Shipping to Germany Costs | Moving Merchant

📋 Key Points

Dedicated removal van UK to Germany: £1,400–£4,500 for a 2–4 bed house
Shared load (groupage): £80–£160 per cbm — ideal for smaller moves
20ft FCL container: £2,000–£4,000; 40ft FCL £3,200–£5,500
Transit time by road: 2–4 days (London to Berlin/Munich/Hamburg)
Post-Brexit ToR: Apply to German customs (Zoll) using form 0350 — no duty/VAT if you qualify
Germany requires Anmeldung (registration at local residents' office) within 14 days of arrival

UK to Germany Removal Costs by Property Size

Property Size	Shared Load (Groupage)	Dedicated Removal Van	Container (20ft FCL)
Studio / 1-bed flat	£700–£1,400	£1,100–£2,000	—
2-bed house	£1,000–£2,000	£1,600–£3,200	£2,000–£3,200
3-bed house	£1,500–£2,800	£2,400–£4,200	£2,600–£4,500
4–5 bed house	£2,200–£4,000	£3,500–£6,000	£3,500–£6,000

Prices include standard packing and tunnel/ferry crossing. Customs agent fees (£150–£400) and customs bond deposits (if applicable) are typically separate.

German Customs: Transfer of Residence (ToR) Relief

Under EU customs rules, people moving their main residence to Germany from a third country (including the UK post-Brexit) can import household goods duty-free and VAT-free using Transfer of Residence (Übersiedlungsgut / ToR) relief.

⚠️ ToR Relief Eligibility Criteria

You must have had your normal residence outside the EU for at least 12 months
Goods must have been owned and used for at least 6 months before the move
Submit Zoll form 0350 to German customs before or at time of import
Goods cannot be sold, lent, or transferred for at least 12 months after import
A full inventory list (Umzugsgutliste) must accompany your shipment

Popular UK–Germany Routes and Transit Times

UK Origin → German City	Distance (approx.)	Dedicated Van Transit	Groupage Transit
London → Berlin	~1,100 km	2–3 days	5–10 days
London → Hamburg	~900 km	2–3 days	4–8 days
London → Munich	~1,350 km	2–4 days	6–12 days
London → Frankfurt	~1,000 km	2–3 days	5–9 days
London → Düsseldorf	~700 km	1–2 days	4–7 days

What to Expect on Moving Day

A professional UK–Germany removal typically involves:

Pre-move survey: Video or in-person survey to assess volume (usually 1–2 weeks before move day)
Inventory preparation: You'll need a full inventory (Umzugsgutliste) in German and English for customs
Loading in UK: Crew arrives; van loaded and sealed with customs documentation
Tunnel/ferry crossing: Usually via Eurotunnel (35 min) or Dover–Calais ferry
German customs: Most ToR shipments clear customs within 1–2 days if paperwork is correct
Delivery: Crew delivers and places furniture in rooms as directed

Additional Costs to Budget For

Cost Item	Typical Cost	Notes
Customs agent / clearance	£150–£400	Preparing Zoll form 0350 and inventory
Packing materials	£100–£400	If packer-provided; DIY saves money
Storage (if needed)	£80–£200/week	Both UK-side and Germany-side available
Goods-in-transit insurance	0.5–1% of declared value	Often included; verify limits
Piano/specialist items	£200–£600 extra	Upright £200; grand piano £400–£600
Vehicle re-registration (Germany)	£300–£800	Must re-register within 12 months of residency

Practical Tips for Moving to Germany

Register (Anmeldung): You must register your address at your local Bürgeramt within 14 days of arriving. Failure can result in a fine of up to €1,000.
Health insurance: Mandatory in Germany. You must arrange statutory (GKV) or private (PKV) insurance before arrival.
Tax identification: You'll receive an automatic tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer) by post within 2–4 weeks of Anmeldung.
Bank account: Open a German bank account (Girokonto) — needed for rent payments and salary deposits.
Driving licence: UK licences are valid for 6 months; you must exchange for a German licence within 6 months of establishing residency.

Compare UK to Germany Removal Quotes

Get free quotes from BAR-accredited removers with German customs expertise.

Get Free Removal Quotes →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay VAT on furniture shipped to Germany from the UK?

Not if you qualify for ToR relief. Without ToR relief, German import VAT (19%) and potentially customs duty would apply on the declared value of your goods.

How do I register with German customs for a UK household move?

Your removal company or customs agent will prepare and submit Zoll form 0350 (Übersiedlungsgut declaration) to German customs (Bundeszollverwaltung), along with your inventory and proof of residency change.

How long does UK to Germany transit take?

By dedicated removal van: 2–4 days depending on destination city. By groupage/shared load: 5–12 days. Factor in 1–2 additional days for customs clearance.

Is it cheaper to buy furniture in Germany or ship from the UK?

For high-quality, sentimental, or custom furniture it's usually worth shipping. For Ikea-style items, buying in Germany is often cheaper once you factor in removal costs. Get a quote before deciding.

Related Guides

Shipping to Germany Costs 🇩🇪