Importing cash into Spain: how much and when to declare

How much cash can you bring to Spain without a declaration?

There is no need to declare less than 10,000 for one move. There is no restriction on the amount of imports: the law imposes an obligation to report cash in advance rather than a ban. Article 34 Ley 10/2010 on countering money-laundering requires individuals to file a declaration if they enter or leave Spain with 10,000 y or more or their equivalent in other currencies. [1]. AEAT writes the same: the threshold € at the border and 100 000 € for moving within the country "(x id=") , when the employer [3].

The threshold applies to each individual, and the European Commission emphasizes that when a group of 10,000 travelers travels, I am considered for each traveller. [4]If a minor is with you, the money he is delivering is legally assigned to the accompanying adult and the parents or guardians are responsible for the journey without an adult (art. 34.5) [1].

What is considered cash when declared?

The law calls "medias de pago" broader than bank notes. [1]:

• Notes and coins, national and foreign;
• :: Producing instruments: road and normal cheques, promissory notes and bearer payment orders;
• prepaid cards without a name, not tied to a bank account;
• Highly liquid commodities, such as gold.

The European Commission explains, by Reglamento (UE), 2018/1672: gold coins containing not less than 90% gold and unprocessed gold not less than 99.5% pure gold [4]The bank transfer and the card associated with your account are not included in the list.

What is the difference between imports from and outside the EU?

The threshold in Spain is the same and the form and basis are different. [4]Spain applies the threshold to entry from other EU countries as well. [1][2].

For uncompanied movements, the declaration is filed within 30 days before the transfer: the responsibility lies with the sender and the recipient when the non-EU is imported from the country [1][2]. In the old materials, there is Orden EHA/1439/2006: it was canceled by Orden ETD/1217/2022, so take the forms and order according to the new order [2].

How and when to file a declaration?

1. Calculate the amount per person for one move, along with checks, maps and other "medias de pago".
2. Fill out the form: E-1 when entering from a country outside the EU, S-1 from an EU country, forms available in Aduanas, AEAT, Sepblac and Tesoro Público [2].
3. If you enter outside the EU, you will be given E-1 without request by Customs officers (Aduanas) before any check. When you enter the EU country, the same order is applied at the Customs office and if you do not, the S-1 form is supplied electronically or personally before moving. [2].
4. Electronic delivery to the Sede AEAT gives a safe check code (CSV): it serves as a confirmation and the declaration must accompany the carrier with the money [2].

The data must be complete and true: incorrect or incomplete data are equated with failure (article 34.4 Ley 10/2010). [1].

What's the non-declared?

Violation of the obligation to declare this serious administrative responsibility (infracción grava, article 52.3 Ley 10/2010). The penalty includes a fine of 600 I to 50 per cent of the value of the funds plus a public or private reprimand (article 57.3) [1]Customs or police officers temporarily withdraw the full amount of 30 days, with a possible extension of 90, if the declaration is not filed, late or incorrect. They can leave up to 1,000 I am per person and move as the "minimum survival" [1][2].

The filing of the declaration does not in itself prove the movement of money if the Customs has not checked it at the border (Article 5.2 Orden ETD/1217/2022) [2]Prepare documents for the source of the funds: The bank to which you will deposit the money later must verify the origin of the funds (article 6 of Ley 10/2010) [1]How does the bank work with cash and account: Opening of an account at the Spanish bank.

Which depends on your case.

What rule applies in transit through another EU State defines the law of that country, not Spain. We do not value the practice of specific customs offices in Barcelona. Bank transfers to the list of Article 34.3 are not included and no cash declaration is required, but the bank checks the source of the funds at any major payment. account in Spain without NIEIf you are carrying savings as proof of residence permit funds, read first Do you need a residence in Spain account? And look. No lucrativa route sheet; general move arrangements are described in section Residence permit in Barcelona.

Frequent issues

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The source is viewed on 02.10.2026 · NEXO · Drafting Draft · Sources do not replace individual legal advice.