Moving to Spain from the USA
Spain is one of the most popular destinations for Americans moving abroad, and most household goods travel by sea container from the U.S. East or Gulf coast. Below are realistic shipping costs and transit times, how Spanish customs treats household removals (menaje de casa), and the main residence-visa options — so you can plan both the logistics and the paperwork.
Estimate your move cost
An instant, route-specific range for Spain. Adjust the details for a closer figure, then get matched with movers for exact quotes.
Estimated shipping cost
$6,600 – $9,800
Indicative only — based on typical 2 bedrooms moves. Get real quotes below.
Visa & residency options in Spain
Americans need a residence visa to live in Spain long-term. These are issued by Spanish authorities, not the U.S. — the options below are informational; consult a Spanish immigration lawyer for advice.
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
For those with sufficient passive income/savings who will not work locally.
Digital Nomad Visa
For remote workers/freelancers earning from outside Spain.
Work or Highly-Qualified visa
Employer-sponsored routes for those taking a job in Spain.
Student visa
For enrollment in a Spanish institution; can allow limited work.
These are Spain immigration routes — consult a local immigration lawyer for advice. Portunus specializes in U.S. visas, not Spain ones.
Typical moving costs
Indicative ranges by home size for moving to spain from the usa. Reviewed 2026-06-15.
Studio
$2,500–$4,500
1 bedroom
$3,800–$6,500
2 bedrooms
$5,500–$9,000
3 bedrooms
$8,000–$13,000
20ft container
$4,500–$7,000
40ft container
$7,500–$11,000
What drives the cost
- Shared vs full container (volume)
- Origin coast (East/Gulf cheaper to Spain than West)
- Door-to-door vs port-to-port
- Packing, insurance and customs handling
- Season — summer is peak for overseas moves
Transit times
Shipping methods
- Sea freight, shared container / LCL (cheapest for partial loads)
- Sea freight, full container / FCL (20ft or 40ft for whole-home moves)
- Air freight (fast but expensive — for essentials only)
Moving companies for this route
Compare what each mover offers, then request quotes to see exact pricing for your move.
| Mover | Best for | Door-to-door | Packing | Storage | Vehicles | Pets | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SDC International Shipping | Sea freight, Door-to-door overseas | Get quote | |||||
| Schumacher Cargo Logistics | Vehicle shipping, Large household moves | Get quote | |||||
| International Van Lines | Best overall, Full-service moves | Get quote | |||||
| Seven Seas Worldwide | Budget, Small moves & students | Get quote | |||||
| Sirelo (compare multiple movers) | Compare several quotes at once | Get quote |
Movers serving the Spain route. Links go to each company's own quote page; we may be compensated for referrals. We don't publish third-party star ratings — request quotes to compare directly.
Customs & import rules
- Used household goods (menaje de casa) can usually enter duty-free under transfer-of-residence rules.
- Typically requires proof of deregistration from the U.S. and Spanish residence/visa, plus a detailed inventory (often consular-stamped).
- Goods generally must have been owned/used for 6+ months and imported within a set window of establishing residence.
- Restricted/dutiable: new items, vehicles, alcohol, and certain electronics — confirm current rules with your mover.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move to Spain from the USA?
For a shared-container move expect roughly $2,500–$9,000 depending on volume and service; a full 40ft container for a large home can run $7,500–$11,000+. Use the estimator above for a route-specific range.
How long does shipping to Spain take?
Sea freight from the U.S. East/Gulf coast is typically 18–35 days in transit; the West Coast is longer (30–45 days). Add packing, customs and final delivery.
Do I pay import duty on my household goods?
Used belongings usually qualify for duty-free transfer-of-residence relief if you have a Spanish residence permit, an inventory, and proof you are relocating. Rules and paperwork are strict — confirm with your shipper.
Can Americans get residency in Spain?
Yes — common routes include the Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and work/student visas. These are Spanish visas; speak to a Spanish immigration lawyer.
Estimates and timelines are indicative; mover and route details last reviewed 2026-06-15. We may be compensated when you request a quote through links on this page.