Do I have to declare more than 10,000 euros when entering Spain? Requirements, procedures and penalties

If you are arriving in Spain from a country outside the European Union (EU) and you are carrying cash or securities worth more than 10,000 euros, you are required to declare them. This measure is aimed at preventing money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

When should you file your tax return?

If you bring with you more than 10,000 euros, whether in cash, checks, shares or other securities, you must make the declaration at the point of entry, specifically at customs.

What is considered effective?

Cash is understood to be the banknotes and coins, regardless of the currency, that you carry with you.

What other values must be declared?

In addition to bills and coins, they must also be declared:

• Traveler’s checks.
• Bearer checks.
• Shares and other securities.

Who is obliged to declare?

Any person over 18 years of age entering Spain from a non-EU country and carrying more than 10,000 euros in cash or securities.

Where to file the return?

The declaration must be made at customs at the time of entry into the country, and can be made by completing a specific form that can be obtained directly from customs or downloaded from the Spanish Tax Agency website.

What should the form include?

1. Personal data: name, surname and passport number.
2. The total amount of money and valuables you are carrying.
3. The currency of the funds and securities transported.
4. The country of origin of the funds and securities.
5. The purpose of your trip to Spain.

Consequences for not declaring:

1. Fines ranging from 600 to 600,000 euros, depending on the amount and circumstances.
2. Confiscation of undeclared funds and securities.

Exceptions in which it is not necessary to declare the money:

• If the money comes from an EU member country.
• If the amount of money is less than 10,000 euros.
• If the money is intended for payment of goods or services within Spain.

This process seeks to ensure that the flow of money into and out of Spain complies with international financial security regulations.