If you are planning to move to a country, which is not a member of the
European Union,
or are you moving to Germany from a Non-EU-Country, we would like to offer you the following
advice. (This information exclusively refers to overland relocations e.g. Switzerland,
Finland, Romania etc.)
The only difference to relocations within Germany or member states
of the European Union is, that the all goods transported will need custom clearance.
The customs clearance of your goods will either take place directly at the boarder
of the country you are moving to, or, as it is usual in many East-European countries like Romania
at the next inland customs office nearest to the actual location you are moving to.
Relocation goods older than one year is free of any customs duty in almost all countries.
This practically means: This will not cost you anything. There will however be a custom clearance
(as mentioned above, either directly at the boarder or inland). The custom authorities will check
the documents of the goods to verify they are actually relocation goods.
Apart from checking the documents the custom authorities may conduct a so-called custom examination - in
other words - they will view the goods. This examination may be accompanied by a small fee and the custom officers may
randomly check the contents of the one or other moving box and compare the goods with the loading list
with the goods in the van.
To summarise it: The custom clearance will verify that the imported goods are actually
relocation goods. To reach a positive result (not having to pay duty on anything), next to
documents, which you should preferably have a second set of, you should also have:
Loading List
Deregistration confirmation of your old location
Registration confirmation of the new location
Rent or purchase contract of the new apartment
Resident permit for the new country
Employment contract
Passport
Documentation for relocation goods *
Customs authorisation (that allows us to conduct the clearance in your name) **
* The documentation for your relocation goods will be forwarded by us.
You will only have to sign it to confirm:
- not to import weapons, ammunition or drugs,
- that the goods are older than one year,
- that you do not have the intention to sell the goods in the country,
- that the goods are your property and
- the value of the imported goods.
** The „Customs Authorisation" (pdf-Download), your authorisation for us to conduct all guarantee and import declarations, is an absolute necessity!
Please note that in some East-European countries (especially Russia) you may need to have official documented confirmations of the country you are leaving that you are authorised to export certain articles (art and other culturally valuable things). In case of dispute, missing documents or a limited resident permit some countries may ask for a bank guarantee from you or your employer.
The best preparation to avoid problems is, to contact the embassy of the according country in the fore field. They will forward you a list of all necessary documentation for your relocation.
If you order us to do so, we will conduct all custom formalities for you. Some (mainly East-European) countries require you to be personally present during the customs clearance.
Useful Links:
• For relocations from Germany to Switzerland the Swiss authorities will give you further information here.
• In regard to relocations to Germany from Non - EU- Countries you may (possibly) find information here.