Receiving Mail and Packages in Spain

Whether it is your new bank card, a textbook from home, or an online shopping delivery, understanding how mail and packages work in Spain will save you frustration. The system functions differently from what you may be used to, and there are a few quirks — especially with international shipments — that are worth knowing about in advance.

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How the Spanish Postal System Works

Correos is Spain's national postal service. They handle letters, parcels, and registered mail. They also offer financial services and act as a point of collection for government documents.

Mail Delivery Basics

• Delivery days: Monday to Friday (some Saturday deliveries for priority mail)
• Delivery times: Typically between 9:00 and 14:00
• Mailboxes: Most apartment buildings have a cluster of buzones (mailboxes) at the entrance, one per apartment. Your name should be on yours — if it is not, Correos may not deliver to you.

Important: Put Your Name on Your Mailbox

This is the single most practical piece of advice in this guide. Spanish mail carriers deliver by name, not just by address. If your name is not clearly visible on the buzón at your building entrance, your mail may be returned to sender or left at the local Correos office.

Ask your landlord to add your name to the mailbox. If they will not, tape a label yourself. Use the format: Your Full Name — Piso/Puerta (e.g., "Jane Smith — 3o B").

Receiving Letters and Small Mail

Standard letters (bank correspondence, official documents, utility bills) are delivered to your buzón. You do not need to be home.

Registered Mail (Correo Certificado)

Some official mail requires a signature. This includes:

• Government notifications (from Extranjeria, Agencia Tributaria, courts)
• Bank cards and PIN letters
• Legal documents

If you are not home when Correos tries to deliver registered mail, they will leave an aviso (delivery notice) in your buzón. The aviso tells you:

• What was attempted to be delivered
• Where to pick it up (usually your local Correos office)
• How many days you have to collect it (typically 15 days)

To collect: Go to the Correos office listed on the aviso with your passport or NIE and the aviso slip. Office hours are typically Monday-Friday 8:30-14:30, with some offices open on Saturday mornings.

Receiving Packages

Domestic Packages (From Within Spain)

Online shopping in Spain is booming, and you will likely order from Amazon.es, El Corte Ingles, PCCOMPONENTES, and other Spanish retailers.

Common delivery carriers:

• Correos (national post)
• SEUR (private, widely used by Spanish retailers)
• MRW (common for heavier or business shipments)
• GLS Spain
• Amazon Logistics (Amazon's own delivery network)
• DHL Express (for international priority shipments)

What Happens When You Are Not Home

Most carriers attempt delivery once. If you are not home:

• Correos: Leaves an aviso. Pick up at your local Correos office.
• Amazon: May try a second delivery, leave with a neighbor, or redirect to an Amazon Locker or pickup point (punto de recogida).
• SEUR, MRW, GLS: Usually attempt one delivery, then hold the package at their local depot. They may call or text you to arrange redelivery.

Pickup Points and Lockers

To avoid missed deliveries, use pickup points:

• Amazon Locker: Self-service lockers at shopping centers, gas stations, and convenience stores. Free for Amazon orders. Available 24/7.
• Correos Citypaq: Automated parcel lockers at Correos offices and other locations.
• Punto Pack: A network of local shops that accept deliveries on your behalf. Available through many Spanish online stores.
• Kiala / DHL ServicePoint: Pickup locations for international carriers.

Pro tip: When ordering online, use a pickup point as your delivery address instead of your apartment. You collect the package at your convenience, and there is no risk of missing the delivery.

International Packages

Receiving packages from outside the EU has additional considerations.

Customs (Aduanas)

Packages from outside the EU may be subject to customs inspection and import duties:

• Gifts valued under EUR 45: Generally exempt from customs duties (but VAT may still apply)
• Purchases valued under EUR 150: Subject to VAT (21% in Spain) but exempt from customs duties
• Purchases valued over EUR 150: Subject to both customs duties and VAT

How Customs Works in Practice

1. Your package arrives in Spain and is processed by customs (aduanas).
2. If customs determines that duties/VAT are owed, they hold the package.
3. You receive a notification (from Correos or the courier) asking you to:
   • Pay the duties/VAT online or at the post office
   • Provide documentation (invoice, proof of purchase, description of contents)
4. Once paid, the package is released for delivery.

Avoiding Customs Surprises

• Ask the sender to declare the contents accurately on the customs form. Under-declaring the value is illegal and can result in fines.
• Keep receipts for anything sent to you. Customs may ask for proof of purchase.
• Be aware of VAT on all non-EU purchases. Even "free" gifts from family may trigger a VAT charge if customs determines their value exceeds the threshold.
• DHL, FedEx, and UPS often handle customs clearance for you and bill you the duties — this is faster but may include a brokerage fee (EUR 10-25).
• Correos (standard international post) can be slower through customs but usually does not charge brokerage fees.

Receiving Medicine by Mail

If family sends medication from your home country, be aware:

• Prescription medications may be stopped by customs. Spanish law restricts importation of certain medications.
• Include a copy of your prescription with any medication shipments.
• Small quantities for personal use (1-3 months supply) are usually allowed but may still require customs review.

Sending Mail and Packages From Spain

Within Spain

• Letters: Drop in any yellow Correos buzón on the street. Standard delivery takes 1-3 business days.
• Packages: Drop off at a Correos office or schedule a pickup through the Correos website/app. Prices depend on weight and speed.

International

• Correos International: Affordable but slow (5-15 business days for standard, 3-5 for priority).
• DHL/FedEx/UPS: Fast (1-3 business days) but expensive.
• Tip: For documents, use Correos Carta Certificada Internacional. For packages, compare Correos with private carriers — Correos is often cheaper for packages under 2 kg.

Digital Notifications and Mailboxes

Spain is gradually digitizing government communications. With a certificado digital or Cl@ve, you can:

• Receive official notifications electronically through the Direccion Electronica Habilitada Unica (DEHu)
• Check pending Correos deliveries through the Correos app
• Track packages from most Spanish and international carriers through their websites or apps

Setting up electronic notifications reduces the risk of missing important government correspondence — especially relevant if you travel or are frequently away from your apartment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not putting your name on the mailbox. This is the most common reason international students miss mail deliveries.
• Ignoring avisos (delivery notices). You typically have 15 days to collect. After that, the item is returned to sender.
• Not checking customs fees before ordering from outside the EU. That "cheap" item from your home country may cost significantly more once VAT and duties are added.
• Assuming all carriers deliver to the same pickup point. Each carrier has its own network. Check where your package will go if you miss the delivery.
• Not setting up package tracking. Most carriers and Correos offer free tracking via their apps. Set it up to avoid surprise delivery attempts.

Complete admin setup — we handle the appointments. Mail, bank cards, official documents — our team helps you receive everything you need in Spain. Get in touch.

Quick Reference

Need | Solution

Name not on mailbox | Ask landlord or add a label yourself

Missed a Correos delivery | Go to local Correos office with aviso + ID

Missed a carrier delivery | Check tracking; collect from depot or arrange redelivery

Ordering from outside the EU | Budget for 21% VAT on purchases over EUR 22

Sending documents home | Correos Carta Certificada Internacional

Sending packages home | Compare Correos vs. DHL/FedEx for best price

Complete admin setup — we handle the appointments. From empadronamiento to bank accounts to getting your mail sorted, our team makes settling in smoother. Start your setup.

Mail logistics are part of everyday life in Spain. See also our guides on empadronamiento, NIE, and TIE and opening a bank account — your bank card will arrive by mail, so make sure your mailbox is ready.