian from the country of origin, officially translated into Spanish
• a declaration written by the owner or authorized person stating the non-commercial purpose of the transportation

Attitude towards pets in Spain

Once in Spain, there are decent products and services covering pet needs, and you shouldn’t have trouble finding pet food, vet clinics, or canine residences. Even though control on animal registration is not very tight, to avoid hassle you should consult the local city hall, or ayuntamiento, about the registration requirements of your pet, as these are done on a municipal basis.

Vaccinations and Health Requirements for Spain

The vaccinations required for Spain are standard. You should be up-to-date on routine childhood vaccines, but also adult vaccines, such as for the flu and tetanus. In general, you will not find strict immigration vaccination or health requirements to move to Spain.

What Vaccinations do I Need for Spain? Depending on where you are coming from, you should check with your doctor to see if you need additional vaccinations, such as for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, or rabies. Rabies is present in bats in Spain, so take special care if you are spending a lot of time outdoors. Try to get your vaccines four to six weeks before moving.

There are no health requirements to move to Spain. However, some types of visas do require a medical certificate in conformity with the Ministry of Health, Consumption, and Wellbeing, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, and other EU regulations. Before applying for a visa, check with your diplomatic mission or consular post for all necessary information and requirements for this certificate.

Moving to Spain with Pets

Wondering if you can bring pets into Spain? Of course, you can! Moving to Spain with pets is simple, but you will need to look out for some requirements. As a general rule with a pet relocation, all animals have to be vaccinated against rabies, no matter where you are coming from. Because dogs, cats, and ferrets under three months of age are not vaccinated against rabies, these are not allowed to enter the country, so keep that in mind when planning your move. Spain also restricts the numbers of pets you can bring. If you have more than five pets, you will have to make extra arrangements to get them all to your destination.

Moving with Pets Within the EU If you are coming from an EU country, you will be glad to know Spain follows standard EU conditions. So, taking your dog or cat, won’t be any problem, if you follow these simple requirements.

• All pets need an identification document. This is either a European Pet Passport or a Health Certificate and Declaration by the owner.
• When entering Spain with a pet from another EU country, your pet must have an ISO microchip and have all the mandatory vaccinations up to date.
• Vaccines have to be refreshed at least at least 21 days prior to the travel date and cannot be older than one year. If your pet received all vaccines before having a microchip inserted, it will need to be vaccinated again.
• The microchip also needs to be ISO 11784/11785 compliant. If it is not, you need to bring your own scanner with you, otherwise you might be sent away at customs.

If you are travelling by airline, ensure you have the required transportation container for your pets. Depending on the size of the pet, airlines will require a container with ventilation and enough room for your pet to move inside and lie down.

Many airlines allow small cats and dogs to be taken as a passenger in the cabin, if the flight is under ten hours long. All flights within the EU are short- and medium-haul flights, so, if your pet is small you should be able to take it next to you. Please keep in mind that airlines allow a maximum of one pet per person and two pets per cabin.

If you need more information on the requirements to carry animals. Read the IATA regulations for carrying live animals carefully.

Moving to Spain with Pets from Outside the EU

If you are relocating from a non-EU country, you and your pet must enter Spain through one of these Entry Points. Once there, you should inform the Civil Guard that you are traveling with a pet, and go through inspection.

Pet owners entering Spain from the US or Canada need a USDA-certified veterinarian to complete the bi-lingual Annex II for Spain document. It is a type of passport specifically for pets from North America entering Spain

What are the Requirements to Import Pets to Spain? If you do not have access to a European Pet Passport, you will need to bring:

• a zoo-sanitary certificate, signed by an official veterinarian from the country you are traveling from, translated to Spanish;
• a declaration written by the owner or authorized person stating the non-commercial purpose of the transportation (you can download the model on the European Commission’s website);
• a certified copy of the identification and vaccination of the pet;
• a blood titer test done at least one month after the last rabies vaccine and no less than three months prior to the travel date, if your pet is coming to Spain from a country with a high incidence of rabies.

Moving Other Pets to Spain

Other pets, such as fish, reptiles, or rodents from EU-countries can enter Spain fairly easily. These pets only require a veterinary certificate corresponding with the INTRA model. There is a model for reptiles, and one for other pets.

If you are moving from a non-EU country, you will need a zoo-sanitary certificate signed by a veterinary, presented at least in Spanish. This should correspond with one of three models: reptiles, domestic rodents, and rabbits.

Requirements for Moving with Birds

Birds arriving from another EU country must have a veterinary certificate in accordance with the INTRA-2 model. This needs to be written in Spanish and have been issued at least ten days prior to your travel date.

Birds imported from outside the EU must meet some additional requirements regarding vaccines and isolation, so be sure to check these before moving. You must go through one of the Entry Points and declare the transportation of the pet to the Civil Guard. You may also be asked to present:

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

Attitude Towards Pets in Spain

Once in Spain, there are decent products and services covering pet needs, and you should not have trouble finding pet food, vet clinics, or canine residences. Even though control on animal registration is not very tight, to avoid hassle you should consult the local city hall, or ayuntamiento, about the registration requirements of your pet, as these are done on a municipal basis.

Also, some recent laws in Spain are looking to consider animals as sentient beings rather than objects, which would prevent pets from being confiscated as assets in the case of debt collections, which is good news for you and your pet.