"Moving" sounds like one thing, but in the household goods transportation sector there are three very different categories governed by completely different regulations, timelines and prices: national, international and inter-island. Understanding the difference will help you hire the right service and avoid surprises in invoicing or customs.
National moving: within mainland Spain
It is the movement of household goods between two points in mainland Spanish territory + Balearic Islands. It does not require customs documentation, does not pay tariffs, prices are the lowest on the market and the operation is 100% by road.
Characteristics
- No DUA or customs management
- 100% land transport (truck, van)
- Timeline: 1-3 days depending on distance
- Price: the most economical (€0.80-1.50/km + hourly loading fee)
- Mandatory RC insurance included
Typical cases
Madrid → Seville, Barcelona → Valencia, Bilbao → Málaga. Even for the Balearic archipelago, most operators treat it as "national" because it only requires ferry without DUA.
International moving: crossing customs border
Any movement of household goods that crosses a customs border, whether EU or non-EU. It requires complete document management, customs declarations and compliance with specific Incoterms.
Subcategories
Intra-community (EU → EU)
Spain → Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, etc. Does not pay tariffs within the single market, but does require:
- T2L document (community goods certification)
- Detailed inventory in local language of destination
- Compliance with schedules and transport restrictions per country
Non-community (EU → outside EU, or vice versa)
Spain → United Kingdom, Switzerland, USA, Latin America, etc. Requires:
- Export DUA at origin (form 380)
- Import DUA at destination
- Possible tariffs and VAT by country (with exemption for personal moving if requirements are met)
- Valued inventory in foreign currency
- Application of Incoterms 2020 (EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP, DDP)
Typical timelines and prices
- EU: 5-10 days, €1,500-4,000 (average apartment)
- Non-community by truck (United Kingdom, Switzerland): 7-14 days, €2,500-5,000
- Non-community maritime (USA, Latam, Asia): 30-60 days, €4,000-9,000
Inter-island moving: the special case of Canary Islands
Although politically the Canary Islands are Spanish national territory, fiscally they are territory outside VAT and the common customs territory of the EU. This makes it a unique case: a Peninsula-Canary Islands move or between Canary Islands requires customs treatment similar to an international move, but with its own rules.
Economic and Fiscal Regime (REF)
Canary Islands are governed by:
- IGIC (Canary Islands General Indirect Tax) of 7%, instead of 21% VAT
- AIEM (Excise on Imports and Deliveries of Goods) variable by product
- Need for DUA for any entry/exit (also between islands if they cross province)
More details in: Canary Islands fiscal regime (REF) explained.
Types of inter-island moving
Peninsula → Canary Islands
The most common type. Combines land segment (pickup in any mainland city) + maritime segment (Cadiz, Seville, Barcelona or Valencia → destination Canary port). Requires DUA and, if you are relocating due to change of residence, you can claim AIEM exemption and NOT pay Canary tariff on your personal belongings.
Between Canary Islands
From Tenerife to Gran Canaria, or from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura, etc. If it crosses province (Las Palmas ↔ Santa Cruz de Tenerife), it also requires DUA even though both points are Spanish territory.
Canary Islands → Peninsula (return)
The reverse movement. For goods that have been in the Canary Islands for more than 1 year, entry to the peninsula is exempt from VAT and tariffs under "return" regime if you justify it with prior registration.
Typical timelines and prices to Canary Islands
- Maritime transit: 5-9 days depending on origin port
- Pickup + loading + delivery: +3-5 days
- Total door-to-door: 10-15 days
- Average apartment price (20 m³): €1,700-3,000 depending on season and services
Comparative summary table
Quick summary so you can see the key differences:
- National: 100% land, no customs, 1-3 days, €0.80-1.50/km
- International EU: land or maritime, T2L, 5-10 days, +50% over national rate
- International outside EU: maritime/air, DUA + Incoterms, 7-60 days, +100-200% over national
- Inter-island Canary Islands: mandatory maritime, DUA, AIEM, 10-15 days, comparable to international EU in price
How to choose the right service
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Hiring "national" moving for Canary Islands: many mainland companies accept it without knowing how to manage the DUA and end up subcontracting it doubling the price
- Not declaring AIEM exemption: you are obligated to pay Canary tariff on your belongings even if you move for residence
- Unvalued inventory in international moves: destination customs can reject entry or apply an unfavorable presumed value
What is your case?
If you are moving to the Canary Islands from the peninsula or between islands, ask us for a quote indicating origin and destination. We tell you exactly what type of moving it is, what documentation you need and the fixed cost in 24-48 hours.
Frequently asked questions about types of moving
Why is a move to the Canary Islands "international" if the Canary Islands are Spain?
The Canary Islands are outside the common customs territory of the EU, so any move from the peninsula (even if both are Spain) requires DUA (Single Administrative Document) customs and VAT exemption from the peninsula if you prove Canary Islands residence. Fiscally and in terms of customs it is like an international move, even if you are not crossing state borders.
Does an inter-island move (between Canary Islands) need customs paperwork?
No. Moves between Canary Islands are internal archipelago operations: only transport is required (boat or flight depending on volume) and standard transport documentation (inventory, invoice). No DUA or customs controls. Exception: if you carry plant or animal products, Canary Islands phytosanitary regulations apply.
Which is more expensive: national, international or inter-island moving?
Per km: inter-island tends to be the most expensive (short distances but mandatory maritime transport, lower frequencies). By total volume: long-distance international (Madrid → Paris, Madrid → London) usually exceeds long national. Typical table for 2-bedroom apartment (25 m³): national €1,000-1,800, to Canary Islands €1,800-2,700, inter-island €800-1,300, international Europe €2,500-4,500, intercontinental €5,000-9,500.
Do I need different insurance depending on type of moving?
Base RC insurance covers any type. For long moves (international or maritime to Canary Islands) additional declared value insurance is recommended (the voyage adds risks: prolonged vibration, humidity/temperature changes). For moves with very delicate materials (art works, antiques) specific art transport insurance. More details: transporting collectibles.
What timelines to expect depending on type of moving?
Door-to-door estimates: short national (<500 km) 1-3 days, long national (>500 km) 3-5 days, inter-island Canary Islands 3-7 days, to Canary Islands from peninsula 10-15 days, international EU 8-15 days, intercontinental 25-60 days. More on types: international moving from Canary Islands.
If your move crosses borders, we organize your international move from start to finish.
