Moving from the US to Spain: customs, papers and what you can't pack

Bringing your things in duty-free

You lived outside the EU for 12 months in a row and are making Spain your home; you've owned and used each thing for at least 6 months. Import within 12 months of settling. No separate application — the relief is claimed on the import declaration (code C01). Don't lend, rent or sell for 12 months without telling customs.

The papers customs wants

• Proof of 12 months living abroad — a tax residence certificate, job contract or utility bills
• Proof you deregistered or told an authority abroad you're leaving
• Your TIE (foreigner's ID card) or the application for one
• Your padrón (town hall registration)
• A detailed list of the goods, with estimated values and roughly when you bought them

Inspection and clearance

Customs may ask for more proof. Inspection and whether you need a broker aren't stated — ask your mover.

Don't pack these

• Alcohol and tobacco aren't covered
• Meat and dairy from outside the EU are banned. Plants need a phytosanitary certificate.
• Protected species (CITES)
• Medicines only in personal amounts, with a copy of the prescription
• Weapons need a specific permit
• Cash of €10,000 or more must be declared.

Bringing a car

Cars, trailers, caravans and boats are covered under the same 6- and 12-month rules.

Bringing a dog or cat

A 15-digit ISO microchip, put in on or before the rabies shot. Wait 21 days after a first rabies vaccine. No rabies blood test is needed coming from the US. Your vet fills in the EU health certificate (the new form in use since 1 October 2026), USDA endorses it — $101 per certificate, any number of pets — and the pet must arrive within 10 days. Five pets or fewer, traveling within 5 days of you.

No tapeworm treatment needed. Arrive through a listed entry point — Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia and others — and contact its inspection office first.

No breed is banned from entering, but owning a "potentially dangerous" dog (Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Akita and others) needs a town license and at least €120,000 of liability insurance.

Duty and tax on everything else

Customs duty depends on what the item is — look it up by item in the EU tariff (TARIC). Import VAT is charged on top of duty.

VAT is 21% (the Canary Islands use their own tax, IGIC). Carried in your luggage: €430 of goods free by air or sea.