Moving from London to Spain is exciting, but it is also one of the more paperwork-heavy moves you can make since the UK left the EU. The good news is that most of the stress comes from leaving things too late. If you work through the steps below in roughly this order, your move will feel far more manageable.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change, so always check the official sources we mention before you commit to anything.
3–6 months before you move
Check your right to live in Spain
UK nationals can usually spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area without a visa. If you plan to live in Spain, you will normally need a visa or residence permit. Which one depends on whether you are working, retiring, studying or joining family.
Start with GOV.UK’s Living in Spain guide and the Spanish consulate in London. Get this sorted first: your moving date should follow your visa, not the other way round.
Get your NIE and think about the padrón
Spain uses the NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) for almost everything official, from buying property to opening a bank account. Once you have an address, you will usually register on the local padrón (town hall register). Both matter for customs paperwork too, so start early.
Decide what is coming with you
Spanish homes are often laid out differently from London houses and flats, and electrical plugs differ. Walk round each room and sort items into three piles: ship, sell or donate, and store.
If you are not ready to part with some things, short- or long-term storage in the UK can bridge the gap. See our removals and storage service.
Get removal quotes
Ask for a survey, either a home visit or a video call. That way the quote reflects your actual volume rather than a guess. Ask each company:
- whether they offer a shared (part) load or a dedicated vehicle, and which suits your volume and dates
- what is included: packing, materials, dismantling, customs paperwork, delivery to the door
- how your goods are insured in transit
- the expected transit time to your area of Spain
You can read more about how we handle the route on our London to Spain removals page.
1–2 months before you move
Customs and Transfer of Residence
Moving household goods from the UK into Spain is now an import from outside the EU. Many people moving their main home can use Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, which can remove duty and VAT on personal belongings you have owned and used. There are conditions and documents involved, typically including:
- a detailed, itemised inventory (often in Spanish)
- your passport, NIE and proof of your Spanish address or residence
- evidence that you are giving up UK residence
Your removals company will normally work with a customs agent in Spain. Ask early what they need from you and when.
Tell people you are leaving
Make a list and tick it off:
- HMRC (and check whether you need to fill in form P85)
- your bank, pension providers and insurers
- the DVLA, if you are taking a car or changing your licence address
- your GP and dentist (ask for copies of records)
- utilities, council tax, TV licence and broadband (give notice with final meter readings)
- Royal Mail redirection, for post that still arrives
Pets
Pets travelling from Great Britain to the EU need an animal health certificate, a microchip and an up-to-date rabies vaccination, with timings that matter. Speak to your vet well in advance and read the GOV.UK pet travel guidance.
2–4 weeks before you move
Start packing the things you use least
Books, out-of-season clothes, spare bedding and decorative items can go first. Pack one room at a time and label each box with the room and a short contents list. For an overseas move, a good inventory is not optional: customs relies on it.
If you would rather not do it yourself, our packing service covers materials, wrapping and labelling.
Arrange parking on collection day
Many London streets need a parking suspension or bay reservation for a removal vehicle. Councils set their own rules and lead times, so apply as early as you can. We cover this in more detail in our guide to parking suspensions for moving day.
Sort out items you cannot or should not ship
Flammable items, gas bottles, paint, aerosols and some cleaning products cannot travel in a removal load. Plan to use them up, give them away or dispose of them responsibly. Keep valuables, important documents, medication and anything you need straight away with you.
Moving week
- Confirm collection and delivery dates and contact numbers with your remover.
- Defrost and dry the fridge and freezer at least 24 hours before collection.
- Pack an “open first” box for each destination: kettle, chargers, toiletries, a few days of clothes, bedding, basic tools.
- Take photos of electrical set-ups before dismantling, so reconnecting is easy.
- Keep copies of your inventory, customs documents and ID in your hand luggage.
Arriving in Spain
When your goods arrive, check them against the inventory before you sign. Note anything missing or damaged on the delivery paperwork. If you have used storage, you can call items forward once you are settled.
Then the admin continues. Register with the town hall if you haven’t already, look into healthcare registration, and check your obligations for driving licences and vehicle registration. GOV.UK’s Spain guide and the British Embassy’s channels are a good place to keep up to date.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to move to Spain from the UK?
Since Brexit, UK citizens who want to live in Spain for more than 90 days in any 180-day period generally need a visa or residence permit. The right route depends on your circumstances, so check the Spanish consulate in London and GOV.UK’s Living in Spain guide before you book a moving date.
Will I pay import duty on my furniture?
Household goods you have owned and used can often be imported without duty under Transfer of Residence relief, provided you meet the conditions and provide the right paperwork. Your removals company and a Spanish customs agent can confirm what applies to you.
How far ahead should I book my removal to Spain?
As early as you can, ideally once your move date is reasonably firm. Shared-load services run to schedules, and dedicated vehicles get booked up around busy periods such as summer and the end of the month.
Can K1 Removals pack for me?
Yes. We offer a full packing service with materials, and we label and inventory boxes, which also helps with customs paperwork.
Why use a London removals team for a move to Spain?
A move abroad starts on a London street. That means parking, stairs, lifts, narrow hallways and concierge rules, all before your belongings ever leave the country. A local team that handles the London end well makes the international part smoother.
At K1 Removals we cover house moves across London as well as international removals. We can pack, inventory, store and load in one go.
Ready to plan your move? Get in touch for a free quote or call 0330 103 0041.