International Moving to Europe: What You Need to Know

Moving abroad is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. Whether you're relocating your family to France, moving your business to Germany, or starting a fresh chapter in Spain, the logistics can feel overwhelming before you've even packed a single box. And while finding the right removal company is a huge piece of the puzzle, understanding the regulatory side of international moves is just as important.

Europe remains one of the most popular destinations for people moving from the UK, and for good reason. But since Brexit, the rules around moving your belongings across borders have shifted considerably. Getting your paperwork and planning right from the start can save you weeks of frustration, unexpected costs, and customs headaches.

Here's what you need to know, country by country.

How Brexit Changed Everything for UK Movers

Before we get into the specifics, it's worth acknowledging the elephant in the room. The UK's departure from the EU means that moving your household goods to Europe is no longer as straightforward as it once was. Your belongings are now subject to customs checks, and you'll generally need to provide documentation proving ownership and the purpose of your move.

The good news is that most EU countries offer a Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, which allows you to import your personal belongings duty-free and VAT-free, provided you meet certain conditions. The key requirements typically include:

• You must be moving your primary residence to that country

• You must have owned and used the items for a minimum period (usually six to twelve months)

• You must apply for the relief before or shortly after your move

• The goods must arrive within a set timeframe of your relocation

Getting this documentation sorted early is one of the single best things you can do to avoid delays at the border.

Moving to France

France is consistently one of the top destinations for UK expats, and the customs process here is fairly well established. To qualify for ToR relief, you'll need to prove you've been living outside France for at least twelve months and that you're genuinely relocating your main home.

You'll need to submit a Déclaration de Changement de Résidence to French customs (la Douane), along with supporting documents like proof of your previous address, proof of your new French address, and an inventory of your goods. French authorities are thorough, so a detailed and accurate inventory really does matter here.

Vehicles, alcohol, and tobacco have their own separate rules and are generally excluded from standard ToR relief.

Moving to Germany

Germany has a reputation for being precise about paperwork, and international removals are no exception. The process involves submitting a Übersiedlungsgut declaration (essentially a household goods declaration) to German customs.

You'll need to show that you've lived outside Germany for at least twelve months, that the items are for personal use, and that they've been in your possession for at least six months. One thing to note is that electronic items can sometimes attract scrutiny, so keeping receipts or proof of purchase for higher-value goods is a smart move.

Germany also has strict regulations around certain plant species and food items, so if you're planning to move anything from the garden or kitchen, check the restrictions in advance.

Moving to Spain

Spain is a popular choice for families and retirees alike, and the ToR process here is handled through the Agencia Tributaria (Spain's tax authority). You'll need to register as a resident (getting your NIE number is one of the first steps) and submit your customs declaration alongside your inventory.

Spain typically allows your goods to arrive duty-free within twelve months of your official change of residence. One practical tip: make sure your inventory is translated into Spanish, or at the very least is clear and itemised enough that customs officials can process it without confusion.

Moving to Belgium

Belgium is home to a large expat community, partly due to its international institutions, and the customs process reflects that. Belgian customs uses a Franchise des Droits et Taxes system for qualifying movers.

The documentation requirements are similar to other EU countries: proof of previous residency, proof of new Belgian address, a detailed inventory, and evidence that you've owned the goods for at least six months. Belgium also has strict rules around importing firearms, certain medications, and hazardous materials, so those need to be declared separately if applicable.

Tips That Apply Across the Board

Regardless of which European country you're heading to, a few universal principles will serve you well:

Start early. Customs applications and residency registrations can take time. Leaving everything until the week before your move is a recipe for stress and potential delays.

Keep your inventory detailed and honest. Vague descriptions like "miscellaneous household items" can raise flags. Be specific, and don't understate values.

Hold onto receipts for high-value items. Furniture, electronics, jewellery, art and antiques can all attract attention if they appear on your inventory without supporting documentation.

Check the rules for pets. Moving your animals internationally involves its own set of regulations around vaccinations, microchipping, and health certificates. This is entirely separate from your goods removal and needs its own careful planning.

Understand what's excluded. ToR relief almost never covers vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, perishable goods, or commercial quantities of anything. Plan for those items separately.

Getting the Right Support Makes All the Difference

Navigating customs regulations across multiple countries isn't something most people do more than once in a lifetime. That's where having an experienced international removal partner really earns its keep. We handle European moves regularly, covering France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, and beyond, and we know how to help our clients prepare the right documentation and avoid the pitfalls that catch people out.

If you're planning a move from London to anywhere in Europe and want to talk through the process, we'd love to help. Visit letsmovelondon.co.uk to find out more about our international removal services, or get in touch with our team directly. We'll walk you through everything from packing to paperwork, so you can focus on the exciting part: your new life abroad.