Removals to Australia from Spain: The Complete Guide for Expats and Spanish Nationals

Whether you’re a Spanish national seeking new opportunities, an expat returning home, or a family relocating for work or lifestyle, moving from Spain to Australia is a big adventure — and a major logistical operation. With over 17,000 km between the two countries, removals to Australia from Spain require careful planning, smart choices, and the right support.

This guide covers everything you need to know, from shipping options and customs regulations to packing tips, costs, and how to make the move smoother.

🌍 Why Move to Australia?

Australia continues to attract people from around the world with its:

High quality of life
Strong economy and job market
Beautiful natural landscapes and warm climate
Multicultural, English-speaking society
Excellent healthcare and education systems

Popular destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, each offering a different lifestyle and climate.

🚚 How to Arrange Removals to Australia from Spain

✅ 1. Choose an International Removal Company

Your first step is to find a specialist removal company that handles long-distance, intercontinental moves. Look for movers with experience in removals to Australia from Spain, including:

Sea and air freight services
Customs knowledge
Door-to-door delivery
Insurance options
Packing and storage services

Tip: Use a platform like Advance Moves to get multiple quotes from trusted movers and compare services quickly.

✅ 2. Decide on a Shipping Method

There are two main ways to move your belongings to Australia:

🚢 Sea Freight

Most common and cost-effective option
Slower (6–12 weeks depending on port and route)
Suitable for large shipments or full households

Container options:

FCL (Full Container Load) – If you’re moving a large amount
LCL (Less than Container Load) – For smaller moves (shared container)

✈️ Air Freight

Faster (7–14 days)
More expensive
Best for urgent or small, high-value items

✅ 3. Understand Import & Customs Rules

Australia has strict biosecurity and customs regulations, so it’s vital to know what you can and cannot bring.

🚫 Prohibited or Restricted Items:

Fresh food, seeds, and plants
Wooden items without certification
Soil-contaminated items (e.g., gardening tools)
Animal products
Some medications and health supplements

All shipments are inspected upon arrival. Failing to declare restricted items can result in fines or destruction of goods.

Tip: Clean all outdoor items (e.g., bikes, BBQs, garden tools) thoroughly before packing.

✅ 4. Prepare the Necessary Documentation

To avoid delays, have your paperwork ready:

Copy of passport and visa (or Australian residency)
Packing list/inventory
Bill of lading or airway bill
Australian customs declaration forms
Receipts for new or high-value items

Your removal company will help guide you through the documentation and customs clearance process.

📦 Packing Tips for International Moves

Declutter first – Only ship what you truly need
Use strong, double-walled boxes
Label every box with contents and destination room
Wrap fragile items carefully with bubble wrap or foam
Use your luggage allowance wisely — pack essentials in your suitcase

Optional: Let your removal company do the professional packing — it may be required for insurance purposes.

💰 How Much Does it Cost to Move to Australia from Spain?

Costs can vary based on:

Volume of items
Shipping method (sea vs. air)
Destination city in Australia
Packing services, insurance, and customs duties

🔍 Rough cost estimate (for sea freight):

Small move / part load: €2,500–€4,000
2-bedroom home: €5,000–€8,000
Full household (FCL): €7,000–€12,000+

Tip: Get multiple quotes from experienced international movers via Advance Moves to find the best price.

📄 Visas and Residency for Spanish Citizens

To live and work in Australia, you must obtain a visa before moving.

Popular visa types:

Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) – for skilled workers with no sponsorship
Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) – sponsored by an Australian state
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) – employer-sponsored
Student Visa – for those studying in Australia
Partner/Spouse Visa – if your partner is Australian
Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) – available for Spanish citizens aged 18–30

Visit the official Australian immigration website to explore visa options and requirements.

🏠 Housing in Australia

Before your belongings arrive, you’ll likely need temporary accommodation. Consider:

Short-term Airbnb or serviced apartments
House-sitting arrangements
Staying with family or friends

Once settled, use property websites like realestate.com.au or Domain to find long-term rental housing.

🏥 Healthcare for Expats

Australia has an excellent public healthcare system called Medicare, but Spanish nationals are not automatically covered unless they have permanent residency.

Options:

Purchase private health insurance on arrival
Use international health cover
Apply for Medicare after meeting residency requirements

📞 Settle In Smoothly – Other Key Tasks

Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) for work
Open an Australian bank account
Get an Australian SIM card or phone plan
Register for utilities and internet
Enroll children in local or international schools

📦 Checklist: Removals to Australia from Spain

Task	Details
✅ Find a mover	Use Advance Moves to compare top removal companies
✅ Declutter	Save money by reducing volume
✅ Choose shipping method	Sea or air freight based on time and budget
✅ Prepare paperwork	Passport, visa, inventory, customs forms
✅ Check import restrictions	Avoid fines or delays
✅ Book insurance	Protect your belongings in transit
✅ Organize arrival	Temporary housing, essentials, health cover
✅ Settle in	Open bank account, register for tax, phone, etc.

✈️ Conclusion: Make Your Move to Australia Smooth and Stress-Free

Removals to Australia from Spain can be a smooth, affordable, and well-organised process — if you plan ahead and use the right services. With the right support, you can focus less on logistics and more on your exciting new life in Australia.

Whether you’re relocating to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or beyond, partnering with a trusted international mover is key to ensuring your transition is safe and stress-free.