📦 Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Updated: April 2026

Documents Required

For Spanish Nationals

  • Scanned copy of passport
  • Copy of DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad), registered with the Spanish Treasury Ministry (Hacienda / AEAT)
  • NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal)
  • Certificate of change of residence (“Baja Consular”) issued by the Spanish Consulate at origin, confirming residence abroad for more than 12 months
  • Detailed and valued inventory list in Spanish, signed by the owner
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) or air waybill (AWB), or CMR (consignment note for road transport)
  • “Alta de Empadronamiento” — registration certificate issued by local town hall authorities at the place of residence in Spain The registration date must be after the consular de-registration date.
  • Application form for duty-free importation (provided by moving agent)
  • Customs clearance authorisation (provided by moving agent)

For Foreign Citizens (Non-EU, Third-Country Nationals)

  • Scanned copy of passport and visa(s) if applicable
  • NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) — residence permit for foreigners The NIE must be registered at the AEAT database (Spanish Tax Agency). Obtain via Form 030 (Modelo 030) ↗.
  • Spanish resident card / work permit
  • Certificate of change of residence issued by the corresponding consulate at origin for third-country foreign citizens Must confirm a minimum of 12 consecutive months’ residency in the country of departure.
  • Official documentation proving residency in country of departure for at least 12 consecutive months Examples: employer letter, registration certificates from public administration, tax residency certificate, rental agreements, utility bills, etc.
  • Detailed and valued inventory list in Spanish, signed by the owner
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) or air waybill (AWB), or CMR
  • “Alta de Empadronamiento” issued by local town hall at the place of residence in Spain
  • Application form for duty-free importation
  • Customs clearance authorisation

For Diplomats

  • Diplomatic passport
  • Inventory list in Spanish, signed by owner
  • Diplomatic Franchise (obtained from the Foreign Affairs Ministry; takes approximately 2–3 weeks)
  • NIE number (obtained when applying for accreditation; must be registered at AEAT)
  • Set of forms duly signed (provided by moving agent)

Specific Information

Duty-free conditions: Used household goods and personal effects are duty and tax free provided ALL of the following conditions are met:

• Goods have been owned and used by the owner for a minimum of 6 months

• The owner must have lived outside the EU customs territory for a minimum of 12 consecutive months

• The shipment must be imported into Spain within 12 months of the date the owner established residence (for Spanish nationals: 12 months from the date of issuance of the Baja Consular; for foreign nationals: 12 months from the date of issuance of the first Spanish Residence Permit)

• The goods must be for personal/household use and must not have any commercial character

• The goods must correspond to the social and economic status of the importer

No Residence Permit yet? If a Spanish Residence Permit is not yet available, a Bank Guarantee between 40% and 60% of the total declared inventory value, plus presentation of the Work Permit and NIE, will be required for Customs clearance. The Bank Guarantee is returned when regularisation is completed within 6 months upon presentation of the permit.

Important restrictions on imported goods:

• Imported goods cannot be sold, lent, or otherwise disposed of for a minimum of 1 year after importation. Violation may result in forfeiture of the duty-free exemption.

• Duty is levied on all new goods or goods less than 6 months old. A detailed list with original purchase invoices is required. Fines may be imposed for failing to declare new items.

• Duty and tax are payable on all alcohol imported into Spain. A separate inventory specifying type, bottle size, number of bottles, alcoholic strength (ABV%), and value is required for Customs to calculate duty.

Tax registration: The owner must be registered at the National Tax Office / Revenue Service (Agencia Tributaria / AEAT ↗). If the owner has not yet obtained a Residence Permit, the owner’s employer, company, or a person already registered at the AEAT must represent the owner at Customs clearance.

EORI number: EU citizens should contact their shipping agent for information about obtaining an EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number), which may be required for Customs interactions.

Pre-arrival importation: As an exception, the duty-free franchise may be granted for goods entered into free circulation before the owner has established residence, provided the owner commits (with a financial guarantee) to take up residence within 6 months. See the AEAT Transfer of Residence — Franchises and Tax Exemptions page ↗ for full details.

ISPM 15: As an EU member state, Spain enforces ISPM 15 requirements for wood packaging materials (WPM) on all imports from non-EU countries. All solid wood packaging must be treated (heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide) and bear the ISPM 15 compliance stamp.

Loading note: New items, electrical appliances, works of art, carpets, antiques, and any items requiring special Customs permits must be loaded near the container doors in case a Customs inspection is ordered. Purchase invoices for appliances should be hand-carried.

🚗 Motor Vehicles

Updated: April 2026

Documents Required

  • Original vehicle purchase invoice or statement of value
  • Original vehicle registration certificate from country of origin
  • Vehicle technical data sheet (“ficha técnica”)
  • Certificate of Conformity (COC) — confirms the vehicle meets EU type-approval standards If unavailable from the country of departure, official information from the manufacturer for the specific brand, model, and year must be provided. If the model is not sold in the EU, the owner must obtain from the manufacturer a document stating to which EU model the car corresponds.
  • Passport and DNI (Spanish nationals) or NIE/Residence Permit and passport (foreign nationals)
  • Customs clearance authorisation (provided by moving agent)
  • DUA (Documento Único Administrativo / Single Administrative Document) — for non-EU vehicles, issued during customs clearance

Specific Information

Ownership requirement: The vehicle must have been in the owner’s possession and used for a minimum of 6 months prior to importation. For tax-and-duty-free entry, 6 months must have passed between the vehicle’s title date and the consular discharge date. See the AEAT Transfer of Residence page ↗ for vehicle-specific franchise requirements.

EU standards: The vehicle must be built to meet EU standards. All imported vehicles must pass an ITV inspection (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos — Spain’s roadworthiness test) before they can be registered.

Homologation: Vehicles without EU type-approval (e.g., US-spec, Japanese-spec, UK post-Brexit) may require individual homologación — a technical approval process confirming compliance with EU safety, emissions, and technical standards. This can add significant cost and time. It is strongly recommended to consult the destination agent or a gestor before shipping.

Registration requirements:

• Residents must register a foreign vehicle in Spain within 30 days of establishing residency, with the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) ↗.

• Non-residents may drive a foreign-registered vehicle for up to 6 months in a 12-month period, provided the vehicle does not belong to a Spanish resident.

• Tax residents (more than 183 days in Spain) cannot legally drive a foreign-plated vehicle they own.

• Registration Tax (IEDMT): This tax applies upon registration. It does not apply if the change-of-residence exemption is accepted and registration procedures are completed within 60 days of the issuance of the import DUA.

• Temporary “green plates” (valid up to 60 days) may be processed for use during the ITV and registration period.

Import duty (non-EU commercial imports): 10% of the vehicle’s declared CIF value, plus 21% IVA (Spanish VAT) on the combined value. Personal relocation imports qualifying for the change-of-residence exemption are exempt from these duties.

🐾 Pets

Updated: April 2026

Regulatory update — April 22, 2026: New EU pet travel regulations take effect on this date across all EU member states. While core requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, documentation) remain largely unchanged, pet owners may face additional administrative steps and strengthened animal health certificate requirements, particularly for entry from third countries. Consult with your agent for the latest guidance.

Documents Required

From EU Member States

  • EU Pet Passport (mandatory for travel between EU countries) Issued by an authorised vet in the EU. Must include sections on ownership, animal description, microchip marking, passport issuance, and rabies vaccination. Valid for life as long as rabies vaccination is current.
  • Valid rabies vaccination record (recorded in the EU Pet Passport)
  • Microchip identification

From Non-EU Countries (Third Countries)

  • ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785, 15-digit, non-encrypted) CRITICAL: The microchip must be implanted BEFORE the rabies vaccination is administered. If vaccinated before microchipping, the vaccination does not count and the 21-day clock restarts from the new vaccination date after microchipping.
  • Current rabies vaccination certificate — administered by an authorised/USDA-accredited veterinarian after microchip confirmation Primary (first) vaccination: must wait at least 21 days before travel (some manufacturers specify 30 days). Booster vaccinations given on schedule are valid immediately with no waiting period. Minimum age for vaccination: 12 weeks.
  • Official EU Health Certificate (bilingual, endorsed by national veterinary authority) For US pets: the 2025 EU Health Certificate template is required. Must be issued by a USDA-accredited vet, endorsed by USDA APHIS within 10 days of arrival in the EU, and completed within 48 hours (commercial) or 10 days (non-commercial) before departure. See USDA APHIS Pet Travel to Spain ↗ for full instructions and certificate templates.
  • Rabies antibody titer test — required ONLY if travelling from an unlisted country (not on EU Part 1 or Part 2 approved list) Blood sample taken at least 30 days after vaccination; must show ≥ 0.5 IU/ml. Then a 3-month waiting period from the blood sample date before entry is permitted. The USA is on the EU approved list — no titer test is required for US pets.
  • Owner/designated person declaration (final page of EU Health Certificate, signed before travel)

Specific Information

Identification: All dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Spain must be identifiable through a microchip. A tattoo is only accepted if it was applied before July 3, 2011 and remains clearly readable. See the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture official pet travel page ↗ for the latest requirements.

Minimum age: Pets under 15 weeks of age (and therefore not vaccinated with a valid rabies vaccine plus the 21-day waiting period) are not authorised to enter Spain. No exceptions are granted.

Non-commercial limit: A maximum of 5 dogs, cats, or ferrets per person per journey for non-commercial movements. Movements above that number fall under stricter commercial rules.

Quarantine: Spain does not require quarantine for pets from the USA or other listed countries, provided all documentation is complete and correctly sequenced. Pets with documentation errors may be held, refused entry, or quarantined at the owner’s expense.

Muzzles: Muzzles are required for dogs in some areas of Spain, and for certain breeds classified as potentially dangerous (e.g., Pit Bull, Rottweiler, etc.). Check with the destination agent for specific regional requirements.

Customs veterinarian: All pets are subject to examination by a Customs veterinarian upon arrival.

Annual tax: In some Spanish municipalities, dogs are subject to an annual tax. Consult with the destination agent.

Common mistakes that cause delays or refusal:

• Microchip implanted after the rabies vaccination (invalidates the vaccine)

• Requesting the bilingual health certificate too late (allow 3–5 business days for USDA APHIS endorsement plus mail return)

• Assuming electronic VEHCS submission alone is sufficient (the physical endorsed certificate must accompany the pet)

• Lapse in rabies vaccination coverage (even by one day — restarts the primary vaccination clock)

⚠️ Restricted / Dutiable Items

Updated: April 2026

Fur coats may undergo Customs examination.

Works of art, paintings, and antiques may be imported duty free if shipped with household goods, but require a Special Permit. Antiques must be over 100 years old. These items must be clearly classified upon entry to allow for later exportation.

Intra-EU Imports (from EU Member States)

There are no limits on alcohol and tobacco imported from EU countries for personal use, provided duty and tax were paid in the EU country of purchase. However, Customs may investigate quantities exceeding the following indicative limits:

Tobacco: Cigarettes (800) · Cigarillos (400, max 3 g each) · Cigars (200) · Smoking tobacco (1 kg)

Alcohol: Spirits over 22% (10 L) · Spirits under 22% (20 L) · Wine (90 L, max 60 L sparkling) · Beer (110 L)

Non-EU Imports — By Air or Sea (persons 18 years and older)

The following items may be imported duty-free within the limits indicated:

Tobacco (one of the following): Cigarettes (200) · Cigarillos (100) · Cigars (50) · Smoking tobacco (250 g) Each amount represents 100% of the total tobacco allowance. Combinations are allowed proportionally.

Alcohol (one of the following per category): Spirits exceeding 22% vol. or un-denatured ethyl alcohol 80%+ vol. (1 L) · Alcohol not exceeding 22% vol. (2 L) · Still wine (4 L) · Beer (16 L)

Other goods: Personal items of non-commercial nature worth up to €430 (air/sea).

Travellers under 15: Personal items worth up to €150.

Medication: For personal use. Customs may request a prescription if quantity exceeds 30 days’ supply.

Non-EU Imports — By Land (persons 18 years and older)

Reduced allowances apply for overland entry:

Tobacco (one of the following): Cigarettes (40) · Cigarillos (20) · Cigars (10) · Smoking tobacco (50 g)

Other goods: Personal items of non-commercial nature worth up to €300 (land).

Alcohol allowances remain the same as air/sea.

🚫 Prohibited Items

Updated: April 2026

  • Firearms and ammunition Permit Required Unless prior authorisation is obtained from the local district police, all firearms and ammunition are prohibited. Hunting arms may be temporarily imported but must be declared upon arrival.
  • Antiques Permit Required
  • Pictures, sculptures, Persian carpets, and other art items Special Permit
  • Protected species and products made from them per the Washington Convention (CITES): ivory, tortoise shells, coral, reptile skins, wood from Amazonian forests, etc. CITES
  • Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries Limited exceptions exist for products from Andorra, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Iceland, and small amounts of specific products from other countries. Meat and dairy from Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia are specifically prohibited.
  • Certain plant species prohibited from introduction into Spain
  • Goods that could be used to inflict torture or degrading treatment or punishment
  • Food, beverages, fresh produce (fruits, vegetables, meat), and perishable goods These items cannot be included in household goods shipments.
  • Dangerous goods (flammable, explosive, combustible items)

Note on alcohol in diplomatic shipments: The import of alcohol is prohibited for diplomats’ household goods shipments.

📋 Consignment Instructions

Updated: April 2026

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea / road shipments.

Inventory: A comprehensive valued inventory — 2 copies in Spanish, signed, dated by the client, and (in some cases) notarised by the Spanish Consulate — is required. Regardless of the number of shipments, all goods should be included in a single list.

Customs inspection: Electrical appliances, carpets, works of art, antiques, and any items requiring special Customs permits should be stowed near the container doors to facilitate inspection.

Shipment timing: Goods shipped to a Spanish customs area without proper import documentation may be subject to considerable delay and substantial demurrage charges. Some sources indicate goods must arrive no later than 3 months after the owner’s arrival (extensions may be granted by contacting Spanish Customs); the formal legal deadline for requesting the duty-free exemption is 12 months from establishing residence. Confirm the applicable timeline with the destination agent.

Unpredictable expenses: Costs such as transport to a special customs area for inspection, unstuffing or re-stuffing for inspection purposes, etc. are not typically included in destination rates and are collected locally from the shipper.

Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla: These territories have separate customs regimes from mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands. Additional rules and taxes may apply. Confirm requirements with the destination agent.