Moving belongings from Spain to another EU country

Key rules

• Mainland moves: Used household goods moving to another EU country carry no duty or VAT and need no customs declaration.
• Special territories: Moves to or from the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla are treated like exports or imports.
• Restricted items: Weapons, some medicines, protected species and some cultural goods need permits even inside the EU.
• Vehicles: Your car must be re-registered in the destination country under its local rules and taxes.

The short answer

Moving used household goods from mainland Spain to another EU country needs no customs declaration. No duty or VAT applies to the personal belongings of someone changing residence. Four things still need your attention: special territories, restricted items, your vehicle and your registrations.

Territories outside the EU customs area

The Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla are part of the EU, but outside its customs territory and VAT area. A move to or from them is treated like an import or export. It needs a customs declaration (DUA), which your shipping agent lodges with the Agencia Tributaria. Sometimes a T-document is needed too.

Relief from duties and taxes is generally available for personal effects when you change residence. You need an inventory and proof of residence. Expect a slower and costlier move than one between mainland points.

The Balearic Islands are fully inside the customs territory. Moving to or from them needs no customs formalities.

Restricted items

Some things need a permit even inside the EU:

• weapons
• some medicines
• protected species or CITES items
• cultural goods above set limits

Get the permits before you ship. Without them, the items can be stopped or seized.

Your vehicle

A vehicle does not move on its Spanish papers. Re-register it in the destination country under that country's rules and taxes. Check those rules with the destination's vehicle authority before you drive or ship it.

Inventory

Write an inventory of what you move, even where it is not required. It helps with insurance and with any dispute. It is required for the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla.

Registering and deregistering

Register your residence at the destination, with the local municipality or tax office, depending on the country. In Spain, deregister from the padrón and from Spanish tax residence.

The documents list, checklist and FAQ below cover these steps.

Documents you need

• An inventory of the goods you are moving, listing your household items. It is advisable for any move, and required if you move from the Canary Islands, Ceuta or Melilla to claim relief from duties.

• Proof of residence, needed only for moves to or from the Canary Islands, Ceuta or Melilla, to claim relief from duties and taxes on personal effects.

• Permits for restricted items such as weapons, some medicines, protected species or CITES items, and cultural goods above set limits.

Checklist

• Check whether you are moving to or from the Canary Islands, Ceuta or Melilla, which need a customs declaration through your agent.

• Write an inventory of your belongings for the move, insurance and any dispute.

• Check for restricted items such as weapons, some medicines, protected species and cultural goods, and get permits where needed.

• Deregister from the Spanish padrón (the town hall's residents register) and from Spanish tax residence.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a customs declaration to move to another EU country?

No, you do not need a customs declaration to move used household goods from mainland Spain to another EU country. Goods already in free circulation move freely, and no duty or VAT applies to personal effects when you change residence.

Does moving from the Canary Islands, Ceuta or Melilla need customs paperwork?

Yes, moves to or from the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla need a customs declaration, because these territories are outside the EU customs and VAT area. Your agent lodges it with the Agencia Tributaria, and sometimes a T-document is also needed.

Are the Balearic Islands treated like the Canary Islands for customs?

No, the Balearic Islands are fully inside the EU customs territory, so moving from them has no customs formalities. The same free movement applies as from the mainland.

What happens to my car when I move to another EU country?

You must re-register your car in the destination country under its local rules and taxes. Ask that country's vehicle registration office what it requires before you drive it there long term.