Part of our Moving to Europe, Australia & New Zealand guide
Moving to Belgium from the USA (2026 Guide)
Customs relief, documents, ports and delivery for shipping household goods from the United States to Belgium.
Short answer
Household goods moved from the U.S. to Belgium can enter free of duty and VAT if you lived outside the EU for at least 12 continuous months and possessed and used the goods for at least 6 months. Import them within 12 months of settling in Belgium and keep them for 12 months. Most U.S. containers arrive at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Duty-free import rules for Belgium
Standard EU removal-goods relief applies: at least 12 months living outside the EU, goods owned and used for at least 6 months, and import within 12 months of moving. Full EU conditions are on our customs guide.
- Relief can be granted before you settle in Belgium if you commit to establishing residence within 6 months; that commitment requires a security deposit.
- The local head of the import customs office grants relief for household goods; cars, motorcycles over 50 cc, boats and similar go to the regional customs and excise director.
Official source: FPS Finance: moving from a non-EU country to Belgium.
Confirm a mover's FMC license and any association claim in associations and licensing, and read reviews with where to research international mover reviews. More official customs offices are listed on those pages and in the customs guide.
Ports and delivery
Most containers arrive at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Your mover's destination agent clears customs and delivers to your new home. Common delivery cities include Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges.
Good to know
Customs formalities must be done during customs office opening hours, so coordinate delivery dates with your mover. Register with your commune after arrival; customs may ask for proof of residence.
Getting quotes for Belgium
Ask every mover to price the same surveyed volume door to door, and check each line against our quote checklist. Pick a method in shipping methods, and check restricted items before you pack.
Licensed movers for Belgium
Compare the licensed movers we work with on our 2026 rankings: Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations, My International Movers.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm current rules with the official customs office before you ship.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay duty on household goods moving to Belgium?
Not if you lived outside the EU for 12 continuous months, owned and used the goods for 6 months, and import them within 12 months of settling.
Can I ship my goods to Belgium before I move there?
Yes, if you commit to settling within 6 months. Belgian customs asks for a security deposit in that case.
Which port do moves to Belgium use?
Usually the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, one of Europe's largest container ports.
How long does it take to ship household goods to Belgium?
It depends on the U.S. departure port, the sailing schedule, transshipments, and whether you use a full or shared container. Ask each mover for the port-to-port transit time and the door-to-door estimate in writing.
Which movers can ship my belongings to Belgium?
Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers — the four licensed movers we work with — handle international household moves. Request free quotes from the four we work with with one form.
Get free quotes from licensed movers
One short form for International Moving Company. Pick items from the inventory list or upload a quick video walkthrough. Your request is shared with Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers so you can compare their quotes. Free, no obligation.