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Removals to South America from Spain go by sea freight. Whether you are returning to Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile or Peru, or shipping personal effects to family, the process involves customs clearance in both Spain and the destination country. Below you will find how the route works, indicative transit times, country-by-country customs notes, and how the free matching service connects you with one certified removal company.
Spanish collection address, South American destination, moving date, volume and any specialist items. The matching service is free.
One FIDI FAIM certified removal company is matched to the route. They contact you directly with a confirmed quote covering sea freight, customs documentation and destination delivery.
The removal company collects in Spain, loads the container or groupage consignment, clears customs at the Spanish port and the South American destination port, then delivers to your address.
Most South America sea freight from Spain loads at one of three main Spanish ports. The loading port depends on the shipping line schedule and your collection location in Spain.
All times are indicative. Add collection, packing and customs clearance time at both ends. The matched removal company confirms the schedule for your specific route.
Sole use of a 20ft or 40ft container. Best for 2-bedroom and larger household moves.
20ft container holds approximately 28 to 33 cubic metres. 40ft holds approximately 60 to 67 cubic metres. Faster clearance in some destinations. Goods stay in one container from door to port.
Shared container. Best for studio flats, 1-bedroom apartments or personal effects under 15 cubic metres.
Cost-effective for smaller shipments. Transit time may be slightly longer than FCL due to consolidation and deconsolidation at destination port.
For urgent or high-value small shipments. 3 to 7 days to most South American cities.
Significantly more expensive than sea freight per cubic metre. Suitable for documents, clothing, electronics and small personal items under 100kg. Not suitable for furniture or large household contents.
Every South American country has its own customs import rules for personal household goods. Getting the documentation right before goods leave Spain avoids costly delays at the destination port. The matched removal company advises on the specific requirements for your country.
Main ports: Santos (Sao Paulo), Rio de Janeiro, Belem (Amazon region).
Customs authority: Receita Federal do Brasil (RFB).
Key requirements: Detailed itemised packing inventory with values in USD. Proof of residency in Spain (Empadronamiento or residence permit). Proof of new Brazilian address. CPF (Brazilian tax number) required for importer. Goods must have been owned for at least 6 months.
Duty exemption: Returning Brazilians and new residents may qualify for duty exemption on personal household goods (Bagagem Acompanhada e Desacompanhada). Documentation requirements are strict. The matched removal company confirms current rules.
Main ports: Buenos Aires (Port of Exolgan, Dock Sud), Rosario.
Customs authority: Aduana Argentina (AFIP).
Key requirements: Certificate of residence from the Argentine consulate in Spain before goods ship. CUIL or CUIT (Argentine tax ID) required. Full itemised packing list. Proof of Spanish residence showing you have lived outside Argentina for at least 12 months.
Note: Argentina's import regulations have changed frequently in recent years. Always confirm the current status with the matched removal company before packing begins.
Main ports: Cartagena de Indias (main container hub), Buenaventura (Pacific coast).
Customs authority: DIAN (Direccion de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales).
Key requirements: Itemised packing inventory. Proof of residency in Spain. Colombian cedula (national ID) or cedula de extranjeria for foreign nationals. Goods must have been used and owned for at least 6 months before shipping.
Exemption available: Colombian nationals returning home and foreigners establishing Colombian residence may qualify for duty-free import. Confirm eligibility with the matched removal company.
Main ports: Valparaiso, San Antonio. Both serve Santiago and central Chile.
Customs authority: Servicio Nacional de Aduanas de Chile.
Key requirements: Itemised packing list with values. Chilean RUT (tax number). Proof of residency abroad for at least 12 months. Power of attorney for the customs agent to clear goods on your behalf (standard for international removals).
Duty exemption: Chile offers exemption on used personal household goods for returning residents under specific conditions. The matched removal company confirms eligibility and current documentation requirements.
Main port: Callao, Lima.
Customs authority: SUNAT (Superintendencia Nacional de Aduanas y de Administracion Tributaria).
Key requirements: Detailed itemised packing list with USD values. Peruvian DNI (national ID) or carnet de extranjeria. Proof of Spanish residence. Entry visa or proof of residency status in Peru.
Exemption: Returning Peruvians and qualifying foreign residents may import personal household goods duty-free. Documentation requirements have changed in recent years. Confirm current rules with the matched removal company.
Uruguay (Montevideo): DNA (Direccion Nacional de Aduanas). Standard personal effects exemption available for returning residents. 18 to 25 day transit from Spain.
Ecuador (Guayaquil): SENAE customs. Duty exemption for returning nationals and qualifying foreign residents. 15 to 22 days from Spain.
Bolivia: Landlocked. Goods route via Arica or Iquique (Chile) or Callao (Peru) then overland. Add 5 to 10 days for the inland leg. Aduana Nacional de Bolivia.
Paraguay: Landlocked. Routes via Montevideo or Buenos Aires then overland. DNA Paraguay. Add 5 to 8 days for the inland leg.
Sea freight to South America is priced by volume and destination. These are indicative ranges only. The matched removal company confirms the actual price for your specific move before you book. The matching service is free.
Prices quoted are illustrative starting points only and exclude destination customs duties, local delivery charges and any specialist packing. The matched removal company provides a full itemised quote before any booking is confirmed.
Ofrecemos intermediación gratuita para mudanzas internacionales desde España a Sudamérica, incluyendo Brasil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile y Perú. Nuestros socios certificados por FIDI FAIM gestionan el transporte marítimo, los trámites aduaneros en el puerto de origen español y la entrega en destino. Una solicitud, un socio certificado. El servicio de intermediación es completamente gratuito.
International Removals Companies was founded by Darren Benjamin in 2010 and is operated by DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD, company number 07425576. The platform matches each Spain-to-South-America enquiry with one suitable FIDI-certified removal company. Details go to one company only, not a comparison site.
Groupage from Spain to Brazil starts from approximately £900 per cubic metre. A full 20ft container starts from approximately £2,500 to £4,000. These are indicative guides only. The matched removal company confirms your actual quote based on volume, Spanish origin port and destination in Brazil.
Barcelona and Valencia are the main container ports for South America sea freight from Spain. Algeciras near Gibraltar handles transatlantic routes and is used for some direct Brazil services. The matched removal company confirms the loading port and schedule for your specific route.
Most South American countries offer duty exemption for returning nationals and qualifying residents bringing personal household goods. The conditions vary by country. Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile and Peru each have different eligibility rules. In most cases goods must have been owned and used for at least 6 months. The matched removal company confirms the rules for your specific destination.
Vehicle shipping from Spain to South America is available to most destinations. Import duty on vehicles is significant in most South American countries, particularly Argentina and Brazil. Confirm vehicle shipping requirements and import costs with the matched removal company before committing to ship.
Related routes and Spain cluster pages:
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