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.
🚀 Ready to start your move?
Visit Advance Moves to:
- Use the Quick Quote system
- Get an instant volume and price estimate
- Be matched with top 5 international movers for your route
Make your removal to Australia from Spain easier, cheaper, and faster with expert help from start to finish.