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What do you need to arrange when moving back to the Netherlands from Spain?

Christiaan van der Ent ·

If you are moving back to the Netherlands from Spain, there are a number of practical matters you need to arrange in time: think of re-registering with a municipality, your health insurance, any allowances and the customs formalities for your household goods. Most steps can already be initiated from Spain, which makes the return a lot smoother. In this article we answer the most important questions you have when taking the step back to the Netherlands.

What are the first practical steps after deciding to move back?

Once you have made the decision to move back to the Netherlands, it is best to start with a concrete plan. Set your moving date, inform your Spanish municipality (the ayuntamiento) of your departure and notify relevant authorities of your change of address. Also book a moving company in good time, as good planners fill up quickly.

A useful order to follow:

  • Set a moving date and work towards it
  • Find a temporary or permanent address in the Netherlands
  • Contact an international moving company for a quote and planning
  • Inform your Spanish employer, landlord or mortgage provider of your departure
  • Arrange a Dutch bank account if you have not had one for a while

The earlier you start, the less stress you will experience. Moving is not ranked high in the stress top 10 for nothing. Good preparation, preferably three to six months in advance, makes all the difference.

How do you re-register with a Dutch municipality?

You re-register with a Dutch municipality by visiting the town hall of the municipality where you are going to live in person. You do this within five days of arrival. You will need a valid identity document and proof of your new residential address, such as a rental contract or a declaration from the main occupant.

If you have remained registered in the Netherlands all along, you only need to change your address. If you have been deregistered, you will be re-registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP). This is an important moment, as your BSN will be actively linked to your new address again. Without an active BRP registration, you cannot take out health insurance, apply for allowances or activate DigiD.

Tip: when registering, also request an extract straight away. You will often need this at other authorities in the first weeks after returning.

What do you need to arrange regarding health insurance and allowances upon return?

As soon as you register with a Dutch municipality, you are required to take out Dutch health insurance. You have four months to do this, but it is wise to arrange it immediately. At the same time, you can apply for allowances from the Tax and Customs Administration, such as healthcare allowance and housing allowance, if you are entitled to them.

What you need to do specifically:

  • Take out basic insurance with a Dutch health insurer
  • Cancel your Spanish health insurance or seguro médico as of your departure date
  • Apply for healthcare allowance via the Tax and Customs Administration website (toeslagen.nl)
  • Check whether you are entitled to housing allowance or child benefit
  • Register with the UWV if you are looking for work

Please note: allowances start from the date of registration. The sooner you register, the sooner you are entitled to any benefits. Retroactive effect is limited, so do not wait too long.

How does customs work when you bring your household goods from Spain?

Because Spain and the Netherlands are both EU member states, you do not have to pay import duties on your personal household goods when moving within the EU. Your belongings can in principle be transported freely. However, there are situations where customs formalities do play a role, for example with valuable works of art, a car or goods from outside the EU.

For most people moving back from Spain to the Netherlands, the following applies:

  • Used household goods are exempt from import duties and VAT within the EU
  • A detailed inventory list (also known as an inventory list or packing list) is always advisable, even within the EU
  • New goods or goods from outside the EU may be subject to customs inspection
  • A car you bring from Spain must be re-registered in the Netherlands

Do you want to bring a car? There are specific steps for import and vehicle registration transfer. It is wise to get well informed about this, as the rules surrounding vehicle import are detailed and depend on factors including the age and origin of the vehicle.

How do you choose a reliable removal company for the Spain–Netherlands route?

A reliable removal company for the Spain–Netherlands route can be recognised by accredited certifications, in-house customs knowledge and demonstrable experience on this specific route. Choose a removal company that is a member of a recognised industry organisation, has its own storage facilities and is transparent about what is included in the price.

Pay attention to the following points when making your choice:

  • Experience on the route: does the company have demonstrable knowledge of the Spain–Netherlands route?
  • Own fleet and staff: or does the company work with changing subcontractors?
  • Customs knowledge: does the company have its own customs declarants in-house?
  • Insurance: are your household goods fully insured during transport?
  • Communication: do you get track & trace and a dedicated contact person?
  • Certification: is the company a member of Top Movers, FIDI or IAM?

Always request multiple quotes and do not focus on price alone. A cheap removal company without experience on international routes can ultimately cost you much more than an accredited specialist.

Which Spanish matters do you need to close off before you leave?

Before you definitively leave Spain, you need to finalise a number of administrative and practical matters. Think of deregistering with the Spanish municipality, cancelling contracts and sorting out your tax affairs. This prevents you from receiving unexpected bills or obligations after your departure.

An overview of what you need to close off:

  • Deregistering with the ayuntamiento: report your departure to the Spanish population register (padrón municipal)
  • NIE number: your NIE remains valid, but you can have your fiscal status registered as a non-resident with the Spanish tax authority (Agencia Tributaria)
  • Tax return: if applicable, file a final Spanish tax return if you had income in Spain
  • Bank account: close your Spanish account or keep it open if you still own Spanish property
  • Utilities: cancel gas, water, electricity and internet as of your departure date
  • Rent or mortgage: cancel your rental contract with the correct notice period or arrange the transfer of your property
  • Insurance: cancel your Spanish car, home contents and health insurance
  • Health card: return your European Health Insurance Card or let it expire

Start these closing steps at least two months before your departure. Some notice periods in Spain are longer than you are used to in the Netherlands, and administrative processes can take more time.

Moving back to the Netherlands from Spain is very manageable if you approach it step by step. We at Van der Ent Group know the route between Spain and the Netherlands through Andalusia inside out. From our office in Malaga, we guide your move from start to finish, with our own customs declarants, own fleet and storage facilities. More than 100 years of experience, four generations long, and we still do it with the same personal attention. View our options for moving within Europe, enquire about our relocation services or read more about importing a car if you are bringing your vehicle. Would you like to know straight away what we can do for your move? Contact us and we will be happy to think along with you.

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