Part of our Moving to Europe, Australia & New Zealand guide
Moving to Germany from the USA (2026 Guide)
Customs relief, documents, ports and delivery for shipping household goods from the United States to Germany.
Short answer
Household goods moved from the U.S. to Germany can enter free of duty and import VAT as removal goods (Übersiedlungsgut) if you lived outside the EU for 12 months and used the goods for 6 months. You declare them to German customs (Zoll) on Form 0350 within 12 months of moving. Most U.S. shipments arrive by container through Hamburg or Bremerhaven.
Duty-free import rules for Germany
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.
- Germany uses Form 0350 (customs declaration for removal goods). Proof of residence such as a registration certificate (Anmeldung) is usually requested.
Official source: German customs (Zoll): staying in Germany / transferring residence.
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
Main container ports are Hamburg and Bremerhaven. Your mover's destination agent clears customs and delivers to your new home. Common delivery cities include Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg.
Good to know
Relieved removal goods remain under customs supervision for 12 months; tell the supervising customs office if you move again within that time.
Getting quotes for Germany
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.
Leaving from a U.S. city
- Moving abroad from New York
- Moving abroad from Chicago
- Moving abroad from Houston
- Moving abroad from Seattle
Licensed movers for Germany
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
What form do I need for removal goods in Germany?
Form 0350, the customs declaration for removal goods, plus proof that you moved your normal residence to Germany.
Do I pay import VAT on household goods moving to Germany?
Not if the goods qualify as removal goods. Excise duties on items such as alcohol can still apply.
How long do I have to ship my goods to Germany?
Duty-free clearance as removal goods is possible within 12 months of moving your residence.
How long does it take to ship household goods to Germany?
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 Germany?
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.