Moving From the U.S. to Spain: A Complete Guide to Paperwork, Shipping, and a Stress-Free International Move

Spain, one of Europe’s most flexible countries, has become a top destination for American expatriates looking to relocate. Factors like increased costs for security, healthcare, and real estate in the United States have prompted many Americans to consider a better lifestyle in a new location.

While the U.S. is known as the place to achieve the “American Dream” due to its job opportunities and purchasing power, the reality is that the high cost of living and declining services are driving this relocation trend.

Paperwork and Documentation for Moving to Spain as an American

Moving from the United States to Spain has its complications. Like any international move, it comes with certain challenges that are worth considering before you embark on your journey.First, you need to understand the types of documents required to enter the country, whether you’re coming as a tourist, student, or worker. Following this, applying for the appropriate visa should be your first step. You must also have the necessary financial resources to prove you can support yourself in Spain.

Work Visa

This type of visa is for Americans who plan to work in Spain. It can only be applied for after you have a formal job offer from a Spanish company, as the company will provide the necessary documentation to begin the process.It is worth noting that if you wish to work by investing in an existing company or starting a new one, this is also possible with an Entrepreneur Visa, which allows you to legally start your own business in the country.

Non-Lucrative Visa

This is a visa that allows people with sufficient financial resources to live in Spain without working. Due to its nature, it is also known as a retirement visa. To be eligible, you must prove that you have enough funds to live for a specific period.

Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is obtained by purchasing a property in Spain, which allows you to live and work in the country immediately. This option is typically preferred by Americans with high purchasing power, as the property investment must be valued at more than €500,000.

Customs Documentation

For shipping your belongings from the U.S. to Spain, you must comply with certain regulations and provide documentation, such as a declaration of the goods being imported and their purpose, whether personal or commercial.Furthermore, all expatriation documents must be in order, including your Spanish residency permit or visa, passport copies, a moving certificate, or invoices. This will help you avoid delays or problems with your belongings.

International Shipping: Sea or Air?

Another aspect not to overlook when moving from the U.S. to Spain is how you will transport your goods. Depending on the items and quantity, one option may be more favorable than the other. In this international moving guide, we explain it in more detail.

Sea Shipping

This is often the most used option for long-distance moves due to its immense capacity. In this case, your belongings are transported by sea in sturdy containers that travel from U.S. ports to Spanish ports. It’s ideal for shipping large, heavy items like household furniture.The main advantages of sea shipping are:

• It is more economical than air freight.

• The volume capacity is greater.

• It is flexible with the types of products that can be shipped.

• Disadvantages of sea shipping:

• It is slower than air transport and can take months to arrive.

• Destinations can be limited due to a lack of infrastructure to receive the containers.

Air Freight

Unlike sea shipping, air freight is ideal for transporting small belongings quickly from one destination to another. If your goal is to save time, this is the way to do it.

Its advantages are:

• It is fast.

• It is ideal for delicate or valuable items.

• It is more secure.

• The disadvantages are:

• The space is limited.

• It is expensive.

• There are greater restrictions on what can be shipped.

Before deciding on the type of shipping you need, it is always recommended to consult with international moving companies. They can help you determine the best conditions for transport and ensure the proper care of your belongings until they reach their destination.

Packing and Customs Tips

To ensure a smooth customs process and avoid problems with your shipment, we recommend following these tips:

• Use sturdy, double-walled boxes to prevent them from breaking during transit.

• Wrap fragile items and label all boxes.

• Seal the lids of products that might spill.

• Fill empty spaces in the boxes.

• Avoid exceeding the weight limit of the boxes.

• Verify shipping regulations.

It’s worth noting that when you hire a specialized moving company, they take care of correctly packing all your belongings and preparing the documentation to facilitate the Spanish customs process, which helps reduce the risk of damaged or seized items.One such reliable international movers is Grupo Amygo, which has over 30 years of experience, a global network of partners, transparent quotes, and a reputation for trustworthiness when handling moves from the United States to Spain.Therefore, if you want to move to Spain as an expatriate, don’t hesitate to rely on trustworthy professionals. They can help reduce the stress of an international move and ensure everything is carried out with peace of mind and security.