Moving from the UK to Europe is more complex post-Brexit — but with the right removal firm and preparation, it's entirely manageable. Here's everything you need to know about European removals.
📋 Key Points
Post-Brexit, moving household goods to the EU requires customs declarations — your removal firm handles this, but you supply the documentation
Most people qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief — importing used household goods duty-free when establishing residency in the EU
European removal costs typically range from £1,500–£16,000+ depending on property size and destination
Two main options: dedicated load (faster, more expensive) or groupage (shared load — 30–50% cheaper but slower)
Always use a FIDI-accredited or BAR Overseas Group member for European and international moves
Prepare a detailed, itemised inventory of all goods — this is mandatory for customs clearance at the EU border
Moving to Europe Post-Brexit: What's Changed
Since the UK left the EU's customs union in January 2021, moving household goods from the UK to Europe involves a customs process that didn't exist before. In practical terms, this means more paperwork — but for most people relocating permanently, the process is straightforward when using an experienced international removal firm.
❌ What's Changed (Post-Brexit)
Customs declaration required for all goods entering the EU — no longer automatic free movement
A detailed packing inventory (sometimes bilingual) is required for customs clearance
Border delays are possible — build extra time into your delivery window
Some countries require proof of residency (e.g. French "établissement" or Spanish "residencia") before customs can clear your goods
Pets now need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued within 10 days of travel — the old EU Pet Passport is no longer valid for UK-issued ones
✅ What Hasn't Changed
Used household goods are still duty-free if you qualify for ToR relief (see below)
No import VAT on used household goods for personal use when ToR applies
Road freight is still the primary shipping method for most European moves
Reputable international removal firms handle all customs paperwork on your behalf
Most EU countries accept your UK driving licence for 6–12 months before local re-registration is required (check your destination country's rules)
Transfer of Residence (ToR) Relief: Import Your Goods Duty-Free
💡 What Is ToR Relief?
Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief allows people relocating permanently to an EU country to bring their household goods in free of customs duties and import VAT. Most people moving from the UK to the EU qualify. To be eligible:
You must have been living outside the EU (i.e., in the UK) for at least 12 consecutive months before moving
The goods must have been owned and used by you personally for at least 6 months before the move
You must be moving to establish your normal place of residence in the EU country
The goods must not be sold, lent, pledged, or hired out within 12 months of import
New or unused items (still in packaging) do not qualify for ToR relief and are subject to standard EU customs duty and VAT
Your international removal firm will advise on the specific ToR application form and process for your destination country.
Note that ToR relief must usually be applied for before or at the time of the move, not retrospectively. Your removal firm should initiate this process — if they don't mention it, ask.
European Removal Costs
European removal costs are significantly higher than UK domestic moves due to transit times, customs handling, crew overnight costs, and the complexity of cross-border logistics. The table below shows typical costs for a dedicated full-load removal. Groupage (shared load) is typically 30–50% cheaper.
Property Size
Near Europe (France, Belgium, Netherlands)
Mid Europe (Germany, Spain, Italy)
Far Europe (Greece, Poland, Portugal)
1-bed flat
£1,500–£3,000
£2,000–£4,000
£2,500–£5,000
2-bed flat / house
£2,500–£4,500
£3,500–£6,000
£4,000–£7,500
3-bed house
£3,500–£6,000
£5,000–£9,000
£6,000–£11,000
4+ bed house
£5,000–£9,000
£7,000–£13,000
£9,000–£16,000+
Prices are indicative and include VAT on the UK portion. Local port and customs charges in the destination country may be extra. Island or mountain destinations (e.g., Majorca, Sardinia, alpine locations) carry surcharges. Groupage is typically 30–50% cheaper than a dedicated load.
Dedicated Load vs Groupage
For most European moves you'll choose between a dedicated service (your goods travel alone) or groupage (your goods share a vehicle with other movers going to the same region):
🚛 Dedicated Load
Your goods fill the entire vehicle, which travels directly to your European destination without stopping elsewhere.
✅ Fixed, agreed delivery window
✅ Minimal handling — one crew loads, one crew delivers
✅ Fastest option (5–14 days typically)
✅ Best for large homes (3+ bedrooms)
⚠️ Significantly more expensive
📦 Groupage (Shared Load)
Your goods are stored at a depot alongside other movers heading to the same region, and dispatched once the lorry is full.
✅ 30–50% cheaper than dedicated
✅ Ideal for 1–2 bedroom moves
✅ Good if you have a gap between homes
⚠️ Delivery typically 2–6 weeks (consolidation time)
⚠️ Goods handled by more than one crew
Documents You'll Need
Your removal firm will guide you through the paperwork, but you'll typically need to provide the following documents before your goods can cross the EU border:
📋 Standard Documentation
Detailed, itemised packing inventory (often bilingual — English + destination country language)
Proof of UK residency for 12+ months (utility bills, council tax statements)
Proof of EU residency, employment contract, or registration in your destination country
Valid UK passport
Signed customs declaration forms (destination-country specific)
ToR relief application form (if applicable)
🚫 Items That Cannot Be Imported
Certain food products (meat, dairy, plant-based items) — check destination country phytosanitary rules
Plants and soil (strict phytosanitary restrictions across EU)
Firearms and weapons (require specific export/import licences)
Prescription medicines in large quantities (check destination country regulations)
Hazardous materials (aerosols, paints, gas canisters, flammables)
Counterfeit or pirated goods
Country-by-Country Key Requirements
Each EU country has its own customs process and residency requirements. Here's a summary of key requirements for the most popular destinations for UK movers:
🇫🇷 France
Transit: 2–5 days by road
ToR form: French customs "établissement" declaration
Must register address within 3 months
Carte Vitale for healthcare access
Paris deliveries require specialist firms (traffic restrictions)
🇩🇪 Germany
Transit: 2–4 days by road
ToR form: Zoll form 0350
Anmeldung (registration) within 14 days of arrival — required before opening a bank account
Health insurance mandatory immediately upon residency
Blocksperr (parking suspension) for large vehicle — book via local Ordnungsamt
🇪🇸 Spain
Transit: 2–6 days (mainland), plus ferry for islands
NIE number required for customs clearance
Padrón (municipal registration) required for residency
Post-Brexit: ToR relief requires 12 months outside EU
Transit: 2–8 days (Sicily via ferry adds 1–2 days + ferry cost)
Codice Fiscale required before customs clearance
Italian IM4 customs form for ToR relief
Permesso di soggiorno for non-EU residents (post-2020 arrivals)
Alpine tunnel surcharges for routes via Switzerland
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Transit: 1–2 days (Harwich–Hook of Holland ferry)
BSN registration with gemeente (municipality) required
Amsterdam canal houses often need specialist hoisting equipment (£200–£600 extra)
Dutch ToR relief application via Douane Netherlands
30% tax ruling for expats working in the Netherlands
🇵🇹 Portugal
Transit: 3–6 days; Azores/Madeira by sea container only
NIF (tax identification number) essential before customs clearance
IFICI tax regime (replaced NHR) for non-habitual residents
Algarve deliveries add 10–20% due to distance
Island shipments (Azores, Madeira) carry significant surcharges
How to Find a Reputable European Removal Firm
Not all removal companies handle international moves. Look specifically for firms with European or international accreditation:
🏆 FIDI Global Alliance
The world's largest international moving association. FIDI-FAIM-certified firms meet strict quality, financial, and service standards — independently audited every three years. The gold standard for European and international moves.
🏆 BAR Overseas Group
British Association of Removers members specialising in international moves. BAR Overseas members provide advance payment guarantee protection — important for large deposits on European removals.
🏆 OMNI
Overseas Moving Network International — another respected quality accreditation for international movers. Members operate a network of partner agents across Europe for local delivery handling.
📋 What to Ask Before Booking
Are you FIDI-FAIM or BAR Overseas accredited?
Do you have experience with moves to [my specific destination]?
Will you handle all customs paperwork and ToR relief?
Is international marine cargo insurance included?
Who is your local partner at the destination?
Always get 3+ quotes — price variation on European moves can be £1,000–£3,000+ for the same job. Compare like for like: dedicated vs groupage, services included, insurance level, and customs handling.
Tips for a Successful European Move
Start the ToR relief application early — your firm should initiate this, but confirm it's being handled before loading day. Missing the ToR window means paying import duty on all your goods
Create a detailed, accurate inventory — EU customs require a complete list of every item being shipped. Include approximate values and dates of purchase. Your removal firm will usually provide a template
Get marine cargo insurance — standard goods-in-transit cover may not apply for cross-border European moves. Ask specifically about international marine cargo insurance and the level of cover per item
Sort your destination country registration requirements in advance — many countries require proof of residency (NIE, NIF, BSN, Codice Fiscale etc.) before customs will release your goods. Sort these before your move date
Plan for pets separately — removal firms don't transport pets. You'll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from a vet within 10 days of travel. Some EU countries have additional requirements (e.g., tapeworm treatment for dogs entering Finland and Ireland)
Book vehicle shipping separately if needed — your car can travel on a RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) ferry or in a container, but this is usually arranged separately from your household goods. Check destination country re-registration and road tax requirements
Allow for customs delays — even with all paperwork in order, EU border checks can take 1–3 days. Build a buffer into your plans before expecting delivery — particularly for Spain, Italy, and Portugal, which tend to have slower customs clearance
Declutter ruthlessly — European moves are priced by volume. Every cubic metre you remove from your load saves £100–£300. Sell furniture locally before you leave and buy locally at your destination
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay customs duty when moving to Europe?
Not if you qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief. Used personal household goods moved as part of a permanent relocation are generally duty-free, provided you meet the qualifying criteria (12 months outside EU, goods owned and used for 6+ months, establishing normal residence). New or unused items are subject to customs duty at standard EU rates — declare these separately on your inventory.
How long does a European removal take?
Dedicated loads: France or Belgium 3–7 days; Germany or Spain 7–14 days; Portugal, Greece, or Poland 14–21 days. Groupage services typically take 2–6 weeks regardless of destination, due to consolidation time at the depot. Always add 2–3 days as a buffer for potential customs delays.
Can I move my car to Europe with my household goods?
Yes — most European removal firms can arrange vehicle shipping. Your car typically travels on a roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ferry or in a dedicated vehicle container rather than with your household goods. You'll need to check re-registration requirements and road tax in your destination country. Many EU countries require a vehicle to be re-registered locally within 6–12 months of establishing residency.
What about moving pets to Europe?
Post-Brexit, pets travelling from the UK to the EU need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a vet within 10 days of travel — the old UK-issued EU Pet Passport is no longer valid. Dogs must also have a tapeworm treatment 1–5 days before entering certain EU countries (including Finland and the Republic of Ireland). Removal firms don't transport pets — arrange pet travel separately through a specialist animal transport company.
Is it cheaper to use groupage for a European move?
Yes — groupage is typically 30–50% cheaper than a dedicated load. The trade-off is timing: groupage moves have a delivery window of 2–6 weeks rather than a fixed date, and your goods are handled by more than one crew. For 1–2 bedroom moves where you have flexibility on delivery, groupage is excellent value. For larger homes or time-sensitive moves, dedicated is worth the premium.
Do I need insurance for a European removal?
Yes — and standard goods-in-transit (GiT) insurance typically doesn't cover international moves. You need international marine cargo insurance (also called all-risks marine cargo cover) for a European removal. Ask your removal firm what level of cover is included and whether you need to top up for high-value items. FIDI and BAR Overseas members typically include marine cargo cover as standard, but confirm the level per item and the total value cap before signing.
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