Britannia Robbins specialise in removals to Spain, and serve the whole of south and west Wales from our base in Swansea. We have vehicles leaving for the continent weekly, helping customers with all of their European moving needs. We can complete dedicated trips to Spain for full house moves, and also offer part load (groupage) services for smaller consignments.
With decades of experience and the backing of the Britannia Movers group, we are able to offer a full door to door service. This is tailor made to the needs of our customers, and can include packing, storage, and insurance.
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Key facts for people moving to Spain from the UK
At a glance, here are some of the most important things to know if you’re moving to Spain. There is more detail in the sections below.
• It can take anywhere from 2 days to several weeks to complete a removal to Spain.
• If you are moving your main residence, it is generally possible to import your belongings to Spain without paying duty or tax.
• For small consignments, a part load service is the most cost-effective way to move to Spain.
• There will be lots of documents to complete, but we will support you with this. We will always need a copy of your passport and your visa (where applicable) to get the ball rolling.
Removals to Spain – our step-by-step guide
Long-distance removals are complex, so it’s important that you choose a professional and experienced company. The Britannia Robbins step-by-step moving process is tried and tested, designed to ensure a seamless move and leaving you free to enjoy it.
1. We arrange a survey – this is completely free, and is done either in person or via video call. The survey helps us understand the size and nature of your consignment together with your preferred timeline.
2. You choose a ‘Designated Service’ or a ‘Part Load’ (see below for explanation).
3. We send you a detailed and transparent quote. You can select from a range of optional extras such as packing, furniture dismantling, and insurance. Once your moving date is confirmed, you pay the deposit and we confirm the booking.
4. Our staff support you with all required customs documents.
5. We pack your goods, and load them onto our vehicle. For long distance moves, we prefer to fully export wrap your goods. This keeps them safe on the journey, and simplifies the inventory paperwork.
6. We can provide storage if needed. If you are renovating a property, or waiting for your purchase in Spain to complete, we can offer storage in the UK or in Spain.
7. Our European-specialist crew travels to Spain to deliver your shipment.
8. The crew will unload and position furniture. They will also unpack and check all fragile items.
Designated service removals to Spain
A designated service is perfect for large moves, or items that are needed as a priority. With this option, we load the vehicle at your UK address and then go straight to Spain in the same truck. This is always the fastest option.
Part load moves to Spain
A part load removal (sometimes called ‘groupage’) takes a bit longer, but is more cost-effective. This type of service involves the consolidation of your goods with other shipments, which are then all delivered during one route through Europe. This is great for smaller loads, and things that aren’t needed quickly.
Moving to Spain – customs and documentation
Removals to Spain used to be straightforward, but since Brexit, the process is more complicated. These days, there is a lot of paperwork involved. However, your consignment should still get duty-free entry if you can demonstrate the following.
• You have been living outside of the EU customs area for at least 12 months.
• You are moving your main residence.
• Your belongings have been owned and used for at least 6 months, and you paid tax as normal when you bought them.
• You complete the transfer of your goods within 12 months of moving to Spain.
• You agree not to loan, pledge, rent or transfer your goods to anyone for 12 months after importing them.
The above would allow us to request customs and VAT exemption for your shipment in the import declaration.
If you are relocating belongings to a second home in Spain, then import tax (known as IVA – usually 21%) and duty will be payable on your move. You may find the Spanish tax agency website helpful, and our knowledgeable staff can also help to answer your questions.
Please note that duty will always be payable on certain items, including products containing alcohol and products containing tobacco. Commercial vehicles and equipment for professional use are also subject to fees.
Documentation needed for your removal to Spain
When you are moving to Spain, your visa will set out your registration requirements. For most British citizens, that will mean registering as a resident, and then obtaining a foreigner’s identity card, or TIE.
You register as a resident on the municipal register at your local town hall, and this gives you a padrón certificate. You will need this for essential services such as healthcare and school places.
To obtain your TIE, you should book an appointment at your nearest police station or local foreigners’ office. The Gov.UK website is a great source of information on this process.
In order to gain customs clearance for your household goods, the paperwork required will include:
• A copy of your passport photo page, together with your visa if applicable
• A detailed inventory, written in Spanish and including weights and second-hand values in Euros
• Your Spanish tax identification number (this is called an NIE for foreigners, and is a DNI for Spanish citizens)
• Evidence of your new residency in Spain, such as a lease agreement or property purchase contract
• A signed authorisation for your removal company to clear goods on your behalf.
• A non-cession declaration, which confirms that your goods are for personal use.
Moving your car to Spain
Second-hand cars are generally more expensive in Spain than in the UK, so it may make financial sense to take your car with you when you move. If you are moving your main residence, then you should be exempt from paying tax and duty providing that the following apply.
• The vehicle has been owned and used for at least 12 months
• You paid UK tax on the purchase of the car as normal
Once in Spain, you will need to make any modifications required (adjusting headlights etc), pass an ITV (the Spanish equivalent of a UK MOT), and register your vehicle to receive Spanish number plates. You may also need to get specialist insurance for a right hand drive car in Spain.
The DGT is the body responsible for issuing driving licenses and vehicle registration is Spain, much like the DVLA in the UK.
Removals to Spain – FAQs
What is the cost of a move to Spain?
The volume of goods moved and the distance travelled are the main factors that determine the cost of a move. When quoting, we also have to consider extra services such as packing, storage, and difficult access (where the truck cannot get close to your property). Our instant online quote generator can give you a very rough guide price, but we would need to carry out a full survey to provide an accurate quotation.
How long does a removal to Spain take?
Moving your household goods from Wales to Spain can take just a few days, or it may take several weeks. A designated service is the fastest option, because the vehicle will go straight to your new address. If you opt for a part-load service, the crew will be carrying out multiple jobs across Europe, which will take a bit longer.
What is the cheapest way to move to Spain?
The cheapest option for a move to Spain is a part-load service, also known as groupage. This often works for people with smaller consignments who don’t need their goods urgently. It requires grouping your belongings with other shipments until we have a full truck, which reduces the price for each customer. However, it takes a bit longer, and it isn’t suitable for large house moves that can fill a vehicle on their own, so it doesn’t work for everyone.
Are there any restrictions on what I can take when in my shipment to Spain?
Yes – there are restrictions on the kinds of goods that can be imported into Spain. The following are either restricted or completely prohibited.
• Weapons and ammunition
• Tobacco and alcohol products
• Drugs and medicines without prescriptions
• Products derived from animals
• Plants or products derived from plants
• Many food items – we can advise during a survey
What insurance is needed for a European removal?
We offer a range of different cover levels under a marine insurance policy for people moving to Spain. This is the correct type of transit insurance for international removals, irrespective of whether the goods are travelling by road, sea, or air. Our levels of cover range from basic to comprehensive, and our staff can talk you through the details and prepare a quote for you.
Our services for people moving from Wales to Spain
Britannia Robbins was founded in 1907, and we have many decades of experience in European removals. We’re very proud that we are still family-owned and run, and our reviews on Google and Which? Trusted Traders speak for themselves.
Our comprehensive service offering lets us create a bespoke moving package for every customer, including some or all of the following.
• Specialist packing for European removals.
• Furniture dismantling and reassembly.
• Support and guidance with customs documentation.
• Specialist packing and crating for especially fragile or valuable items.
• Transportation via part-loads or designated loads.
• Transhipping to overcome difficult access.
• A choice of warehouse and self storage in Wales, and storage in Spain via our trusted partners.
• Vehicle shipping.
• Marine insurance.
We can also offer moves from Spain back to the UK, both for people moving here for the first time and those returning after a period abroad. We understand that moving is stressful, and we’re here to take the stress out of the experience.
Preferential services from our third party suppliers
We don’t often recommend external companies to our customers. After all, our reputation is on the line, so it requires a great deal of trust. However, over the years, two companies have proved themselves worthy – consistently delivering great service and solving problems for our customers.
Foreign exchange from IFX Payments
Just as our customers need help moving their belongings, they also need help to move their money into a Spanish bank account. Whilst high street banks can do this, IFX Payments offer a more personalised service – advising on exchange rate fluctuations and timing transactions carefully to maximise your returns. We know that for some customers, they save enough to cover the entire cost of the move by using IFX Payments.
IFX are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). All funds are fully safeguarded, and they offer great service and transparent pricing. If you would like to find out more, you can reach out to them on 020 7495 8888.
Pet relocation support from PetAir UK
If you are moving to Spain with your furry friends and need some help with all the regulations, we can wholeheartedly recommend PetAir UK. They have been moving pets of all kinds around the world for decades, and provide full support with the relocation process.
For further details, check out our pet relocation page, or give the PetAir UK team a call on 01725 551124.
Removals from Wales to Spain without the stress
Simply contact us to book your free survey and get started with organising your move.
01792 584229
info@britanniarobbins.co.uk
Use our ‘Request a quotation‘ form and we’ll call you back.
Additional resources
• Download a pdf of our Removals to Spain Brochure
• Download a pdf of our Moving to Spain Checklist
• Visit our Removals FAQs page