# Moving to Spain from the USA

> Relocating to Spain from the United States — sea-freight shipping costs, transit times, customs (menaje de casa) and Spanish visa options for Americans. Get a moving quote.

Canonical: https://www.portunusai.com/moving-from-usa/spain
Direction: USA → Spain
Data last reviewed: 2026-06-15

## Typical moving costs

- 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

## Transit times

- New York → Barcelona: 18–30 days
- Miami → Valencia: 20–35 days
- Los Angeles → Barcelona: 30–45 days
- Houston → Bilbao: 22–35 days

## Customs & import notes

- 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.

## Visa & residency options in Spain

- 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.

## Moving companies serving this route

- SDC International Shipping — Sea freight, Door-to-door overseas (https://www.sdcinternationalshipping.com/)
- Schumacher Cargo Logistics — Vehicle shipping, Large household moves (https://www.schumachercargo.com/)
- International Van Lines — Best overall, Full-service moves (https://www.internationalvanlines.com/)
- Seven Seas Worldwide — Budget, Small moves & students (https://www.sevenseasworldwide.com/)
- Sirelo (compare multiple movers) — Compare several quotes at once (https://www.sirelo.com/)

## Related resources

- [Moving to the USA hub](https://www.portunusai.com/moving-to-usa)
- [Moving from the USA hub](https://www.portunusai.com/moving-from-usa)
- [Site-wide llms.txt](https://www.portunusai.com/llms.txt)