Shopping and Everyday Services
Online shopping in Spain
What to know about buying online in Spain, including customs rules for orders from outside the EU.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15
This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.
Overview
Online shopping in Spain works much like elsewhere in the EU for domestic and EU purchases, but orders from outside the EU can involve customs duties and VAT that catch newcomers by surprise.
Requirements
- No special eligibility — open to anyone with a delivery address in Spain
Step-by-step process
- For purchases from Spanish or EU sellers, shopping works as in any EU country — consumer protection rules apply, including a standard right of withdrawal for most online purchases
- For purchases from outside the EU, check whether Spanish VAT (IVA) will be charged at checkout or on delivery — most platforms now collect it upfront for lower-value parcels
- For higher-value non-EU purchases, expect potential customs duties in addition to VAT, generally collected by the courier before delivery
- Keep order confirmations and tracking numbers in case of a customs query or a delivery dispute
Required documents
- None to shop; ID may be requested by the courier for high-value deliveries or customs clearance
Common mistakes
- Not budgeting for customs duties and VAT on non-EU purchases, which can add significantly to the final cost of higher-value items
- Assuming EU-wide consumer protection rules (like the right of withdrawal) apply to non-EU sellers in the same way — they don't always
Practical tips
- Since 2021, EU rules removed the previous VAT exemption for low-value imports, so VAT generally applies from the first euro on non-EU orders
- Track deliveries closely for non-EU orders — customs clearance can occasionally add unexpected delays
How Tuchati can help
If you're not sure what a non-EU purchase will actually cost once duties and VAT are added, Tuchati can help you estimate it before you buy.