Published
November 8th, 2023
Written By
Nevine Hussein
Nevine is a Senior Relocations Consultant based in our Middle East service hub in Dubai, UAE.
Nevine is an experienced Relocations Consultant. She started her career in 2006 and joined Crown Egypt in 2008. Nevine moved to Dubai with Crown UAE in 2016.
During her time with Crown, Nevine has helped hundreds of customers plan their moves and relocate to many locations around the world.
Are you planning an international relocation from the UAE to Spain?
Moving to a new country is an exciting and life-changing endeavour that requires careful planning and preparation. Nevine Hussein, Crown Relocations' Senior Residential Consultant, shares valuable insights to answer five commonly asked questions about relocating to Spain.
From transit times to customs duties and shipping vehicles, we've got you covered.
1. Transit Times for Sea Shipments to Spain
You should allow 6 to 8 weeks for a shipment to reach your new home in Spain. For moves from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Crown offers sailing from Jebel Ali to Spain’s main ports: Madrid (dry port), Valencia, Barcelona, and Malaga.
The sailing to Spain takes between 23 and 30 days, depending on the port of entry. The door-to-door transit times include:
- Sailing time from port to port
- 5 to 7 working days in both the UAE and Spain for customs clearance
- Loading, unloading, and final delivery.
2. Door-to-Door Quotations – Avoiding Surprises
At Crown Relocations, our goal is to provide you with comprehensive quotes for international moves. However, it's important to keep in mind that there may be additional costs to consider at your destination. Some typical examples include:
- Major Cities: Delivery access often requires a parking permit.
- Apartment Blocks: May have limited or unsuitable lift access or narrow stairwells that require the hire of an external elevator or stair carry (above 1st floor).
- Historical/Rural Cities: Often have access limitations for large vehicles and shipping containers, requiring an additional shuttle vehicle or long carry to transport items.
- Oversized/Heavy Furniture: Consider whether items will fit in your new home and be easily manoeuvred, particularly upstairs. If items need to be dismantled and reassembled or hoisted through upstairs windows, this will attract additional costs.
If you have your final delivery address at the time of enquiry, your dedicated Move Manager will work with you to discuss the details and provide tailored solutions to avoid surprises or additional expenses.
3. Customs Duties on Household Goods
You may qualify for exemption from Spanish customs duties and taxes on your household goods and vehicles if they are for personal use (i.e. not in commercial quantities) and meet the specific requirements:
- Your shipment must arrive and be customs cleared no later than 12 months from the date of your arrival in Spain.
- Your goods must have been used for a minimum of 6 months before being imported into Spain.
- You must have an NIE - “Número de Identificación Extranjero”, which is a Fiscal Identification Number.
- You will need to prove that you have lived outside of the EU for at least 12 months before the shipment import into Spain and transfer your primary residence to Spain.
Important note: You must obtain a certificate from your home country’s Consulate/Embassy in the UAE. Spanish nationals must be registered at their Consulate to obtain that certificate. Alternatively, proof of residence in the UAE stamped by the UAE Immigration Department may be used as a certificate.
- You will need to obtain a Spanish Townhall registration certificate (“Empadronamiento” or “El Padrón Municipal”) upon your arrival in Spain and have a lease/purchase contract.
4. Sending Furniture and Personal Items to a Secondary Residence
If you want to send small quantities of furniture and personal effects to a second property in Spain, Crown Relocations offers a regular EU Shared Container Service via Rotterdam or Antwerp.
This cost-effective solution is ideal for those with a secondary residence in Spain. Find out more about the service here.
5. Shipping Vehicles to Spain
It is possible to ship a vehicle, along with your household goods, to Spain. However, the vehicles and personal effects should have the same owner.
Crown Relocations can assist with arranging transportation, customs clearance, handover, and delivery. You will be responsible for mandatory insurance, technical inspection, and registration of the vehicle in Spain.
Ready to move?
Relocating your household goods from the UAE to Spain may seem daunting, but with proper planning and the assistance of Crown Relocations, the process can be smooth and hassle-free. Our expert team of Move Managers are ready to guide you through each step, ensuring a seamless transition to your new home in Spain.
Contact us today for personalized assistance and a door-to-door moving quote without any surprises or hidden costs.
Call us on +971 4 230 5300