Customs documents for moving to Europe
Six documents are needed for every European destination, and each country adds its own on top. Answer five questions and get the exact list for your move — including which ones we produce for you.
Where are you moving to?
Each country asks for something different.
Needed for every destination
These 6 apply whether you are moving to Brussels or Palermo. Two of them we produce for you.
| Document | Why | Who provides it |
|---|---|---|
| Passport photo page | Customs need to see who is claiming relief. A clear photo of the page with your picture and details is enough. | You |
| Itemised valued inventory | Every customs authority requires a full list of what you are shipping with a replacement value against each line. It is the legal basis of your declaration. | We do |
| Proof you lived in the UK for 12 months | Relief is only granted if you lived outside the EU for twelve continuous months immediately before the move. Customs want documents that cover that whole period. | You |
| Proof of your new address | Evidence that the move is genuine and that you will actually be living there. | You |
| Authorisation for our destination agent | Lets our customs agent in your destination country file the declaration on your behalf, so you do not have to attend in person. | We do |
| Ownership and use declaration | Confirms you have owned and used these goods for at least six months, which is one of the conditions for duty-free entry. | We do |
By country
France
2 extra documents beyond the core 6
Germany
2 extra documents beyond the core 6
Netherlands
1 extra document beyond the core 6
Belgium
1 extra document beyond the core 6
Luxembourg
1 extra document beyond the core 6
Switzerland
Non-EU3 extra documents beyond the core 6 · one must be posted as an original
Italy
2 extra documents beyond the core 6
Common questions
What documents do I need to move household goods from the UK to the EU?
Six documents are needed for every EU destination: your passport photo page, an itemised valued inventory, proof you lived in the UK for the previous 12 months, proof of your new address, a signed authorisation for the destination customs agent, and a declaration that you have owned and used the goods for at least six months. Each country then adds its own requirements on top.
Do I pay customs duty moving my home to the EU?
Not if you qualify for transfer of residence relief, which covers household goods you have owned and used for at least six months when you are moving your main home and have lived outside the EU for the previous 12 continuous months. Relief is not automatic — it must be applied for with a signed valued inventory before the goods arrive.
What is a valued inventory?
A room-by-room list of everything you are shipping, with an approximate replacement value against each line. Every EU customs authority requires one, and it is also the basis of your transit insurance cover.
What is different about Switzerland?
Switzerland is outside the EU customs union. Clearance uses Swiss Form 18.44, which must be the physical original with an ink signature — scans and PDFs are rejected. You also need a residence permit or written confirmation that you have applied for one.
What if I am moving to a second home rather than my main home?
Transfer of residence relief only covers a move of your main residence. For a second or holiday home, customs assess duty and import VAT on the declared value of your goods. It is the most common unpleasant surprise in European moves, so budget for it.
This is general guidance compiled from published customs information, not legal advice. Requirements change and vary by circumstance — your coordinator confirms the exact list for your move.