UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Hi All,

planning my move to Spain, I would like to know please what kind of documents do I need to prepare for the Spanish customs in case I’ll decide to move my personal belongings by myself using a one way self drive van service?
I’m an EU national with British residency.

Thanks.

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

I think this topic has been covered quite a bit already. Use the search facility along with your key words and you should get lots of info.

EU national + British residency means you hold dual nationality or passports?

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

All I could find is about people who use removal companies, I plan to move it by myself so I believe it’s a bit different situation, please correct me if I’m wrong.



I’m holding only 1 passport which is EU passport but I also have a British resident (blue) card.

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

https://www.expatnetwork.com/customs...s-entry-spain/

Here is a link with a bit of info.

Has been discussed but can be hard to find as threads sometimes wander off the original subject.

Already being an EU national is super as you can stay in Spain forever and a day!

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Thanks, I wonder if the same applies for “self move” or all the mentioned documents required only because it’s being shipped by a removal company.

😄

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

I know the EU has federal ambitions way above their station but as yet there is no such thing as an EU passport. Call me pedantic but you may have a passport from a country that is still an EU member. With one of those come and go as you please, but legally not for ever and a day. To be legal you will still be required to become resident and tax resident should you wish to stay permanently.

​​​​​​At least you won't have to mess around starting the residency process in the uk with a visa of some sort, probably the non lucrative variety.

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

"forever and a day" with the caveat that you will have to follow a residency process, a relatively trivial process for EU citizens, but correct pointed out by Bob, regardless.

As to the "EU has federal ambitions way above their station" I am surprised you make this comment of the EU.

You choose to live in the EU, as opposed to the green fields of England.

You deride the EU, yet choose to live there? To me a contradiction!

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Actually we choose to live in Spain, which happens to be member of the EU...

No contradiction there....

Given the vaccine debarcle in the EU can you imagine an EU army. My turn to fire the guns, oh hang on we screwed up bullet procurement. No worries wave your broomsticks at the enemy and shout a lot... Actually that won't happen because by the time the unelected eu masters decide they need to go into action the bloody war will be over.

Suppose you'll be asking me wether we voted for or against brexit next...

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Rope and Anchor springs to mind!

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Hmmnn, absolutely no idea what that comment means or is a reference too.

Back on topic then chaps....

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Not sure if I posted in this forum or the other one anyway.

There are a few Uk companies that do one -way rental.

I used JHire last year when we moved over (August) and I think the total cost including ferry etc was about £2000, the vans are all UK RHD and nearly new.
The other one is Way2Go.

Knowing that you have a passport issued from another EU country makes your move easier. BUT where was your driving licence issued?

If the UK, you will only be allowed to drive here in Spain for 6 months after you arrive (or become resident) can't remember which comes first.
Then you will need to take a Spanish driving test (if you have a licence from another Eu country then you are OK).

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Thanks.
what kind paperwork do I need to prepare for customs clearance if I move my belongings by myself using a van?

My driving license is a UK driving license, do I need to take driving lessons in Spain or just take the theory and driving test ?

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Cant answer the paperwork question, we just loaded the van and drove over (in Aug last year so the Uk was till in Europe)

You have to sign up with a driving school as you cannot take lessons in your own car, the driving school car must also be used for the test.
The theory test WAS available in English but the Practical is in Spanish (but we have had a thread or two about that already)
Some have said you need to be fluent, others have said you only have to understand directions as your tutor is in the car with you and the examiner. Cant confirm as I managed to exchange my licence.

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Is there a minimum of driving lessons that I need to take before the test?

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Depending on your Spanish (I looked into taking the test last year) will determine how many lessons you will want.

You can do the theory test on your own if you want but signing up to a driving school helps with booklets etc (there is an online school) but as I didn't sign up I can't recommend them. Oh I did a couple of theory practice tests and managed to pass 3 out of 5 (I've been driving since the late 70's) so theory tests are not something Im used to.

Its advisable to learn the routes the examiner will take you on (just like the Uk) as this can help with any language issues as well.

Not sure if the DGT have a list of driving schools but it might be worth checking their site out (its available in English) www.dgt.es

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

I returned to UK in early February from Spain when a whole sheaf of new documentation was required by British Customs because Britain is out of EU so I imagine similar for coming into Spain,My move was done by a legally registered Removals company so perhaps one of them could advise you as they have actually done these jobs & can tell you of their experiencies.To get INTO the UK ,I was even asked to provide my last electricity bill.among a host of other details.On arrival from Santander,British Customs were not aware of the new rules as thought out by the British Govn.except that since we are no longer EU members & have no trade agreement with them,a fee has to be charged.Because of the delay caused to drivers from the Continent over this debacle(one hand not knowing what the other one is doing)my delivery was quite late in arriving at my new home.So take that into account too perhaps when planning your journey.Wasn´t Brexit a great idea & all the chaos can be blamed on Covid.

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Spain will know what import rules to apply to people moving from the UK to Spain, they just apply the same rules as they do to everyone else moving from outside the EU.

There's this thread which might be helpful if you haven't found it yet:

https://britishexpats.com/forum/spai...-spain-937666/

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Thanks

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Quite! The Brexiteers demonised the EU during the referendum campaign.

They continue to seek solace in this mantra as the UK sinks under Brexit.

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Agree to disagree
Just had a look at the link and it sounds like it's about having items shipped over, I'm in the same boat as Sandman
I'll be driving to Spain, do you know if I need some sort of customs document for my personal belongings that I'll be driving down in a van from the UK?
Btw
I have dual nationality, Italian and British
Thanks in advance

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Whether you move your belongings yourself or you use a moving company does not change the required documentation.
It's just more complicated when you do the customs clearing yourself.
If I were in your place, I would organise a customs clearance agency both in the UK and the EU that can assist you (with a fee obv.) and that well in advance of the moving date (Months).

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

With the approval of the author, here is some inside information concerning customs requirements :


Good luck !

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Just recieved this link from the Spanish consulate so it can be considered as an official source:

https://www.agenciatributaria.es/sta...d_03112016.pdf

Tried to use google translate but still cannot understand all the requirements, is there anyone in here that can translate it so anyone who is interested can know the requirements?

Thanks

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

The page with photo says
pdf GOIERNO DE ESPARA Tax Agency If you move your residence from a non-EU country to Spain (EU Territory) Find out about tax exemptions and exemptions FOR MORE INFORMATION: Awww.agenciatributaria.es • Telephone: (+34) 901 33 55 33

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

This is the second page. It's done from translate not by myself.

E TraslResid_03112016 PDF FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.agenciatributaria.es Telephone: (+34) 901 33 55 33 Transfer of Residence to Spain (Peninsula and Balearic Islands) Goods and effects will be admitted with exemption from import duties and tax exemption personal imported by natural persons who transfer their normal residence to the customs territory of the European Union. For the purposes of applying the corresponding franchise, the following are considered personal property and effects and furniture objects: -Those for the personal use of the interested parties or the needs of their home (effects and furniture objects, clothing home, etc.). - The provisions that correspond to a normal family supply, the domestic animals that can live together in the home, as well as the portable instruments of mechanical or liberal arts necessary for the exercise of the profession of the interested party. In no case must personal property, due to its nature or quantity, have any commercial claim. - Bicycles and motorcycles, motor vehicles for private use and their rowing machines, camping caravans. pleasure boats and private use and tourism planes, also for private use. Goods Included Alcoholic products -Tobacco and tobacco products Commercial means of transport -Materials for professional use other than portable instruments of mechanical or liberal arts Excluded Goods REQUIREMENTS FOR THE OBTAINING THE BENEFIT The personal property must be in the possession of the interested party and, in the case of non-consumable goods, have been used by him in the place of his former normal residence for at least six months before the date on which he ceased to have his residence in the third country of origin. In addition, personal property must be used in the same uses in the place of your new normal residence. Only people who have had their normal residence outside the customs territory of the Community for at least 12 consecutive months may benefit from the exemption. R E FORMALS The import of goods with franchise will be formalized by means of the corresponding import declaration (DUA). Interested parties must submit a request, in writing not subject to an official form, to the Customs where the import is to be carried out, to which they will attach, depending on whether they are national or foreign: - Passport or DNI. Cancellation of the previous residence issued by the Consular office or by the City Councils of Ceuta and Melilla or other means of proof admitted by law in the record of the time that you have resided in the place that caused the withdrawal - Copy of the Residence Card issued the Ministry of the Interior, or where appropriate, a copy of your request. -Registration in the Register of the Spanish Municipality in which you will reside. List of personal effects, with an indication of their approximate value, including the documentation of the car in those cases in which you also want to import with a franchise. The concession of the office with duty and tax exemption will be conditioned to the presentation of the indicated documentation and to the fulfillment of the following conditions and deadlines: - Having resided outside the territory of the Community for a period of no less than TWELVE consecutive MONTHS. - The goods that are intended to be imported free of charge must be used, that is, they have been used by the interested party in the place of their former normal residence for at least six months and will be used for the same uses in the place of your new residence. T The definitive importation of the goods and effects must be carried out within a period of twelve months from the date on which the interested party has established his / her personal residence in the customs territory of the Community. In the case of VAT, this entry refers to the Tentory of application of the Tax-, that is, the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. As an exception to the previous period, the franchise may also be granted to personal property declared for free circulation before the interested party has established his normal residence in the customs territory of the Community by means of a commitment to effectively establish himself there within a period of six months. . This commitment will be accompanied by a guarantee in the form and for the amount that the corresponding Customs authorities determine. In this case, the goods must be dispatched and leave the Customs premises without prejudice to the fact that they can be entered in private premises and subject to the storage that each company establishes. Term for Importation During a period of twelve months, counted from the date of acceptance. of the declaration for free circulation, the personal property admitted with franchise may not be the object of loans, delivery in an onerous or free title without the customs authorities having been informed of them. If these operations are carried out, it will give rise to the application of import duties to the affected goods, according to the type in force on the date of the loan, delivery in pledge, rental or basis of the value in customs recognized or admitted on the date by the customs authorities. Obligations after importation

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

I think I've found the right place on the AEAT's website, hope it helps:

Home > The Tax Agency > Customs and Excise Taxes > Customs and Excise Taxes > Customs procedures and administration

You'll need information in the personal ("vehicles" and "reliefs for change of residence" would be the two most important I guess) and general sections.

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

No need for customs clearance for personal items

https://www.agenciatributaria.es/AEA...a_Aduana.shtml

You'll need information in the personal ("vehicles" and "reliefs for change of residence" would be the two most important I guess) and general sections.

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Thank you.
so besides packing list no other documents needed?

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

I'm guessing so...
Worst case if they stop me ill show them the link!

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

:lol: I'm not sure they'll care about the link.
Anyways tomorrow I'll confirm it in Manchester consulate and report.

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Hahaha!
that would be great
please let me know
BTW, where you moving to and whats your 2nd nationality?

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Moving to Alicante.
I’m Danish.

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

I'm italian, also moving to Alicante.
If we make it, we must meet up for a beer!
Struggling with the French authorities at the moment Sandman, as they keep insisting to put my personal Goods 'under transit, ie: as my final destination is Spain, by putting them under transit (whatever that means) I will be allowed to pass the french customs and proceed to Spain.
not sure what to do or where to go now....

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

In transit means you're just driving through France with your load and will not discharge in France.

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Really lost now Annetje
Do you know where I can find this document
I've just come off the phone to several custom clearance companies a few minutes ago, and none of them deal with personal goods, only trade goods.
One of them feels that we don't even need a customs or transit document, as we will be driving them down ourselves.
Yet French authorities just keep sending me links to their customs page and keep saying that we need to put them under transit
So it's like a loop. Customs clearance companies here don't deal with personal items carried by myself. French say put it under transit....

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

You are confusing me now ... didn't you say you didn't need customs clearance ?
I can't really help you. I left a job in clearance in 1989 when computers still needed office room by itself and there was no connection to another company.
I assume now everything is done online.
My feeling is that you need a transit document for France and an import document for Spain (important if you don't want to pay import duties).
Maybe these 2 are combined in 1 form but, as I said, in my days all was very different.
Again, as I suggested earlier, you must find agencies (1 in the UK and 1 in Spain) who do this for you.
I know there is a shortage of agencies now so they will try to avoid little loads in which case only a removal company can help you (It might be worth the money).
Try to ring as many as possible until you find 1 willing to help you.
Did you try to go and see a customs officer in the UK ? When you are there face to face they should answer you (fingers crossed).
https://www.gov.uk/government/organi...cise-enquiries

There is someone else on this forum Fredbargate who once mentioned he was in this line of work. Maybe he can help ?
Just remember, if your papers are not in order, you will not get very far very fast.

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

Hi again
Thanks for your reply
Basically won't need customs clearance
Sounds like i will need a document to allow me to transit through France
As you said customs agency won't look at small loads/personal items, as they are deemed too small for them to get involved by the sound of it
Going to book an appointment with a Spanish legal firm that specialise in expats relocating
Let's see what they say....
​​

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

A document that allows you to transit through France IS a customs document.

Re: UK to Spain customs clearance documents
 

We definitely should, I'll be more than happy to meet.