Planning a move to Germany: residence, customs and your belongings.

Why does the collection address matter?

Your nationality, your right to live in Germany and the customs position of your belongings are separate questions. Give the real collection country and town, even if you are arranging the move from somewhere else. For a departure from the UK, say whether collection is in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, because the customs territory of the shipment needs checking for that route.

Do you need a visa for Germany?

It depends on your nationality and the purpose of your stay. EU and EFTA nationals have different arrangements from most non-EU nationals. British and US nationals can enter without a visa under the published exceptions, but still need the right residence permission before starting work. Leaving from the UK does not establish your nationality. If you are moving from South America or another region, check the rules for your own passport and plans with the German mission that serves your place of residence.

Official guidance: Federal government: applying for a German visa

How does duty relief work for household goods from outside the EU?

Duty relief means the EU waives import duty on belongings you already own when you move your normal residence. It generally requires at least 12 months of previous residence outside the EU customs territory. Qualifying non-consumable belongings normally need at least six months of possession and use before you leave, with the same use intended at your new home. Entry is normally within 12 months of establishing residence. For the first 12 months after release, lending, hiring out or transferring relieved goods needs prior customs notification and can bring duties into payment. Alcohol and tobacco are excluded. Other conditions and exceptions apply, so confirm your eligibility, and any separate import-tax treatment, with German customs before collection.

Official guidance: EU household-goods duty relief: Articles 3 to 8

Which documents should be ready before packing ends?

The German missions' guidance gives examples of evidence that you have left your former home, such as an ended tenancy or an employer transfer, and established a new one, such as a German tenancy or registration document. Ask which evidence and declarations customs will need for your circumstances. Prepare an inventory that matches your numbered boxes and larger items, and keep documents, medicines and arrival essentials with you rather than inside the shipment.

Official guidance: German missions: moving and customs documents

How do school places work in Germany?

Germany's federal states manage education, so school arrangements vary by location. Contact the receiving school and the local education authority about registration, the start date and any language support your child may need. Ask which identity, address and school records to bring, and whether translations are needed. Use the relevant state's school search while you choose a home, then check availability directly with the school.

Official guidance: Federal government: schools and enrolment after arriving from abroad

What do we need to know about both homes?

For an apartment, tell us the floor, whether there is a lift and its usable dimensions. Check the distance from the unloading space to the entrance, the stair turns and the doorway widths. At a house, describe gates, driveways and turning space. Ask the property manager about delivery times and any parking arrangements that need approval. Photographs help us assess access before the moving plan is agreed.

What should you take, and how should it be packed?

Start with furniture and appliances, then estimate the boxes of clothes, kitchenware and other smaller belongings. Measure large pieces against your new rooms and doorways. Tell us which items need dismantling, fragile packing or an assessment for particular care. You can add an inventory and photographs to your enquiry, then discuss the packing help you would like.

• A room-by-room list, with dimensions for larger furniture.
• Fragile belongings and the packing or dismantling help requested.
• Anything new, restricted or intended for business use, so it can be checked separately.

How do keys and travel dates affect collection?

Tell us when your old home must be cleared, when you expect to travel and when the German property will be ready to receive your belongings. Name the person who can meet the delivery and mark which dates are provisional. Ask what the proposed service includes, how timing changes will be handled and which document or access charges need separate confirmation. An enquiry starts that discussion; it does not book the move.

Moving from Germany instead?

Give the receiving country and town, your collection address in Germany and the packing help you need. Residence and import requirements must be checked for the receiving country. The same enquiry can describe a return to the UK or another international relocation, with provisional details clearly marked.