Can you bring your medical device to Spain and will it work?

Key rules

• Mains power: Spain uses 230 V mains at 50 Hz, so check your device and charger labels before you plug in.
• CE marking: Ask the manufacturer whether your exact model is CE-marked before you move.
• Non-CE devices: Selling or passing on a non-CE device in Spain needs an individual exemption from AEMPS.
• Accounts: Back up your device data before you change or migrate any app account.

The short answer

Most mains-powered devices work in Spain with a plug adapter and a voltage check. The two real risks are a device without CE marking and a manufacturer that will not support it in Spain. Check both before you move.

Power: check the label

Spain uses 230 V at 50 Hz. Look at the power label on your device and its charger. If it says 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, it will work with just a plug adapter. If it says only 110 V, you need a proper converter, or a different charger. Do not guess with a medical device.

Sockets take Type C and Type F plugs, both with two round pins. Pack a few adapters, plus spare chargers and cables.

CE marking: the first thing to ask

A device sold in the EU must carry CE marking. Many devices made for other markets, for example a US-only pump or monitor, do not have it. Ask the manufacturer whether your exact model is CE-marked.

If it is not CE-marked:

• Bringing it for your own use is generally not pursued in practice. This is not clearly codified, so check with AEMPS, the Spanish medicines and devices agency, about your specific device.
• You cannot sell it or pass it on to others in Spain without an individual exemption from AEMPS.
• Doctors and clinics in Spain normally cannot use or prescribe it outside such an exemption.

Servicing and parts

Spanish distributors and local branches of manufacturers usually service only the CE-marked models they legally supply. With a non-CE device, expect to be refused repairs, parts or software support. Confirm this with the manufacturer before you rely on it.

Your options are in the decision below. In short: some manufacturers will repair through their home-country service if you ship the device abroad, independent repairers may work on it without manufacturer backing, or you can switch to a CE-marked model.

Apps, accounts and updates

If your device uses an app or cloud account, test this before you leave. Many accounts are tied to a region. After you move, the app may be missing from the Spanish app store, your account may not move to the EU server, and firmware updates may be limited to the region where the device was sold.

What usually works:

• Keep your original account and app version.
• Create a new account on the EU platform, if the manufacturer allows it.
• Ask the manufacturer's Spanish support to migrate your data.
• Change your app store country, which needs a local payment method.

Export and back up your data before you switch or migrate any account. Do not use a VPN or a fake region to get around this. It often breaks the terms of service.

Finding support in Spain

1. Go to the manufacturer's website and use the country selector to find the Spain page, subsidiary or distributor. Contact customer support there.
2. Check the label and manual for the EU authorised representative or importer.
3. AEMPS keeps a searchable registry of manufacturers and distributors operating in Spain.
4. Ask your doctor, the hospital's device unit, a patient association, or the pharmacy or orthopaedic supplier that sells your device.

Keep your model code and serial number ready when you call.

Use the checklist below to prepare, and the FAQ for common questions.

Choosing between options

How will you get your non-CE device serviced in Spain?

• Ship it to the manufacturer's home-country service: Fits if the manufacturer offers service through its home channel and you can manage without the device for a while.

• Use an independent repairer: Fits for minor repairs when you accept there is no manufacturer backing, parts or software support.

• Switch to a CE-marked model: Fits if you want full Spanish support, parts and software updates; ask your doctor about a suitable model.

If the Spanish distributor refuses service because your model is not CE-marked, choose the home-country route for support, or switch to a CE-marked model for long-term local support.

Confirm service options with the manufacturer before relying on them.

Is your device ready for Spain? A compatibility checklist

Is your device ready for Spain?

• Check that your device and charger accept 230 V at 50 Hz, as printed on the power label, and pack Type C or Type F plug adapters if they do not fit.

• Ask the manufacturer whether your model is CE-marked and whether its Spanish support will service it, supply parts and give software support.

• Ask the manufacturer whether your app, cloud account and firmware updates work with a Spanish account, and keep your original account and app version until they confirm.

• Stock enough supplies for the trip plus a buffer, usually the first one to three months until you have a Spanish supplier.

• Get prescriptions or a doctor's letter naming your condition, device and medicines by their generic (INN) names, in English or Spanish.

• Pack spare parts, chargers, cables and batteries.

• Collect the device manual, model and serial numbers, proof of purchase and the manufacturer's support contact.

• Arrange airline medical clearance if your airline requires it, and keep your travel insurance or health cover details with you.

• Put the device, medicines, supplies and copies of your documents in cabin baggage.

Frequently asked questions

Will my device app work if I move my account to Spain?

Not always, because many device apps and cloud platforms tie accounts to a region, so yours may be unavailable or not transferable to the EU server. Keep your original account and app version, or ask the manufacturer's Spanish support to migrate your data. Using a VPN or fake region is often against the terms of service.

Can I use my FDA-only device in Spain without CE marking?

Yes, for your own personal use you are generally not pursued in practice, but you cannot sell it or supply it to others without an AEMPS exemption. Doctors and clinics in Spain cannot normally use or prescribe non-CE devices. Ask AEMPS about your specific device.

Can a non-CE device be repaired in Spain?

Usually not by the official channel, because Spanish distributors generally service only CE-marked models.

How do I find my manufacturer's support in Spain?

Start with the manufacturer's website and use its country selector to find the Spain page or distributor. Your device label or manual names the EU authorised representative or importer.