Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 23 2025
How Much Does It Cost To Move From California To Germany?
Moving from California to Local Area is not like hauling from the east coast to the west coast of the US, it's some 5,641 miles apart. Thankfully, there are different ways you can take your personal belongings with you when making a permanent or long term haul from California to Germany.
Your options including air freight and sea freight. When shipping personal effects only, you may consider an air freight but when all your belongings are involved, overseas freight by container is likely to be your best option. When you move via sea transport, you can choose either a half-container (20 ft) or full-container load (40 ft).
While you will need to work with an international cargo company to get a comprehensive quote, container delivery rates are available online and serve as a helpful baseline. To relocate a full container from California to Germany, you can expect to pay an average cost under $3,000. A half-container can be shipped for as little as $1,700. Note that these prices are for the container shipment only and do not reflect taxes and other associated fees.
There are several international ports in California, giving you access to options that could save you time and money. Whether you ship out of San Diego or San Francisco, or anywhere in between, working with an overseas shifting company will ensure that you take advantage of these savings. Professional shifters know all the secrets so they can get you the best deal.
Importing Household Goods
Not surprisingly, one of the first things people ask about when relocating aboard is customs duty and taxes. It’s true that those taxes can lead to a lot of stress, particularly if you need to be able to plan and stick to a budget. Unwelcome surprises at the border can cost you thousands of dollars.
However, if you are moving to Germany permanently, you can import most household goods free of duty and taxes.
To qualify for tax and duty-free imports, you must provide documentation to demonstrate:
- Official termination for your residence in California (such as a lease termination or sale agreements for your previous home in California)
- Proof of new residence in Germany
- Proof of residency in California for at least 12 months
Unfortunately, the laws governing immigration and customs change often. For this reason, if you choose not to work with an overseas hauling company, you need to contact your local German embassy to receive the most current guidance.
Importing A Vehicle
If you are moving permanently, your transport can be imported tax and duty-free.
However, for ride manufactured for use in North America, modifications will be required for your steering, headlights, emissions, and potentially more. These modifications must be performed by a qualified mechanic.
Sounds easy enough, right? Well, if you aren’t sure you want your car to be modified, take a look online. If you are on the fence about whether or not you want to subject to your car to this modification, take a look at modified vehicles online. There’s a reason why they call them modifications and not upgrades. Stay open to the idea of selling your transport in the U.S. and buying another in Germany.
Once your transportation has successfully arrived in the country and passed through import duties and modification, you must register your automobile. Conveyance registration in Germany requires:
- Valid Passport or Other ID
- Proof of transfers Ownership (free of liens or encumbrances)
- Proof of Address in Germany
- Customs Clearance
- Export Permit
- Vehicle Registration from your country of origin
- Insurance Card
- Proof of Roadworthiness and Emissions Testing
- Certification from the German Federal Motor transports Registry attesting that has never been registered.
Three Movers
Three Movers is an international moving company with expertise in overseas hauls and door to door services. Whether it’s down the street or around the world, we have the connections and experience needed to ensure a smooth transfer. To learn more about how we can help you achieve the perfect shift, contact us today for your free, no-obligation shipping quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving from California to Germany typically costs $4,000–$12,000 for most households. A studio or 1-bedroom using shared containers often lands near the lower end, while a 3–5 bedroom home with exclusive containers costs more. Pricing is driven by shipment volume (in cubic feet), port access from Los Angeles or Oakland, packing level, customs handling, and destination city access in Germany. Most moves fall under international regulations. See a full breakdown on international moving costs.
Costs are primarily driven by move size, container type (shared vs full), and packing services. Additional variables include stairs or elevators, long-carry distances, vehicle shipping, insurance value, and German customs inspections. West Coast port proximity helps control costs, but peak summer demand, fuel surcharges, and delivery access in dense European cities can increase pricing by 10–25 percent.
Ocean freight is significantly cheaper and used for nearly all California-to-Germany household moves. Air freight is reserved for urgent, small shipments and can cost 3–5 times more per cubic foot. Ocean shipments typically take 5–8 weeks port to door, depending on customs clearance and inland delivery in Germany. Full households almost always ship by sea for cost control.
Most moves take 6–10 weeks door to door. This includes packing, container loading, ocean transit, German customs processing, and final delivery. Shared containers may add 1–2 weeks due to consolidation schedules. Delays can occur during summer peak season or if customs requires additional documentation. Transit timing differs from domestic or long distance moving service.
Many international quotes include professional export packing, basic disassembly, and customs documentation, but not all do. Full-service options reduce damage risk and customs delays, especially for fragile items. Self-packing can lower upfront cost but increases inspection risk. Always confirm whether packing materials, inventory creation, and destination unpacking are included. Learn more about packing and unpacking service.
Yes. Online estimates use home size and shipment volume to project ranges, often within 15–20 percent accuracy. Final pricing is confirmed after a virtual or in-home survey. Estimators help compare container options and service levels before committing. For early planning, tools similar to an international move cost calculator are useful alongside professional quotes from licensed carriers.
