Moving to Madrid from the UK means a new country, a new residency status and a city centre that was not designed for removal lorries. Get the paperwork and the logistics right early and the move itself is far smoother. Here are seven practical tips for moving to Madrid in 2026.
1. Sort your right to live in Spain before you travel
Since Brexit, most British nationals moving to Spain for more than a short stay need a visa or residence authorisation that matches their situation, whether that is work, study, family or another route. Requirements vary, so start with the official GOV.UK guide to living in Spain and the Spanish consulate guidance it links to, and allow plenty of time for applications.
2. Get your TIE and register at the town hall
Once you are resident, the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the residence document you carry alongside your passport. You should also register on the municipal register, the padrón, at your local town hall. The padrón certificate is used for many other steps, from healthcare to school places, so do it as soon as you have an address.
3. Plan the customs paperwork for your belongings
Your household goods now cross a customs border into the EU. Spain, like other EU countries, offers a relief for people transferring their normal residence, which can allow personal belongings to enter without duty and import VAT if the conditions are met. These typically include proof that you lived outside the EU, an itemised inventory and evidence that you owned and used the goods. Check the current rules on the Spanish tax agency website before you pack.
MoveDay Removals prepares the inventory and handles clearance through our customs removals service, so your load is not held waiting on a form.
4. Check low-emission zone rules for the removal vehicle
Madrid operates low-emission zones in parts of the city, and access depends on the vehicle’s environmental label and the area. Tell your removal company your exact address early so the route, vehicle and any access permissions can be confirmed well before moving day.
5. Reserve street parking in advance
Many Madrid streets are narrow and lined with parked cars. For loading and unloading outside your building you will generally need to arrange a reserved space or permission through the local council, which can take several days. Do not leave it to the morning of the move.
6. Measure lifts, stairs and doorways
Many blocks of flats in Madrid have small lifts and tight stairwells. Measure your largest pieces against the lift, staircase and entrance, and send photographs and dimensions with your quote request so any hoist or dismantling can be planned in advance.
7. Exchange your driving licence in time
GOV.UK advises that you can drive in Spain on a UK licence for a limited period after becoming resident, and you should exchange it before that period ends. Applications can take time, so start early. Check the latest guidance on the GOV.UK Spain page.
Ready to move to Madrid?
MoveDay Removals covers the whole UK and Europe, including removals to Spain with customs paperwork handled for you. Request a free quote and tell us your collection address and your Madrid destination.
Website: https://movedayremovals.com
Phone: 07378 626882
Email: office@movedayremovals.co.uk