When moving home — whether within the same area or to another province — questions inevitably arise. For instance, many people are unsure whether a permit is required for a house move or whether the relevant authorities need to be notified.
Normally, when this type of work is carried out by a removal company, they handle all the necessary paperwork. However, if you want to know exactly what these requirements involve, we cover all the details in this article.
What permits are required for a house move
When it comes to carrying out a house move, the situation differs depending on whether you live in a detached house, a gated community, or a residential block on a busy street. It is therefore important to understand what formalities need to be completed and how to handle them correctly.
Public highway occupation licence
First of all, you need to apply for a municipal permit to temporarily occupy the public highway. The local council usually provides a form for this application, which must be submitted at least 48 hours before the move.
This removal permit carries a fee that varies depending on the number of square metres of public road occupied and the number of days involved. As a general rule, the reservation is made for a full day. The local police will subsequently mark out the designated area so that the removal lorry can park correctly.
Loading and unloading permit
Another permit for a house move relates to the loading and unloading licence for the removal lorry. This authorises the collection of belongings and their delivery to the destination address. In this case, the best option is to rely on the services we offer at Horizont Atlantic.
The company will be responsible for advising on this type of formality and processing all the necessary legal documentation. It will also provide full information about the work to be carried out and the staff who will be handling the move.
Traffic restrictions
In certain circumstances — particularly on narrow streets — traffic may not be permitted while the removal lorry is parked. This must be included in the removal permit requested from the local council.
Likewise, the police will inform drivers of any possible road closure and provide an alternative route. This does not always apply and will depend on a number of factors assessed by the municipal technical team.
To conclude, it is worth noting that a public highway occupation permit typically costs between 50 euros and 100 euros approximately, although the exact fee is set by the relevant public authority.
In short, carrying out a house move requires advance planning and organisation to avoid last-minute complications. For this reason, if an authorisation letter for a house move is needed, the best approach is to contact a professional company like ours to avoid any unnecessary surprises.
Frequently asked questions about removal permits
What is an OVP and when is it needed?
OVP (Ocupación de Vía Pública — Public Highway Occupation) is the municipal permit used to reserve a section of road (a parking bay or lane) during a move, so that the removal lorry can be positioned close to the building entrance. It is required in areas with regulated parking, on very narrow streets, in historic town centres, or when an external crane needs to be installed. Typical cost: 30–80 € for 1–2 days.
Who processes the OVP — me or the removal company?
It is usually handled by the removal company as part of their professional service, although you can apply yourself through the council's online portal (cheaper, but more time-consuming). At Horizont Atlantic we process the OVP in Tenerife, Las Palmas, and other municipalities across the Canary Islands. For more detail: moving to a flat without a lift.
Do I need a permit to use the goods lift in my building?
This depends on the rules of the residents' association. Some buildings — particularly newer ones and larger communities — require you to book the goods lift with the building manager, pay a deposit against possible damage, and observe specific time slots (not at night or at weekends). Ask your building manager 1–2 weeks in advance.
What if I move at the weekend or on a public holiday?
The municipal OVP is still required (some offices also process applications for public holidays). Authorised hours may be more restricted at weekends (no earlier than 10:00 and no later than 18:00 in many towns). Some councils charge an additional fee for moves on public holidays or Sundays.
What happens if I move without an OVP when one is required?
Common fines range from 60 to 300 € if the lorry blocks traffic or occupies a reserved area without a permit. There is also a risk of the lorry being towed by the municipal recovery vehicle in problem areas, and the inconvenience of not being able to position the vehicle close to the building entrance. An OVP permit almost always costs far less than the fine.
