If you’re looking for the best ways to handle international shipping from Spain, you’re in the right place. Whether you need to send packages abroad, ship boxes to family and friends, or receive important deliveries while living in Spain, there are plenty of reliable services to choose from.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about sending and receiving packages in Madrid, with an easy how-to overview and a detailed comparison of top shipping companies like Correos, DHL, UPS, and more. Get ready to make international shipping simple and stress-free!
Need a place to store your luggage once you’ve arrived to Madrid? Check out all the best Luggage Storage Options in the city for more info!
International Shipping in Spain – How it Works
If you’re new to sending packages across borders, understanding the logistics behind how to ship internationally from Spain can save you time, money, and frustration. Whether you’re mailing gifts to family or shipping essential items abroad, the process is fairly straightforward once you know the steps involved.
Understanding the Process
The process of international shipping may vary slightly depending on the courier you use, but it generally follows these key steps:
Step 1: Packaging
Start by packing your items securely. Use a stable box or envelope, wrap breakables in protective material, and make sure nothing inside can move around during transport. Write the destination address clearly and accurately, and don’t forget the return address.
Step 2: Shipping
Choose a shipping service directly or through a comparison tool. You’ll select the destination country, delivery speed, and any extras like insurance or tracking. Some companies offer in-person drop-off, while others provide at-home pickup.
Step 3: Customs
If you’re shipping outside the EU, you’ll need to complete a customs declaration. This tells the receiving country’s customs authority what’s inside the package and its value. Your parcel will be held at the border until it clears customs, which can add time to the delivery.
Step 4: Delivery
Once potential taxes are paid and customs clearance is complete, the local courier in the destination country takes over. They’ll handle final delivery to the recipient’s address. Some couriers provide full tracking through each stage, while others only update the status at key points.
Delivery Times
Below, we have outlined the general shipping times from Spain to various destinations. However, keep in mind that times will always vary based on destination, courier, customs, holidays and how remote the destination is.
Shipping within Europe:
- Standard shipping: 3–7 business days
- Express shipping: 1–3 business days
Shipping to The U.S. & Canada:
- Standard: 7–14 business days
- Express: 2–5 business days
Shipping to Latin America:
- Standard: 10–20 business days
- Express: 3–7 business days
Shipping to Asia & Oceania:
- Standard: 10–20 business days
- Express: 3–6 business days
Spanish Customs and Import Taxes
When it comes to international shipping from Spain, it’s important to understand how customs regulations, import taxes, and shipping costs can affect your delivery. Whether you’re sending gifts, documents, or personal belongings, this section will help you avoid surprises and keep costs under control.
Preparing for Spanish Customs
When sending a package outside the European Union, you will have to complete a customs declaration form. This form provides the receiving country’s customs authorities with essential information about your package that they will need to grant it entry through their borders.
Failing to complete this form accurately can lead to delays, extra fees, or even the return of your package. We recommend always declaring the correct value and including a clear description of the items you’re sending.
Important: If you’re in Spain and you plan to receive a package from outside the EU, your package will stop at the Spanish customs in Madrid before heading to its final destination. You’ll receive a claimant form via email, SMS or mail that you’ll have to fill out for the package to be released. For more information on this process, check out our article about releasing your package from Spanish customs.
Import Taxes and Fees
The person receiving your package will most likely have to pay import taxes or customs duties, depending on the package’s journey and the declared value of the package contents. These fees are typically based on:
- The declared value of the goods
- The category of items (electronics, clothing, gifts, etc.)
- The destination country’s import laws
For example, sending a €50 gift to the United States may be exempt, but a €150 pair of shoes could be taxed.
Unfortunately, there’s no set rate for these kind of fees, but you can often calculate the international shipping costs to/from Spain and associated customs fees using online tools provided by major couriers or government customs websites.
For information on reducing shipping costs and import tax fees, jump to our Hints & Tips section below
Top Companies for International Shipping to and from Spain
Price Comparison Services
Even if you have a go-to international shipping service that you prefer to use, we always recommend using a price comparison service to get the best deals being offered at the time. These tools and platforms take the data of your shipment (weight, destination of the shipment, date of shipment, etc) and will tell you the best prices being offered by the top shipment services in your area. You can even schedule your shipment directly on these platforms to take advantage of their discounts.
Keep reading for a list of the top comparison platforms in Spain. If you prefer to schedule your shipment directly with a trusted shipping service, skip ahead.
Packlink
Price Comparison Service
Packlink is a multi-carrier comparison site that lets you ship packages at discount prices, up to 70% cheaper than public market rates. The company offers the chance to compare and make door-to-door shipments around the world with the best carriers. Their incredible deals make them the best platform for young international students who are on a budget!
Eurosender
Price Comparison Service
Eurosender specializes in student shipping services, offering affordable parcel and luggage delivery across Europe. They provide instant quotes and collaborate with various organizations to offer discounts, making it a cost-effective choice for students.
Parcel Monkey
Price Comparison Service
Parcel Monkey allows you to compare international shipping rates from top couriers like DHL, FedEx, and USPS. By aggregating services, they offer discounted rates, making it easier to find affordable options for sending packages abroad.
Seven Seas Worldwide
Price Comparison Service
