Germany
MOVING TO OR FROM GERMANY
All GB Liners’ branches have the facility to know how to quote for and arrange and operate European moves. We recognise, however, that not every branch can be an expert for every European destination and so we have therefore chosen to designate our Loughborough branch as our “centre of expertise” for Germany. You can contact them by phoning 01509 632850 or emailing loughborough@gbliners.com if you require specialist advice. Alternatively, of course, you can contact your local branch if you don’t think you need specialist help.
Sat – 9:00am- 12:00pm
Living in Germany
Advice on living in Germany can be obtained from:
Customs Formalities for Moving To Germany
Most Customs regimes have several factors in common:
- People moving to an EU country on a transfer of residence basis (i.e. moving their main place of residence from the UK to that EU country for work or personal reasons) are generally permitted to import their household and personal belongings free of duty and tax.
- There is usually a requirement to prove that the person moving has previously resided in the UK for a specified qualifying period, by means of presenting documents such as Council Tax bills, bank statements, utility bills etc.
- There is usually a requirement to prove that permission for residency or employment in the destination country has been granted.
- There is usually a requirement to prove identity by providing a passport copy.
- New items (usually less than 6 months old) may be subject to tax.
- Certain item are usually prohibited e.g. guns, animal skins or products, etc.
- Certain items are usually restricted e.g. alcohol, tobacco etc.
You will need to be able to supply any required information or documentation before the move is packed, to allow us to have it checked by our agent in the destination country for confirmation that everything is in order. This is essential to ensure that there are no delays at the destination border due to missing or incorrect documentation.
For a move to an EU country being made for any reason other than a transfer of residence, then you should ask us to check the specific Customs requirements for your circumstances and this should be done as early in the process as possible. If, for example, your circumstances were such that carrying-out the move would incur a significant duty or tax liability then that may influence your decision to move altogether. It is essential therefore, that such issues are raised as early as possible. If you are furnishing a holiday or secondary home in an EU country (that is a home other than your main place of residence), then usually you will have to pay duty or tax on the items that you are moving.
Germany Overview
The following information outlines the documentation required for importing household goods moves to Germany, to the best of current knowledge and belief. This is a summary of the documents required for household goods moves from the UK to Germany on a transfer of residence basis. It does not cover cars, secondary homes, inheritances, or any other exceptional circumstances and for any moves falling into these categories, it is essential that you advise us of your circumstances so that we can check requirements with a local agent in the destination country.
Customs regulations and document requirements for Germany
- Customs Form 0350
- “Abmeldebescheinigung” (Change of Residence Notice showing how long the shipper has lived outside the EU or a letter from an employer or German Embassy confirming 12-months residency outside the EU.)
- “Anmeldbestaetigung” (Confirmation of registration at the shipper’s new residence in Germany issued by the local Town Hall.)
- Copy of the Photo Page of Passport.
- Packing Inventory.
- Letter signed by the shipper to say that the shipment does not include any prohibited items.
- Rental Contract for their home (if possible).
- Contract of Employment (if possible).
- Statement of Transfer from employer stating the shipper is an employee for the company abroad, detailing how long the shipper has lived in country and that shipper will remain an employee of the company in Germany.
Documents required for export clearance out of Germany (for UK bound moves)
- “Ausfuhranmeldung” (export declaration) is to be made before the move starts at the “Zollamt” (customs office) responsible for the customer’s place of residence or online within one week of loading the shipment.
- Copy of the photo page of the passport.
- Address in destination country.
- Completion of UK transfer of residence application and generation of a URN number provided to us by you.(See relevant web page.)
- This declaration is made by use of the ATLAS-System (IT-System) by a professional on behalf of the customer. The customs office has the right to inspect the household goods to be moved and the export declaration should be made early to provide time to agree an on-site inspection before or on the day of loading.