Moving to the Canary Islands from the UK: What You Can and Can't Take

Relocating to the Canary Islands offers the promise of year-round sunshine, a relaxed lifestyle and a beautiful change of scenery. However, moving internationally requires careful planning, especially when it comes to what you can and can’t bring with you.

From personal belongings and household goods to pets and vehicles, there are specific rules and regulations that must be followed to ensure a smooth transition. Understanding what items are restricted or prohibited is essential to avoid delays, fines or complications at customs.

As one of the leading international removal companies, we’ve put together this guide to help you know what you can pack for your move to the Canary Islands. Remember, when you choose us for your international relocation, we can help guide you through the customs process with specific, expert advice for your circumstances.

What you can take with you to the Canary Islands

There are many items that you will be able to take with you if you move to the Canary Islands from the UK.

Personal belongings and household goods

When moving to the Canary Islands from the UK, you will be allowed to bring in most general personal belongings and household goods, including furniture, clothing and home appliances. You will be able to import these items without paying additional taxes as long as they are for your own personal use, and you don’t intend to sell them. Typically, household goods will need to be over six months old to be imported without paying taxes.

In order to be exempt from paying taxes, you will need to prove you will be living in the Canary Islands, and also provide a detailed inventory list of what you’re importing.

Pets

Your pet is part of your family, so the good news is that it is possible to move to the Canary Islands with your pet, specifically if you have a dog, cat or ferret. Your pet must be at least three months old, and you cannot take more than five pets with you.

Your pet won’t have to be quarantined, but there are some rules to follow. Your pet will need to have an up-to-date microchip and a vaccination against rabies, with documentation to prove it. You’ll need a European pet passport and a health certificate from your vet that has been translated into Spanish. You’ll also need to complete a declaration that your pet is being transported for non-commercial purposes.

In Spain, there are some dog breeds that are considered dangerous, and require a licence to own. This includes dogs that are muscular, have short hair, a large head, wide jaw, and weigh over 20kg – often this will include Rottweilers, Dobermans, and XL Bully-type dogs. If you have one of these breeds, you will need to register your dog within one month of your arrival in the Canary Islands.

Other animals, such as birds or reptiles, will typically require additional documentation and there may be restrictions depending on where exactly you’re relocating to. A pet transport company will be able to advise you on what applies to your situation.

Vehicles

You can import your car or motorbike to the Canary Islands from the UK, but there will typically be duties and taxes to pay. This will include the IGIC tax, which will vary depending on the horsepower of your vehicle, as well as a transfer tax and registration tax. You will need to register your vehicle with the local authorities, usually within 30 days of your arrival on the island.

Your vehicle will be required to take a technical inspection test, to ensure it’s roadworthy, similar to an MOT in the UK. You may find that your vehicle needs adjustments made to it to adhere to local regulations, such as adjusting the headlights.

What you can’t take with you when moving to the Canary Islands

There are a few types of items that are prohibited to take to the Canary Islands, as well as some categories that will have restrictions.

Restricted and prohibited items

Firearms, ammunition and other dangerous goods will be subject to very strict controls. Firearms for hunting can only be imported with prior authorisation from the Spanish authorities and only if you have the valid licences. Fireworks, explosives and other hazardous materials such as corrosive or flammable liquids and chemicals are highly restricted. We advise you against shipping any of these items together with your household goods, as they are likely to cause problems and delays.

There are also controls on plants and animal products, to prevent the spread of diseases that could harm the local ecosystem. This will include plants, seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables and untreated wood products, which will need to meet EU regulations and will often require a special permit.

The same applies for some animal products, such as untreated hides, furs and other types of animal-derived products, especially those from endangered species such as ivory. Importing these without the correct permits could result in severe penalties.

If you want to import any of these types of goods, you should speak to your removal company or customs professional.

You can bring some tobacco and cigarettes into the Canary Islands, but there are restrictions. This includes a maximum of 200 cigarettes, or 100 small cigars, or 50 regular cigars or 250 g of tobacco.

Food and drink restrictions

Bringing food into the Canary Islands is prohibited, and alcohol will be subject to duties and taxes.

The exceptions to this involve baby food and special foods required for medical reasons, which can be brought in their original containers as long as they have not needed to be refrigerated before use. You can also bring up to 2 kg of pet food if you are relocating with your pet.

Currency restrictions

If you are travelling with large amounts of cash – over €10,000 or the equivalent in another currency – you will need to declare it upon entering the Canary Islands. Failing to declare could result in fines, confiscation of funds or even criminal charges, depending on the circumstances.