Inter-island removals are an everyday reality in the archipelago: job changes, family reunification, a better quality of life, a move to a care home. Although all the islands are politically part of Spain, a removal between Tenerife and Gran Canaria, for example, requires a specific procedure (sea transit, possible DUA if crossing provincial boundaries) that a mainland removal does not. This guide explains how it works, what it costs and what formalities you need to complete.
The 8 islands and their ports
The archipelago consists of 8 islands (7 main ones + La Graciosa) spread across 2 provinces:
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro
- Las Palmas: Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Graciosa
Each island has its main port through which containers arrive and depart:
- Tenerife: Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Gran Canaria: Port of La Luz y de Las Palmas
- Lanzarote: Port of Los Mármoles (Arrecife)
- Fuerteventura: Port of Puerto del Rosario
- La Palma: Port of Santa Cruz de La Palma
- La Gomera: Port of San Sebastián de La Gomera
- El Hierro: Port of La Estaca (Valverde)
- La Graciosa: Caleta del Sebo (via transhipment from Lanzarote)
Shipping companies operating inter-island routes
Inter-island removals travel by sea with cargo shipping companies:
- Naviera Armas – Trasmediterránea: covers all routes, daily sailings between the main islands
- Fred. Olsen Express: faster routes, especially Tenerife–Gran Canaria
- Boluda Lines: specialised in containers and roll-on/roll-off cargo
The Horizont Atlantic team coordinates with all of them depending on the specific route and available dates.
Types of inter-island removal
Between islands in the SAME province
Tenerife ↔ La Palma, Tenerife ↔ La Gomera, Gran Canaria ↔ Lanzarote, Gran Canaria ↔ Fuerteventura. No DUA is required because no different fiscal territory is crossed. The procedure is simpler and less expensive.
Between islands in DIFFERENT provinces
Tenerife ↔ Gran Canaria, Tenerife ↔ Lanzarote, La Palma ↔ Fuerteventura, etc. A DUA is required (Single Administrative Document) because there is a customs check between Canarian provinces. We handle the paperwork as part of the service.
Special cases: the smaller islands
Removals to La Gomera, El Hierro or La Graciosa require transhipment at Tenerife or Lanzarote, adding 24–48 hours to the transit time and a handling surcharge. Further information at the Canary Islands tax regime.
Indicative prices by route
For a medium-sized removal (20–25 m³) in a shared container between islands:
- Tenerife ↔ Gran Canaria: 800–1,300 €
- Tenerife ↔ La Palma: 850–1,400 €
- Tenerife ↔ La Gomera: 900–1,500 € (via transhipment)
- Gran Canaria ↔ Lanzarote: 850–1,350 €
- Gran Canaria ↔ Fuerteventura: 850–1,350 €
- Lanzarote ↔ Fuerteventura: 700–1,100 €
- Tenerife ↔ Lanzarote or Fuerteventura: 900–1,500 € (crosses provincial boundary + transhipment)
- Any island ↔ El Hierro: 1,000–1,700 € (via Tenerife)
Transit times
- Same province: 3–5 days door to door
- Different provinces: 4–7 days door to door (DUA adds 1–2 days)
- With transhipment (Gomera, Hierro, Graciosa): 5–9 days
How an inter-island removal works step by step
1. Collection from the island of origin
The Horizont team on your current island loads the vehicle at your home following the standard professional procedure (packing, photographic inventory, labelling).
2. Transfer to the port
The vehicle travels to the relevant port (Santa Cruz, Las Palmas, Arrecife, etc.) and unloads the removal goods in the port area.
3. Loading into the maritime container
Your removal is loaded into a container (shared or exclusive, depending on size) bound for the destination island's port. If it crosses a provincial boundary, a DUA is presented at customs.
4. Sea crossing
Between 6 hours (Tenerife–GC with Fred. Olsen fast service) and 24–36 hours (long routes with transhipment). The Horizont team monitors the shipment during transit.
5. Unloading and delivery
The Horizont team on the destination island collects the container from the port, loads it onto a local vehicle and delivers it to your new home. If you have contracted assembly, the team carries it out.
Documents required
- National ID or NIE of the removal holder
- Rental agreement or title deed of the new home
- If crossing a provincial boundary: detailed inventory for the DUA (prepared by Horizont)
- If bringing a vehicle: see IEDMT and vehicle registration in the Canary Islands
- If there are declared-value items: official valuation or purchase invoice
Inter-island removal with a vehicle
Taking a car between islands is quite common. It is done by container or RoRo (see vehicles in a container). Prices:
- Private car Tenerife ↔ GC by RoRo: 250–380 €
- In an exclusive container + removal: +30–50% but full protection
- Other inter-island routes: similar, +10–20% if transhipment is required
Frequently asked questions about inter-island removals
Do I need to re-register on the municipal roll if I move to another island?
Yes. Municipal registration is per municipality, not per autonomous community. Every time you change municipality (even between islands) you must register with the new town hall. Without it you lose entitlements such as your health card assigned to a new local GP, municipal discounts, etc. Complete guide to municipal registration.
Do I pay IGIC or AIEM for a removal between islands?
Inter-island removals may require a DUA if they cross a provincial boundary, but since the goods are used personal effects they are not subject to AIEM (which applies to commercial merchandise). IGIC on the transport service is the reduced rate of 3% (rather than the standard 7%).
Can I do the removal myself by ferry, taking my own car loaded up?
Yes, for small removals (volume ≤5 m³). You book a space on the ferry for yourself and your car with a hired trailer. But for medium or large removals (>10 m³), a shared container is usually more cost-effective and convenient.
Is there a residents' discount on inter-island removals?
The 75% residents' discount applies to passenger tickets (for you on a plane or ferry), not to the transport of goods. However, cargo shipping companies do apply lower rates for residents on regular routes. The rates already negotiated by Horizont with the shipping companies are the best available.
Can I put my furniture in storage between islands?
Yes. We have our own storage facility in Tenerife where you can leave your belongings between container unloading and receiving the keys to your new home. Particularly useful if you are moving to a smaller island where the final delivery can take 1–2 weeks.
How far in advance should I book an inter-island removal?
A minimum of 2 weeks, ideally 3–4 weeks. Cargo shipping lines have specific frequencies (3–7 sailings per week depending on the route) and shared containers fill up quickly in peak season (July–August). Booking in advance gives you a better date and a better price.
Request a quote for your inter-island removal
At Horizont Atlantic we have our own operations on all the main Canarian islands. We send you a fixed quote within 24–48 hours once you give us the island of origin, island of destination, approximate volume and target date. Request it here with no obligation.
