Zalando Spain in English: The Complete Shopping Guide for Expats

Navigating the Spanish retail scene can be daunting when you don’t speak the language, but the allure of Zalando’s massive inventory is hard to resist. Whether you are an expat in Madrid or a digital nomad in Barcelona, you probably want the convenience of Europe’s largest fashion retailer delivered to your door.

Here is the reality check: There is no official English version of Zalando.es. Unlike some of its competitors, Zalando keeps its regional sites strictly in the local language. But don’t let that stop you. With the right browser tools and a clear understanding of their updated policies, you can shop just as easily as a local.

We’ve analyzed the latest terms for late 2025 and 2026 to bring you this survival guide, covering everything from the new shipping thresholds to the overhauled loyalty program.

The “No English” Workaround

Since Zalando Spain operates exclusively in Spanish, your best friend is technology. We recommend using Google Chrome or Edge with automatic translation enabled. It instantly converts “Añadir a la cesta” to “Add to cart” and “Tallas” to “Sizes,” making the interface 95% usable for English speakers.

If you are mobile first, the Zalando App is intuitive, but you cannot change the language region to “English” while keeping the shipping country as “Spain.” You must navigate the Spanish interface.

The New Shipping Costs (Read Carefully)

Gone are the days of unconditional free shipping on every single pair of socks. As of late 2025, Zalando Spain has tightened its logistics policy to remain sustainable.

The Golden Number is €25.90.

• Orders over €25.90: Standard shipping is free.
• Orders under €25.90: You will be charged a standard shipping fee of €3.95.
• The “Long Distance” Trap: Watch out for items marked as long distance delivery. These incur a mandatory €3.95 fee regardless of your total cart value.

If you are looking for other budget-friendly options in Spain, platforms like AliExpress often have different thresholds, but for premium branded fashion, Zalando remains the market leader.

Zalando Plus: From Subscription to Points

If you remember paying €14.95 for a Zalando Plus membership, forget that model. In 2025, Zalando replaced the paid subscription with a free, points based loyalty program.

You no longer pay to join. Instead, you earn points with every purchase to climb through four tiers: Level 1 (Luz), Level 2 (Brillo), Level 3 (Estrella), and Level 4 (Superestrella). The coveted Express Delivery is now a reward unlocked at higher tiers rather than a paid perk.

Updated Return Policy: The 30-Day Rule

For years, Zalando was famous for its generous 100-day return window. However, to align with industry standards, this has been reduced.

The New Rule: You now have 30 days from receiving your order to return items. While the window is shorter, the process remains excellent:

• Cost: Returns are still 100% free.
• Method: You can request a home pickup (Celeritas comes to your door) or drop the package at a Celeritas or Correos point.
• Refund Speed: Refunds are typically processed within 14 days after the warehouse scans your return.

This is still more generous than many traditional Spanish markets or smaller boutiques where returns can be a hassle.

How to Register (Step-by-Step)

Creating an account connects you to Zalando’s broader European network. Here is how to navigate the Spanish forms:

• Click on the user icon (top right).
• Select “Regístrate” (Register).
• Nombre: First Name.
• Apellidos: Last Name.
• Correo electrónico: Email.
• Contraseña: Password.
• Check your inbox for the verification link to activate your profile.

Payment and Gift Cards

Zalando accepts most major international credit cards, PayPal, and even cash on delivery (Pago Contrareembolso) in some specific cases.

Gift Card Flexibiity: Unlike the rigid 50 euro cards of the past, you can now purchase digital or physical gift cards in any amount ranging from €5 to €200. They have unlimited validity, making them a safe bet for gifts.

Customer Service Hours

If you need help, note that human support is not 24/7. While the FAQ section is always open, direct contact via phone (917 696 959) or chat is available Monday to Sunday, from 08:00 to 22:00.

While the German roots of the company (read more about German fashion roots here) ensure efficiency, having a translation app ready during live chats is highly recommended if you don’t speak Spanish.