UK to Spain Removals - International Moving Companies & Relocation Services

UK to Spain Removals - International Movers Moving Services

We connect you with specialist Spain removal companies who know the UK to Spain route inside out. Whether you're retiring to the Costa del Sol, relocating to Barcelona for work, or buying your dream villa in Andalusia, we'll match you with the right international movers.

Spain is the most popular destination for UK expats. Over 300,000 Brits live there permanently. Many more have holiday homes.

The weather's brilliant. Property is affordable. Life's more relaxed. Healthcare is excellent. And let's be honest, the food and wine don't hurt either.

But international removals to Spain have changed since Brexit. The rules aren't what they were in 2019. Visas are now required for long stays. Tax residency matters more. And customs procedures have proper checks.

This is why you need Spain removal specialists who handle UK to Spain moves regularly. They know post-Brexit customs. They understand Spanish bureaucracy. They've got established partners at Spanish ports and in Spanish cities.

That's what we help you find - the right moving companies for your Spain relocation.

UK to Spain International Removals: How It Works

Spain removals are brilliant because it's close. You can drive there. This means more options than somewhere like Singapore or Australia.

Option 1: Road Freight for Spain Removals (Most Common)

A removal lorry collects your belongings from your UK home. Drives to Spain. Delivers to your Spanish property.

The route for UK to Spain removals: UK → Channel Tunnel or ferry → France → Spain. Most international removal companies use the Channel Tunnel (Folkestone to Calais).

Transit time: 5-10 days typically. Sometimes faster if you're in southern England going to northern Spain. Longer if you're in Scotland heading to Andalusia.

Benefits:

• Faster than sea freight
• One vehicle, door-to-door
• Less handling of your belongings
• Can track the vehicle's progress
• Good for furniture and household goods

Option 2: Groupage (Shared Vehicle)

If you've got less than a full removal van's worth, you share space on a vehicle.

Your belongings get collected. Stored at a depot. Loaded onto a shared vehicle when there's enough cargo heading to your area of Spain.

Transit time: 7-14 days typically. Depends on how quickly the shared vehicle fills up.

Cost saving: Usually 40-60% cheaper than a dedicated vehicle for smaller moves (1-2 bedroom flats).

Option 3: Sea Freight (For Larger Moves)

Some removal companies offer container shipping to Spain.

Your goods go in a container at a UK port (usually Southampton or Felixstowe). Ship to a Spanish port (Barcelona, Valencia, or Bilbao). Then road transport to your final address.

Transit time: 2-3 weeks typically.

When it makes sense: Very large moves (4-5 bedroom houses) or if you're shipping a car too.

Post-Brexit Customs for Spain Removals

Here's the Brexit bit that affects all UK to Spain moving companies. Spain is in the EU. The UK isn't anymore.

This means customs checks at the border. Not every removal vehicle gets stopped and searched. But all international removals to Spain need proper paperwork.

Your removal company needs:

• Detailed inventory of everything you're moving
• Proof you're relocating to Spain (visa, residency documents, employment contract)
• Customs declaration forms
• Your passport details

If paperwork's correct, customs clearance is usually quick. A few hours at the border.

If paperwork's wrong or missing, your belongings sit at the border while it gets sorted. This is why Spain experience matters.

Spain Removal Costs: What to Expect

Prices for international removals to Spain vary massively depending on what you're moving and where in Spain you're going.

What You're Moving	Method	Typical Cost	Transit Time
1-bedroom flat	Groupage (shared vehicle)	£800-£1,400	7-14 days
2-bedroom flat/house	Part load or small dedicated van	£1,500-£2,800	5-10 days
3-bedroom house	Dedicated removal vehicle	£2,800-£5,000	5-10 days
4-5 bedroom house	Large removal vehicle or multiple trips	£4,500-£8,000	5-10 days

What Makes the Price Go Up?

Distance within Spain: Costa Blanca (Alicante, Benidorm) is closer and cheaper than Andalusia (Malaga, Marbella). The Canary Islands cost more because they need sea or air freight.

Access at both ends: Narrow village streets in the UK or Spain? Difficult access adds time and cost. Remote mountain villages in Spain sometimes need smaller vehicles for the final stretch.

Time of year: Summer (June-August) is peak season for Spain moves. Prices go up 15-20%. Spring and autumn are cheaper and weather's still good.

Packing services: Full packing (they pack everything) adds £600-£1,200. Partial packing (fragile items only) adds £300-£600. Self-pack is cheapest.

Insurance: Comprehensive cover costs about £3-£5 per £100 of goods value. For £10,000 worth of belongings, that's £300-£500.

Get Matched with Spain Removal Specialists

Visas and Residency After Brexit

This is where things changed. Pre-2021, Brits could just move to Spain. Now you need permission for stays over 90 days.

If You Were Already Living in Spain Before 2021

You're protected under the Withdrawal Agreement. Your rights haven't changed.

But you need to get a TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). This proves your protected status.

If you haven't got one yet, apply as soon as possible. It's your proof of right to live in Spain.

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) - For Retirees and Non-Workers

This is the most popular visa for Brits retiring to Spain.

Who it's for: People who aren't working in Spain. Retirees, people with savings, anyone living off investments or pensions.

Income requirement:

• Main applicant: €28,800 per year (about £24,500)
• Each dependent: Additional €7,200 per year (about £6,100)

This can be pension income, investment income, or savings. You need to prove it's stable and ongoing.

The catch: You can't work in Spain on this visa. Not even freelancing. It's strictly for non-workers.

Healthcare: You need private health insurance for the first year. After that, you can join the Spanish public healthcare system.

Digital Nomad Visa (For Remote Workers)

New visa introduced recently for people working remotely for non-Spanish companies.

Who it's for: People employed by UK or international companies, working remotely from Spain.

Requirements:

• Minimum income: €28,800 per year
• Proof of three years working in your field
• Employment contract with a company outside Spain
• Proof the work can be done remotely

Benefits: Lower tax rate for the first few years compared to Spanish employment. You can live anywhere in Spain.

Work Visa (For Employment in Spain)

If you've got a job offer from a Spanish company, they'll sponsor your work visa.

Your employer handles most of the paperwork. They need to prove the role couldn't be filled by an EU citizen first.

Easier in skilled professions with shortages (IT, engineering, healthcare).

Entrepreneur Visa (For Starting a Business)

For people launching innovative businesses in Spain.

Requirements:

• Detailed business plan
• Review by Spanish economic authorities
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and the business
• Business must be deemed "innovative" or beneficial to Spanish economy

This isn't for opening a British pub or a small shop. It's for tech startups, innovative services, companies creating jobs.

Golden Visa (For Property Investors)

If you buy property worth €500,000 or more, you qualify for a Golden Visa.

Gives you residency rights. You don't have to live in Spain full-time (just visit once a year). Family members included.

Popular with wealthy retirees buying luxury villas.

The TIE Card Process

Once your visa is approved, you get a TIE card. This is your Spanish residence card.

The process (for most visas):

1. Apply for visa at Spanish consulate in UK (or online for some types)
2. Wait for approval (can take 1-3 months)
3. Enter Spain on your approved visa
4. Within 30 days, apply for TIE card at Immigration Office
5. Fingerprints and biometrics at National Police office
6. Collect TIE card (usually 4-6 weeks later)

Your TIE card is valid for 1-2 years initially. You renew it after that.

Taxes and Money in Spain

Tax rules matter when you're moving to Spain. Especially if you've got a UK pension.

When Are You a Spanish Tax Resident?

You become a Spanish tax resident if:

• You spend more than 183 days in Spain in a calendar year, OR
• Your main economic interests are in Spain (business, investments, job), OR
• Your spouse and minor children live in Spain

Once you're tax resident, you pay Spanish tax on your worldwide income. This includes UK pensions, rental income, investments.

UK Pensions in Spain (Important)

The UK and Spain have a double taxation agreement. This means you don't pay tax twice.

How it works:

If you're a Spanish tax resident, your UK pension is usually taxed in Spain, not the UK.

You can request your UK pension be paid gross (without UK tax deducted). Then you declare it in Spain and pay Spanish tax on it.

Why this matters: Spanish tax rates on pensions can be different from UK rates. Sometimes higher, sometimes lower, depending on total income.

State pension vs private pension: Both are taxable in Spain if you're tax resident there. The double tax treaty ensures you only pay once.

Spanish Income Tax Rates

Spain uses progressive tax rates. National rates plus regional rates (vary by autonomous community).

Total rates typically range from 19% to 47% depending on income level and region.

For most UK retirees with moderate pension income (€20,000-€40,000), effective rates are 15-25%.

Wealth Tax and Other Taxes

Spain has wealth tax (impuesto sobre el patrimonio) in some regions. Rates and thresholds vary by autonomous community.

There's also annual property tax (IBI) - similar to UK council tax but usually cheaper.

And there's a tax on owning property if you're non-resident (doesn't apply if you're resident).

Healthcare in Spain

Spanish healthcare is excellent. Often ranked better than the UK's NHS.

If You're Working in Spain

You'll pay into Spanish social security. This gives you access to the public healthcare system (free at point of use, like NHS).

Quality is generally very good. Waiting times often shorter than UK.

If You're Retiring to Spain

Two options:

Option 1: Private health insurance (required for non-lucrative visa). Costs €50-€150 per month per person depending on age and coverage.

Option 2: Register as self-employed (autónomo) and pay into social security (around €300 per month). This gives access to public healthcare.

Some retirees keep private insurance even after getting access to public healthcare. Private gives faster appointments for non-urgent issues.

UK State Pension and Healthcare

If you receive UK state pension and are registered as a Spanish resident, the UK pays Spain for your healthcare costs.

You apply for an S1 form from NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. This registers you in the Spanish system with UK covering costs.

Prescriptions and Costs

Prescription charges in Spain: You typically pay 10-60% of medication costs depending on income and employment status.

Pensioners usually pay 10%. Working people pay 40-60%.

Still much cheaper than UK private prescriptions.

Where to Live in Spain?

Spain's a big country. Where you live massively affects lifestyle, costs, and even visa processing times.

Costa Blanca (Alicante, Benidorm, Torrevieja)

Why Brits love it: Warm all year, beaches, huge British expat community, English widely spoken.

Property costs: Apartments from €70,000-€150,000. Villas from €150,000-€400,000.

Living costs: Moderate. Dining out cheap. Groceries similar to UK.

Weather: 300+ days of sunshine. Hot summers (35°C+), mild winters (15-20°C).

British amenities: British shops, pubs, fish and chips. Some areas feel like Little Britain.

Costa del Sol (Malaga, Marbella, Fuengirola)

Why Brits love it: Sophisticated, international airport (Malaga), golf courses, mix of beach and culture.

Property costs: More expensive than Costa Blanca. Apartments from €100,000-€250,000. Marbella significantly pricier.

Living costs: Higher than Costa Blanca, especially in Marbella and Puerto Banus.

Weather: Similar to Costa Blanca. Hot, dry, sunny.

Culture: More Spanish feel than Costa Blanca. Less dominated by British expats.

Barcelona and Catalonia

Why people move here: Major city, international, arts and culture, jobs for skilled workers.

Property costs: Expensive. Barcelona city centre apartments €250,000-€500,000+. Cheaper in suburbs or coastal towns nearby.

Living costs: High. Similar to London for many things.

Language: Catalan is widely spoken alongside Spanish. English common in tourist areas and international companies.

Jobs: Tech, tourism, international business. Good for digital nomads and remote workers.

Valencia

Why it's growing: Spain's third-largest city but cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona. Beach city with culture and jobs.

Property costs: Moderate. Apartments €120,000-€250,000.

Living costs: Lower than Barcelona. Higher than Costa Blanca.

Weather: Mediterranean. Hot summers, mild winters.

Growing expat community: International but not British-dominated.

Inland Spain (Madrid, Andalusian Cities)

Madrid: Capital city, jobs, culture, international. But expensive and hot summers (40°C+) with cold winters.

Seville, Granada, Córdoba: Beautiful historic cities. Cheaper property. Authentic Spanish culture. Scorching summers. Fewer British expats.

Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria)

Weather: Warm year-round (20-28°C). Called "Islands of Eternal Spring."

Property costs: Moderate. Similar to Costa Blanca.

Lifestyle: Island life. Beach-focused. Large British and German expat communities.

Downside: More expensive to ship belongings (sea or air freight required). Further from UK for visiting.

Spain Removals: Should You Ship Everything or Buy New?

Spanish property is often sold furnished or partly furnished. So this question matters for anyone planning international removals to Spain.

What's Worth Shipping?

Yes, definitely ship:

• Personal belongings, clothes, photos
• Quality UK furniture you love
• UK electronics (Spain uses same plug type and voltage as UK)
• Books and personal items
• Garden equipment if buying a villa with a garden
• Children's toys and familiar items (if kids are moving)

Consider carefully:

• Large furniture if you're buying a furnished Spanish property
• Kitchen appliances (Spanish kitchens often come fitted)
• White goods (can buy locally with warranty and service)

Probably leave behind or sell:

• Heavy oak furniture if you're downsizing to a smaller Spanish apartment
• UK-specific items with no use in Spain (lawnmower if buying an apartment)
• Cheap IKEA furniture (might cost more to move than replace)

The Maths

Shipping a 3-bedroom house worth of stuff: £3,000-£5,000.

Selling everything in UK and buying basic furniture in Spain: €3,000-€5,000 (about £2,500-£4,200).

It's close. But there's the hassle factor. And sentimental value of your belongings.

Most people ship their personal items and good furniture. Buy basics like beds and sofas in Spain if needed.

Currency Exchange for Spain Moves

You'll need euros for property deposits, furniture, setting up utilities, and living costs.

High street banks offer poor GBP to EUR exchange rates. Specialist services save you money.

Example on £50,000 (property deposit):

• High street bank: €57,000 (after poor rate and fees)
• Specialist service: €58,750 (better rate, low fees)
• You save: €1,750 (about £1,500)

If you prefer to arrange it yourself, services like Wise, CurrencyFair, or OFX save you money compared to banks.

Pets: Taking Your Dog or Cat to Spain

Spain is pet-friendly. Most people bring their pets.

Requirements:

• Pet passport or health certificate from UK vet
• Microchip (ISO standard)
• Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel)
• Tapeworm treatment (dogs only, 1-5 days before entry)

No quarantine. Your pet can travel with you or shortly after you.

How to transport them:

By car: If you're driving to Spain yourself, your pet can travel in your car. Most people do this. Break the journey in France overnight.

By pet transport company: They collect your pet from your UK home and deliver to your Spanish home. Costs £200-£600 depending on size and service level.

By plane: Some airlines allow pets in cabin (small dogs and cats). Larger pets go in hold. Costs vary massively.

Dangerous Breeds in Spain

Spain lists certain breeds as potentially dangerous (PPP - Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos). Includes Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, and others.

These breeds need:

• Special license from town hall
• Civil liability insurance (about €50-€100 per year)
• Must be muzzled and on lead in public

Check your breed's status before moving. Rules vary slightly by region.

Avoiding Spain Removal Scams

Spain relocation is a popular route. Scammers know this. Here's how to spot dodgy international removal companies.

Red Flags

• Quote that's half the price of everyone else
• No physical office address in UK
• Demanding full payment upfront
• Can't explain post-Brexit customs procedures
• No professional accreditations (BAR, FIDI, IAM)
• Vague about insurance coverage
• Pressure to book immediately
• Poor communication during quote stage
• Company registered in last 12 months (no track record)

Common Spain Scams

"Stuck at customs" scam: Your goods are allegedly held at French or Spanish border. Company demands £500-£1,000 for "unexpected customs fees." Often this is invented or their fault for wrong paperwork.

"More than estimated" scam: On collection day, they claim you have much more than estimated. Demand extra £1,500+ or won't load the vehicle. Your move date is tomorrow and you're stuck.

"Hidden Spain charges" scam: Super cheap quote. Then adds "Spanish delivery fees," "toll road charges," "Mediterranean port fees" that weren't mentioned. Your stuff is already on the way.

Protect Yourself

• Check Companies House for UK registration
• Verify BAR, FIDI, or IAM membership directly
• Get detailed written quotes
• Read recent Google Reviews and Trustpilot
• Ask about post-Brexit customs procedures
• Pay deposit by credit card (Section 75 protection)
• Never pay 100% upfront

Why Spain Removal Specialists Matter

Any international moving company can technically handle Spain removals. But there's a difference between doing it occasionally and doing it weekly.

A UK-Spain removal specialist knows:

• Post-Brexit customs procedures inside out
• Which documents Spanish customs wants to see
• Best routes through France (avoiding tolls where possible)
• Access issues in Spanish mountain villages
• Spanish delivery schedules (siesta times matter)
• Reliable Spanish partners for final delivery
• Regional differences (Catalonia vs Andalusia vs Basque Country)

A generic mover might:

• Get stuck at customs with wrong paperwork
• Not know Spanish delivery customs (don't arrive at 2pm during siesta)
• Use the most expensive toll roads
• Struggle with Spanish bureaucracy if issues arise
• Have no Spanish-speaking contacts if problems occur

We match you with companies doing UK-Spain moves every week. They know the route blindfolded.

Accreditations That Matter

BAR (British Association of Removers)

UK's main trade body for removal companies.

What membership means:

• Financial checks and insurance verification
• Independent dispute resolution (ADR) if things go wrong
• Legal recourse without expensive court action
• Code of ethical business practices
• Regular compliance monitoring

Verify at BAR.co.uk - don't just trust website logos.

FIDI (International Moving Federation)

Global quality standard for international movers.

FAIM certification means:

• Independent audits by firms like EY
• Financial stability verified
• Quality management systems
• Professional staff training
• International dispute resolution

Verify at FIDI.org.

IAM (International Association of Movers)

Global trade association.

Membership means:

• Professional development
• Ethical business code
• Industry best practices
• Global mover network

Verify at IAMovers.org.

Ready to Plan Your Spain Relocation?

We'll match you with one UK-Spain removal specialist from our network of trusted international moving companies. You speak to them, get a detailed quote, ask your questions.

If they're fully booked, we have one backup. We don't send your details to ten removal companies.

Simple. Honest. No pressure.

Match Me with Spain Removal Companies