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Moving To Spain from the UK: The Ultimate Checklist
An international move checklist for moving to Spain
An international move checklist for moving to Spain
Did you know? In 2023, more than 284,000 Brits called Spain home!
UK citizens in Spain can enjoy a lower cost of living, quality health care, excellent gastronomy, and some of the sunniest cities in Europe.
If you are considering moving to Spain from the UK, read our top tips for moving to Spain – And use our easy 10 step checklist to make your move a success!
The majority of British citizens in Spain live in Andalusia and the Valencia region, while large numbers of Brits live in Madrid, the Canary Islands, Murcia, and other areas.
Quality of life! Expats recently rated Spain #1 out of 53 countries for quality of life and #2 for overall satisfaction. Expats in Spain also say it is a relatively easy place to settle in.
The cost of living in Spain is almost about 25% lower than the UK.
Children are cherished and welcome in most places in Spain. It is not uncommon to see children with their families at a restaurant or relaxing in a town square late into the evening. Family is an important aspect of life in Spain, and celebrations with extended family are frequent.
There are a number of British schools in Spain, such as the St. George British School in Barcelona, the Thames British School and British International School of Madrid, and the British International School of Marbella. Spain also has many well-regarded international and Montessori schools.
Spain is also known to have good “public” schools which are free and supported by the national government.
Before you jump right into buying your own slice of paradise in Spain, research your options.
Real estate in Spain is typically less expensive than the UK, but you may want to explore different cities and neighbourhoods before you decide to buy.
If you decide the rent an apartment in Spain, the most common types of units include pisos (larger 2-3 bedrooms), apartamientos (1-2 bedrooms), and estudios (1 room apartments).
Post Brexit you will need to obtain a visa in order to move to Spain from the UK. Consult the UK government website and the Spanish government website for details specific to your situation.
If you were already living in Spain prior to January 1, 2021, read the UK Government's Guide to Living in Spain under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement.
Ready to get started?
Plan your move to Spain with our Easy 10 Step Moving Checklist. It was created by expats and our Sterling Lexicon Move Specialists to help make your move a success.
Step 1: Find an accredited European home removals company
Step 2: Get a home removals quote
Step 3: Review your quote and book your move
Step 4: Complete the documents you need to move to Spain
Step 5: Get your house ready for moving
Step 6: Follow these steps to have a great moving day
Step 7: Track your home removals shipment to Spain
Step 8: Plan for an easy travel day
Step 9: Household goods customs clearance in Spain
Step 10: Welcome to your new home | Steps to getting settled
Moving from the UK to Spain is more complicated than a local move.
Choose a removals company certified for road transport in Europe
Moving to Spain is a lot more complicated than moving within the UK. Your precious household items will travel more than 1000KM by air, road or sea freight to your new home in Spain.
Choose high quality movers and packers who specialise in European moving services and customs clearance. Not sure what to look for? Ask about:
Moving company accreditations
Ask if your mover is registered and has the required insurances. Also check if your moving company is FIDI FAIM certified. and approved by the British Association of Removers.
High-quality, eco-friendly packing and shipping methods
At Sterling Lexicon, we use quality packing materials and methods for the highest level of protection. We also choose materials that are kind to the environment.
To get the most accurate estimate for your move, request an in-person or virtual move survey.
During the move survey, ask about:
Packing standards
Special access or parking needs
Pet relocation services
Storage
Insurance
Vehicle shipping and storage
Moving fine art and high-value items
VAT reclaims
Customs requirements and import restrictions
With Sterling Lexicon, you can request a move survey using our Move Quote Form or schedule a survey using our online calendar.
Since we are a local UK moving company, you can also contact us by telephone at +44 20 8841 7000.
Review Your Moving Quote
When you receive your International Move Summary and Quote:
1. Check the details
2. If you get multiple quotes, make sure you have a like-for-like comparison based on the same move details
3. Make sure your quote is based on an in-home or virtual survey. Over the phone or online quotes are estimates only – your actual home move may cost much more.
Book Your Move
Complete and submit your booking form to secure your move date. If you have any questions, speak to your dedicated Move Specialist.
The Sterling Lexicon Promise
Book with confidence. Book to reserve your move date and if things change you can move your dates. Sterling Lexicon is an accredited international mover providing professional support throughout your move from the UK to Spain. FIDI protected.
If you are moving with Sterling Lexicon, your Move Specialist will help you prepare the documents you need to move to Spain. These may include:
Don’t be overwhelmed! If you work with Sterling Lexicon, our Move Specialists can explain the documents needed to ship household goods to Spain.
**This list is provided for introductory information purposes only. Please consult with your Move Specialist or FIDI customs guides to learn about the forms and documents required for your move.
Decide what to move, store or give away
Before moving day, go through your home room by room. Sell or donate items that you no longer want. Discard or give away items that are prohibited to import into the EU. Clearly mark items for storage.
Set aside items to carry on the plane or in your vehicle
Put important items in a clearly identifiable container so they do not get packed. This includes passports, visas, jewellery, medication, phone/charger, laptop/charger, adaptors and important documents (insurance, lease, mortgage letter, etc.).
For more ways to get your house ready for moving, use our guide:
Moving Overseas | What to Pack Store and Give Away.
Items prohibited for EU Road TransportThe following categories of items may not be transported by road in the EU. Examples include but are not limited to: ● Flammable Liquids: Oils, petrol, paint, varnish, kerosene, turpentine, pure alcohol, mentholated spirits, photographic developers, perfume, lighter fluid, toxins and poisons (e.g. arsenic, polishes, pesticides, weed killers) |
When your moving crew arrives on moving day, walk them through your home and show them:
Check your packing inventory
Once the packing is complete, your mover will generate an inventory list, itemising everything that has been packed. Keep it until your possessions have arrived in Spain and are unpacked in your new home.
Take out international transit protection
Your goods will travel more than 1000 KM from the UK to Spain. Protect your move by taking out transit protection, which will cover your personal items, furniture, art, collections, etc. Provide accurate information so you have the right amount of cover. Ask your Move Specialist for details.
Top Moving Tip! Ask friends or family to take care of your small children and pets on moving day so you can be on hand to answer any questions.
Track your home removals shipment to Spain
As part of your move survey, your move specialist will discuss options for road freight and air shipments.
● Road freight is a common way to transport items from the UK across Europe
● Express air shipments are usually reserved for essential or time-sensitive items
● Your mover may offer FCL or LCL shipments. To learn more about ways to ship household goods to Spain, read our guide: FCL, LCL and Air Shipments
On your travel day, leave enough travel time to get to the airport. Check that you have your passports, entry visas, and other important documents. If you will be travelling with small children, pack some snacks, games, and device chargers to help keep them entertained on the road or on the plane.
Once you arrive in Spain, inform your Move Specialist. If you have pre-arranged air freight for essential items, they can be delivered to you whilst you await your road or sea shipment.
Your international mover should provide support for the customs clearance of your possessions at destination. If you choose Sterling Lexicon, our Madrid moving services team will handle the import process for you.
Once your items have cleared customs in Spain, our team will contact you to arrange a delivery date to your new home.
If you haven’t already, get your utilities connected, arrange for a local bank account and find a doctor and dentist. Don't forget to stay compliant with local registration requirements and tax treaties!
Now it’s time to settle in and enjoy living in Spain. You did it!
Before you move, you may need to transfer money to Spain. If you need to convert GBP to EUR, we recommend Currencies Direct.
Currencies Direct is multi-award-winning foreign exchange company. They have been helping people save time and money on their currency transfers since 1996. Check out their rates at Currencies Direct today!
Check out our Door-to-Door vehicle shipping guide and FAQ
Sterling Lexicon specialises in high-quality packing and shipping. Learn more about our top quality moving services, including fine art and collections.
In order to take pets into Spain, you need proper documentation and must enter at a designated Traveler Point of Entry. According to the Spanish Government website,*
1. The pet must be accompanied by a European pet passport or an animal health certificate, which must be signed by an official veterinarian of the third country, and presented at least in Spanish; a declaration in accordance with EU models [Model certificate and declaration in Spanish/English]; and a certified copy of the identification and vaccination data of the animal/animals
2. The pet will also have to be identified with a microchip or tattoo (if done before 03/07/2011) and be vaccinated against rabies with a valid vaccine at the time of travelIf you will be travelling by aeroplane, you may want to hire a professional pet relocation company to ensure that your pet has the correct paperwork and the safest airline itinerary.
*This information is provided for introductory purposes. Your requirements to enter Spain with your pet may be different. If in doubt, ask your move specialist about professional pet relocation services.
**Individuals in transit, travelling with more than 5 animals, or travelling separately from your pet should consult with a pet relocation professional to determine their requirements.
At Sterling Lexicon, we have offices in London, Madrid and across Europe. Our European moving teams will make sure that you enjoy moving seamless support throughout your home removals from the UK to Spain.
Our Move Specialists are experts in European home removals, but don’t just take our word for it, see our Sterling Lexicon customer reviews.
For a high-quality move from the UK to Spain, contact us today.
Let's get started!
