Home or Video Survey
A survey estimates the packed volume, identifies furniture and reviews access at the property in Germany.
Germany to United Kingdom European Removals
International Removals Germany to UK
Moving from Germany to the United Kingdom requires coordination across professional packing, EU export customs, European road transport, HMRC import clearance and final UK delivery.
Moving Easy provides international removals Germany to UK for individuals, couples, families, returning British residents and employees relocating to the United Kingdom. We can assess anything from a few cartons and selected furniture to the contents of a large family home.
Our service can include a home or video survey, professional packing, collection in Germany, dedicated road removals, part-load or groupage transport, EU export customs support, HMRC Transfer of Residence documentation, UK customs clearance, storage and final delivery.
Customers searching for removals from Germany to UK should plan the EU export and UK import procedures together. Since Brexit, household goods moving from an EU member state into Great Britain cross an international customs border.
Customers searching for a moving company for a Germany-to-UK move should compare complete door-to-door quotations rather than transport mileage alone. Packing, customs, ferries, tolls, storage and access can materially affect the price.
The normal HMRC ToR conditions include at least 12 consecutive months living outside the UK, at least six months' possession of the goods, import within 12 months of moving to the UK and continued use for the same purpose.
- Professional household packing
- Collection in Germany
- Dedicated European removals
- Part-load and groupage services
- EU export customs support
- HMRC ToR support
- UK storage
- Door-to-door UK delivery
Moving from Germany to the UK
A European return or relocation should be planned around the customer's travel date, HMRC ToR application, export declaration, road route and UK delivery address.
The goods do not need to travel with the owner. A removal company can collect the household before or after the customer travels, provided the customs and relief timing conditions are met.
Dedicated road transport is often selected for larger homes or fixed dates. Groupage is normally more economical for boxes, selected furniture and smaller households.
The UK import process is separate from the EU export process. Moving Easy can coordinate with both customs representatives so that the inventory, transport records and ToR reference remain consistent.
This page focuses mainly on Great Britain — England, Scotland and Wales. Moves from the EU to Northern Ireland generally do not require ToR relief because different rules apply.
Common customers
- British citizens returning after living in Germany
- German residents moving to the UK
- Families relocating for employment or education
- Employees completing an EU assignment
- Students moving to the UK
- Customers sending a small part-load
- Customers moving a complete household
- Customers requiring storage
Germany to UK International Moving Services
Professional Packing
The origin team can pack household contents for road transport using suitable cartons, furniture protection and specialist packing.
Collection in Germany
Collection can be arranged from an approved home, apartment or storage facility. Provide floors, lifts, parking and access restrictions.
Dedicated European Removals
A dedicated service reserves the agreed vehicle or capacity for one household and normally offers the greatest control over dates.
Part-Load and Groupage
Smaller moves can share vehicle space with other separately packed consignments travelling towards the UK.
EU Export Customs Support
The origin customs representative prepares the export declaration and route documents before the goods leave the EU customs territory.
UK Customs Support
The UK destination agent can use the customer's HMRC ToR reference when submitting the import declaration.
Storage
Goods can be stored at origin before export or in the UK after customs clearance, subject to availability.
UK Delivery
After customs release, the destination team delivers to the agreed UK address.
How International Removals from Germany to the UK Work
Initial Enquiry
Provide the collection area in Germany, UK destination, shipment size and dates.
Survey
The survey establishes volume, packing, furniture work and access.
ToR Review
The customer begins the HMRC ToR1 application before the goods are imported into Great Britain.
Transport Recommendation
Moving Easy compares dedicated, part-load and small-shipment services.
Written Quotation
The quotation identifies packing, collection, customs support, transport, UK delivery and exclusions.
Document Preparation
Prepare passports, ToR approval, inventory, former-residence evidence, UK address records and customs authorisations.
Packing and Collection
The origin team packs, numbers and collects the approved goods.
EU Export Clearance
The customs broker submits the export declaration and confirms the exit route.
European Transport
The vehicle follows the approved road and ferry or tunnel route towards Great Britain.
UK Import Clearance
The UK representative submits the import declaration using the ToR reference where relief applies.
Customs Review
HMRC or Border Force can request evidence or inspect the shipment.
Delivery
After release, the goods are delivered or moved into UK storage.
Transport Options from Germany to the UK
Dedicated removals vehicle
A dedicated vehicle suits larger homes, fixed dates and customers who want the shortest practical schedule.
Part-load or groupage
Groupage combines separately inventoried consignments travelling along the same route. It is normally cheaper for smaller moves but uses a broader schedule.
Small-shipment service
Boxes, books, clothing, bicycles and selected furniture can travel without booking a complete vehicle.
Route planning
Road removals normally travel west through Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands or France before crossing the Channel.
| Service | Best for | Benefit | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dedicated | Larger homes | Direct schedule | Higher cost |
| Groupage | Boxes and smaller moves | Pay for space used | Broader schedule |
| Small shipment | Selected belongings | No full vehicle needed | Minimum charges may apply |
Exporting Household Goods from Germany
Household goods leaving Germany for Great Britain leave the EU customs territory and require export customs formalities. The German customs broker or moving agent confirms the export office, declaration and exit route for the actual move.
Where the final EU exit takes place through France, the vehicle can also be subject to the French Smart Border and ELO process.
Origin documents can include
- Passport or identity records
- Proof of the former address
- Detailed household inventory
- EU export customs declaration information
- Road consignment and crossing records
- Power of attorney for the customs representative
- Vehicle documents where applicable
- Permits for controlled goods
The exact export file should be confirmed for the collection location, customs office and exit route before collection.
Professional Export Packing in Germany
International packing should protect the goods through origin collection, warehouse handling, vehicle loading, European road transport, UK customs inspection and final delivery.
Goods needing additional preparation
- Artwork and mirrors
- Glass and stone furniture
- Televisions and electronics
- Musical instruments
- Antiques
- Large appliances
- Bicycles and sports equipment
- High-value collections
Custom cases can be recommended for delicate items. International wood packaging may need to comply with ISPM 15 requirements.
Each carton and separately wrapped item should be numbered where a customs inventory is required.
HMRC Transfer of Residence Relief
Transfer of Residence relief can allow qualifying personal belongings, pets and private vehicles to enter the UK without the import duty and VAT that would otherwise apply.
12 months outside the UK
The customer should normally have been resident outside the UK for at least 12 consecutive months before moving.
Six months' possession
The goods should normally have been in the customer's possession for at least six months.
Same use
The customer should intend to use the goods in the UK for the same household or personal purpose.
12-month import window
Qualifying goods should normally be imported within 12 months of coming to live in the UK. Multiple consignments can be used.
12-month non-transfer condition
Goods receiving relief cannot normally be lent, used as security, hired out or transferred during the first 12 months after moving.
Excluded from normal ToR relief
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Commercial means of transport
- Non-portable professional instruments
- Commercial stock and company assets
Prior approval
The customer should complete ToR1 and receive HMRC approval before the customs representative claims relief.
Documents Commonly Required
- Passport copies
- HMRC ToR approval and reference
- Detailed signed inventory
- Proof of residence in Germany or elsewhere outside the UK
- UK address evidence
- Employment, tenancy, utility or tax records where requested
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Origin export records
- Power of attorney
- Vehicle or restricted-goods records where applicable
Names should remain consistent across passports, shipping records, the inventory and ToR approval.
Preparing the Household Inventory
The inventory should be detailed enough for the origin mover, UK customs representative and destination team.
- Used adult clothing
- Used children's clothing
- Books
- Kitchen utensils
- Household linen
- Children's toys
- Used furniture by type
- Household electronics
- Used sports equipment
Identify new or high-value goods accurately. Do not use a personal-effects shipment for business stock or merchandise.
Restricted and Excluded Goods
ToR does not override UK prohibitions, licences, food rules, plant-health rules or carrier restrictions.
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Food, meat, dairy and animal products
- Plants, seeds, soil and natural wood
- Medicines and controlled substances
- Weapons and ammunition
- Endangered-species products
- Hazardous chemicals, fuels and gas cylinders
- Commercial goods
Food, animal products, plants and plant products can be subject to current Great Britain import restrictions or certification requirements. Check the rules for the specific goods before packing.
Keep passports, cash, jewellery, essential medication and irreplaceable documents with you.
How Long Does a Move from Germany to the UK Take?
A broad planning estimate is approximately 3–6 days for many dedicated moves and 6–14 days for many groupage moves. These are not guaranteed delivery periods.
Factors affecting time
- Collection location
- Dedicated or groupage service
- EU export customs
- Ferry or tunnel schedules
- French Smart Border requirements where applicable
- UK import customs
- Border Force inspection
- Traffic and weather
- Final UK postcode
- Storage instructions
Keep medication, work equipment, chargers and immediate household essentials outside the removal vehicle if they are required soon after arrival.
How Much Do Removals from Germany to the UK Cost?
There is no single price. The total depends on volume, collection location, transport method, packing, customs, ferries, UK destination, storage and access.
Volume
The shipment volume affects vehicle capacity, labour and groupage charges.
Dedicated or groupage
A dedicated vehicle assigns the route to one customer. Groupage shares transport costs with other households.
Distance
Collection distance, the Channel route and the final UK postcode affect driving time, tolls and ferry costs.
Packing
Full packing, fragile packing, custom cases and furniture preparation affect labour and materials.
Customs
ToR can remove import duty and VAT, but export declarations, customs agents, waiting and inspection charges can still apply.
Storage
Storage can involve collection, intake, recurring, release and redelivery charges.
Questions to ask
- Is the price door to door?
- Is packing included?
- Is the service dedicated or groupage?
- Are EU export customs charges included?
- Are ferries and tolls included?
- Is UK customs clearance included?
- Does the quote include final UK delivery?
- What inspection charges could apply?
- What storage charges could apply?
- What protection is available?
UK Delivery
After customs release, the destination team can deliver to an approved UK address subject to confirmed coverage.
- London and the South East
- Birmingham and the West Midlands
- Manchester and the North West
- Newcastle and the North East
- Bristol and the South West
- Leeds and Yorkshire
- Cardiff and Wales
- Edinburgh and Glasgow
Provide floors, lifts, parking, narrow-road and building-management information before delivery.
Importing a Vehicle from Germany to the UK
A qualifying private vehicle can be included in ToR relief, but customs relief is only one stage of the vehicle import process.
A customs agent normally submits the import declaration and ToR reference. HMRC must generally be notified of a permanently imported vehicle within 14 days through the applicable NOVA process.
The vehicle then needs appropriate approval, DVLA registration, tax and insurance before normal UK road use.
Vehicle transport should be quoted separately from the household move.
Moving Pets from Germany to Great Britain
Cats, dogs and ferrets travelling from EU countries can enter Great Britain under the applicable pet-travel rules when they are correctly identified and vaccinated.
An EU pet passport issued in an EU country can be accepted where it remains valid and contains the required rabies information. Route and tapeworm requirements should be checked for the actual animal and journey.
Pet transport is separate from the household-goods shipment and should be planned with a veterinarian and specialist provider where appropriate.
Germany to UK Moving Checklist
Six to Ten Weeks Before Collection
- Request quotations.
- Arrange a survey.
- Begin ToR1.
- Confirm the UK destination.
- Decide what will move, sell, donate or store.
- Discuss vehicles and pets separately.
Four to Eight Weeks Before Collection
- Choose dedicated or groupage transport.
- Approve packing.
- Prepare the inventory.
- Gather former-residence and UK-address evidence.
- Confirm EU export customs documents.
- Arrange storage where required.
Before Collection
- Remove restricted goods.
- Separate passports, medication and valuables.
- Confirm ToR approval status.
- Check parking and property access.
- Photograph high-value goods.
Before UK Arrival
- Provide the ToR reference to the UK customs agent.
- Confirm the UK address.
- Provide additional evidence requested.
- Confirm delivery or storage instructions.
Why Use Moving Easy for Removals from Germany to the UK?
A return to the UK requires coordination across origin packing, export clearance, road or small-shipment transport, HMRC ToR procedures and final delivery.
Moving Easy can coordinate the move as one door-to-door project and explain the practical difference between shared loads, dedicated removals vehicles, small-shipment transport and storage.
Our team can help plan collection, packing, customs paperwork, UK storage and final delivery around the requirements of your move.
Evidence for a UK Transfer of Residence Application
HMRC asks the applicant to demonstrate that the UK is becoming their normal home and that the goods are connected with a genuine transfer of residence rather than a commercial import.
The exact evidence depends on the customer's circumstances. A returning British citizen ending an employment contract in Germany can have a different document file from a Germanyi national moving to the UK for a new job.
Evidence of living outside the UK
- Residence visa or permit records
- Germany tenancy agreements
- Employment contracts and employer letters
- Utility bills and bank statements
- Tax, social-insurance or government records where applicable
- Travel records and passport stamps
- School or university records
Evidence of moving to the UK
- UK tenancy agreement
- Property-purchase records
- UK employment contract
- Employer relocation letter
- School or university admission records
- Evidence of family residence in the UK
- Other records showing that the UK will become the main home
Goods evidence
HMRC can request proof that goods have been possessed for at least six months. Invoices, warranties, insurance schedules, photographs and previous household inventories can help where the age or ownership of an item is questioned.
The ToR application should be completed accurately. Do not change purchase dates or describe new goods as long-used household effects solely to obtain relief.
Returning UK-Owned Goods
Some customers moving from Germany back to the UK are bringing belongings that originally left the UK with them. Depending on the circumstances, Returned Goods Relief may be relevant instead of or alongside Transfer of Residence planning.
Returned Goods Relief has its own conditions concerning the identity of the goods, the person importing them and whether the goods were altered or increased in value while abroad.
The customs representative should decide which relief and customs procedure is appropriate for the actual goods. Do not assume that an item is automatically duty free simply because it was once purchased in Britain.
Useful records for returning goods
- Old UK removal inventories
- Previous UK invoices
- Historic photographs
- Old UK vehicle log books
- Export records
- Serial-number records
- Current foreign registration documents for vehicles
New Purchases and Recently Acquired Goods
The six-month possession condition is particularly important for customers buying furniture, electronics or household goods shortly before leaving Germany.
Goods that do not qualify for ToR relief can be declared under the normal UK import process and can attract customs duty and import VAT.
Before purchasing goods for the move
- Compare the UK replacement cost with the import cost.
- Keep the original invoice.
- Tell the mover that the item is new.
- Record the country of manufacture where known.
- Check electrical compatibility and UK plug requirements.
- Ask the customs agent how the item will be declared.
Removing packaging does not change the acquisition date or automatically make a new product eligible for ToR.
Students, Marriage and Other UK Customs Relief Routes
Students
Students moving to the UK for full-time study have a specific customs relief route for eligible clothing, study equipment and household effects. HMRC guidance states that these students do not normally complete the standard ToR1 form for the student relief.
The customs agent needs evidence of the full-time course and should use the appropriate customs procedure.
Marriage or civil partnership
Separate relief can apply to qualifying household effects and wedding-related goods where a person is moving to the UK because of marriage or civil partnership.
The rules have their own residence, timing and gift-value conditions. The ordinary ToR process should not automatically be substituted where the specific marriage relief is being claimed.
Exceptional circumstances
HMRC can consider limited exceptions to some ToR conditions where circumstances outside the customer's control prevented compliance. Supporting evidence should be submitted with the application.
Planning the UK Home and Final Delivery
The final UK delivery should be planned before the shipment arrives. The international removal or delivery vehicle may be much larger than the vehicle used to collect the goods in Germany.
Information for the UK delivery team
- Full postcode and property address
- House or apartment type
- Floor and lift information
- Parking and loading restrictions
- Distance from the vehicle to the entrance
- Narrow roads or low bridges
- Gated access or concierge procedures
- Items requiring furniture reassembly
- Items going directly into storage
Delivery before the property is ready
Where the UK property is not available, the goods can be routed into approved storage after customs release. The customer can then arrange redelivery when the address is confirmed.
Unpacking
An unpacking service can be included where stated in the quotation. Confirm whether it covers opening cartons, removal of used materials and reassembly of suitable furniture.
After Arriving in the UK
The household-removal process is only one part of returning or relocating to the United Kingdom. Customers should separately complete the address, immigration, vehicle, healthcare, banking and administrative steps that apply to them.
Practical address updates can include
- Council tax
- Electoral registration where eligible
- Driving licence
- Vehicle registration and insurance
- Banks and insurers
- Employer and pension providers
- Schools and universities
- Healthcare providers
- Mail redirection
Moving Easy does not determine immigration status, tax residence or entitlement to public services. These should be addressed directly with the relevant authority or adviser.
What to Pack and What to Carry Personally
A household shipment can be unavailable for several days, so the customer should keep enough essentials outside the main consignment.
Keep with you
- Passports and ToR records
- UK immigration documents
- Medication and prescriptions
- Cash and jewellery
- Important family documents
- Laptops and work equipment needed immediately
- Chargers and phones
- Several weeks of clothing
- Children's immediate-use items
- Pet travel records
Road-shipment planning
Do not pack goods required for the first days in the UK into the removal vehicle. Transport and customs schedules can change after the customer has travelled.
Essentials shipment
A small essentials shipment can travel separately while the main furniture and cartons follow by road.
Moving in the other direction?
Moving from the UK to Germany?
We also provide door-to-door removals from the UK, with export packing, transport, customs support and destination delivery.
Do you handle moves from the UK to Germany?
Yes. Visit our dedicated outbound route page for moving options, customs guidance and a tailored quotation.
International Removals Germany to UK: Frequently Asked Questions
How do removals from Germany to the UK work?
A typical move includes survey, export packing, collection in Germany, export clearance, road or small-shipment transport, UK customs clearance and delivery.
Can I get duty-free relief when moving from Germany to the UK?
You may qualify for HMRC Transfer of Residence relief if the UK becomes your normal home and you meet the residence, ownership, use and timing conditions.
What is ToR1?
ToR1 is the HMRC application used to request Transfer of Residence relief before personal belongings are imported into the UK.
How long must I have lived outside the UK?
The normal condition is at least 12 consecutive months outside the UK before moving.
How long must I have owned my belongings?
The normal condition is at least six months' possession before the move.
How soon must the goods arrive?
Qualifying goods should normally arrive within 12 months of coming to live in the UK.
Can I sell the goods after import?
Goods receiving ToR relief cannot normally be lent, hired out, transferred or used as security during the first 12 months after moving.
Does ToR cover alcohol or tobacco?
No. Alcohol and tobacco are excluded from normal ToR relief.
Can I send only boxes?
Yes. Small consignments can move by groupage, small-shipment transport or another suitable service.
What is groupage?
Groupage combines separately packed household consignments in shared vehicle space.
What is a dedicated removals vehicle?
A dedicated service reserves the agreed vehicle or capacity for one household.
Can I use small-shipment transport?
Yes. A broad planning estimate is about 5–10 days, subject to routing and clearance.
How long does European road transport take?
Dedicated road removals commonly take several days, while groupage uses a broader schedule. Exact timing depends on the route, customs and delivery address.
What documents are usually needed?
Common records include passports, ToR approval, a detailed inventory, proof of residence abroad, UK address evidence, shipping documents and customs authorisation.
Will UK customs inspect the shipment?
HMRC or Border Force can inspect a shipment or request further information.
Can I move food or plants?
Food, plants and animal products can be restricted when entering Great Britain. Check the current rules for the specific goods before packing.
Can I bring a car?
A qualifying private vehicle can be included in ToR relief, but NOVA, vehicle approval, DVLA registration, tax and insurance are separate steps.
When must HMRC be told about an imported vehicle?
HMRC must generally be notified within 14 days when a vehicle is brought permanently into Great Britain.
Can I move pets?
Cats, dogs and ferrets must follow the Great Britain pet-travel rules. The document and rabies-testing requirements depend on the country of origin.
Can I store my goods in the UK?
Yes. UK storage can be arranged after customs clearance, with later delivery.
Can goods be stored in Germany before export?
Origin storage can be arranged where available. Ask about intake, recurring, release and later export handling.
Do students use ToR1?
Full-time students have a separate customs relief route and generally do not use the normal ToR1 process for eligible student belongings.
Can a company claim ToR?
No. ToR is for living persons and personal property, not companies or ordinary commercial assets.
When should I start planning?
Begin around eight to twelve weeks before collection so there is time for ToR approval, packing and carrier booking.
Start Planning Your Move from Germany to the UK
Tell Moving Easy where in Germany the goods are being collected, where in the UK they need to reach and what needs to be moved. We can assess the volume, packing, transport, ToR requirements and delivery.