Living in the Canary Islands and needing to relocate to another country is a more common situation than it seems: digital nomads who rotate, foreign retirees returning to their country, expatriates who change their work destination. International relocation from the Canary Islands has a key particularity: the Canary Islands are outside the common customs territory of the EU, which means that technically any relocation from the archipelago to Europe or third countries is international, even to peninsular Spain in fiscal terms.
Most frequent destinations from the Canary Islands
- Spanish mainland (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Andalusia): return "home" after years in the Canary Islands
- United Kingdom: British community resident in southern Tenerife and Gran Canaria
- Germany: German community in Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, southern Tenerife
- Netherlands: digital nomads and Dutch retirees
- USA and Latin America: professionals with transatlantic destinations
- Nordic countries: Swedes, Danes, Norwegians returning or changing residence
How an international relocation from the Canary Islands works
Step 1: departure from Canary Islands territory
Although you are leaving to another point in Spain (mainland), technically your relocation departs from the Canary Islands customs territory. An exit DUA is filed with a complete inventory of the cargo.
Step 2: maritime or air transit
International relocations from the Canary Islands are mostly done by ship:
- Canary Islands → Mainland: 5-9 days from Canary Islands port to Cádiz/Valencia/Barcelona
- Canary Islands → Continental EU: 8-15 days via mainland ports + truck to destination
- Canary Islands → United Kingdom: 10-15 days direct maritime or via Netherlands
- Canary Islands → America: 25-40 days maritime
Step 3: entry into the destination country
Each country has its own customs regulations. For personal relocations for change of residence, almost all developed countries offer customs exemption if you meet the requirements:
- Previous residence of 12+ months at origin
- Used household items (not new for resale)
- Import within limited timeframe after change of residence (varies: 6-12 months depending on country)
- Do not sell within subsequent period (12 months typical)
Specific cases by destination
Canary Islands → Spanish mainland
Although both are Spain, fiscally it is an international relocation. Key aspects:
- Exit DUA in the Canary Islands
- No mainland VAT on household items if you prove previous Canary Islands residence (12+ months) → return regime or change of domicile
- Timeframe: 7-12 days door to door
- Average price range: 1.700-2.800 €
Canary Islands → United Kingdom (post-Brexit)
After Brexit, the United Kingdom is a third country for customs purposes. Your relocation:
- Exit DUA from the EU at Canary Islands port
- Import DUA in the UK (HMRC)
- For residents with Skilled Worker, Family, Spouse visa: customs exemption if you meet previous residence requirements
- For British retirees returning (ToR1, Transfer of Residence): full exemption
- Timeframe: 12-18 days door to door
- Average price range: 3.500-5.500 €
Canary Islands → Germany, Netherlands, EU countries
Simpler: single market + no internal EU customs:
- Departure from Canary Islands with DUA (because it leaves the special customs territory)
- Entry into continental EU without customs duties
- T2L documentation (community goods certification)
- Timeframe: 10-15 days door to door
- Average price range: 2.500-4.000 € depending on country
Canary Islands → USA or Latin America
Transatlantic relocations, complex:
- Exit DUA + long maritime transit
- Destination customs: customs (USA), Mexican, Brazilian, Argentine, etc.
- Inventory in local language + valued in foreign currency
- For residents with valid visa: residence exemption (varies widely by country)
- Timeframe: 30-60 days door to door
- Average price range: 5.000-9.500 €
Specific particularities
The vehicle stays or goes
If you brought your car to the Canary Islands and now you're taking it out, two options:
- Sell in the Canary Islands: the easiest. You sell it with Canary Islands license plate to another resident
- Take it to the destination: specific customs management + possible IEDMT/equivalent at destination. High cost, only worthwhile with premium car
Pets
Each country has specific requirements for pet entry:
- EU: valid pet passport + chip + rabies
- United Kingdom: PETS scheme, no quarantine if you meet requirements
- USA: veterinary certificate, rabies, depending on destination state
- Latin America: varies greatly, normally official animal health certificate
Critical documentation
- Valid passport (preferably 1 year remaining to avoid issues)
- Canary Islands residency certificate WITH full history (12+ months)
- NIE/DNI + residence card if foreigner
- Visa or permit for destination country
- Lease contract/deed at destination
- Detailed valued inventory of your relocation
- For self-employed: business transfer documentation
The RETURN regime from the Canary Islands
For relocations Canary Islands → Mainland of people who returned after years outside the common EU territory:
- Used household items with 12+ months of use in the Canary Islands
- Complete exemption from mainland VAT upon import
- You need a Canary Islands residency certificate that certifies your previous residence
It is an important tax benefit: in a relocation of 20.000 € declared value, you save 4.200 € of mainland VAT.
Frequently asked questions about international relocation from the Canary Islands
Is the DUA always mandatory when leaving the Canary Islands?
Yes. Any departure from the Canary Islands to another territory (including mainland) requires a DUA because the Canary Islands are outside the common customs territory of the EU. The moving company handles it as part of the service.
Do I pay tariffs when leaving the Canary Islands?
No. Exports (departures) do not pay AIEM. AIEM is only for the entry of goods into the Canary Islands. Your departure is exempt.
And do I have to pay tariffs in the destination country?
It depends on the country and your situation. Most developed countries offer complete exemption for personal relocations due to change of residence (with specific timeframes and requirements). For non-standard cases (temporary relocation, professional relocation, relocation with commercial products), consult case by case.
How far in advance should I plan a relocation from the Canary Islands abroad?
Minimum 2 months, ideally 3-4 months. Time needed for: processing visa/permit for destination country, organizing customs documentation, coordinating maritime container (departures to some destinations are monthly, not weekly), booking ship for pets if applicable.
What happens to my RIC or ZEC if I leave the Canary Islands?
If you have a business in the Canary Islands under ZEC (4% IS) or have established RIC (Canary Islands Investment Reserve), leaving the Canary Islands before fulfilling commitments has serious tax consequences: regularization, return of applied tax benefits. Consult your tax advisor before closing your Canary Islands activity.
Do you do relocations to USA and Latin America from the Canary Islands?
Yes, we are operators with experience in transatlantic relocations. We work with specialized shipping lines (Maersk, CMA CGM, MSC) and agents at destination for customs management in the USA, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile and other markets. Contact us indicating your destination for a personalized quote.
Specialized international relocation service from the Canary Islands
At Horizont Atlantic we have been based in the Canary Islands for 15 years with our own international network and partners. We help you with EVERYTHING in the process: Canary Islands and destination customs procedures, shipping line contracting, pets, vehicles, and coordination with agents in any city in the world. Request a quote indicating your specific destination.
Discover how we manage each international relocation with our own resources and customs included.
