Movers New York To Germany
Published by Chris Townsend
International Movers New York To Germany
International moving companies
If you are trading in the Big Apple for the Deutschland, you probably have a ton of questions. Maybe you’ve moved before but moving overseas is a different ballgame. There is paperwork to fill out and a lot of decisions to make. You will need to decide whether to ship your belongings using overseas freight or if you will choose to fly your belongings to Europe.
The learning curve is steep when moving internationally for the first time. There is a lot to learn about shipping logistics and customs regulations, and you still have to pack. This guide will provide you with an overview of the process of moving to Germany from New York. Read on to learn more.
What Does it Cost?
When you move to Germany via sea transport, you can choose either a half-container or full-container. The half-container offers 20 feet of space, and the full-container gives you the whole 40 feet. While you will need to work with an international moving company to get a comprehensive quote, container shipping rates are available online and serve as a helpful baseline. To move a full container from New York City to Germany, you can expect to pay under $3,000. A half-container can be shipped for as little as $1,700.
Importing Household Goods to Germany
Moving overseas can be costly and time-consuming. You will have to pay fees for transport, logistics, handling, storage, and much more. You will need to carefully choose which items to bring and which items to leave behind. All items that are packed for shipping must be carefully inventoried, with lists describing the contents of each individual box.
One of the first things people ask about when moving overseas is customs duty and taxes. Unwelcome surprises at the border can cost you thousands of dollars or force you to surrender items that are prohibited.
The good news is, if you are moving to Germany permanently, you can import your household goods free of custom and border taxes.
To qualify for tax and duty-free imports, you must provide documentation to demonstrate:
- Official termination for your residence in Greece (such as a lease termination or sale agreements for your previous home in Greece)
- Proof of new residence in Germany (a lease agreement, Einwohnermeldeamt [German police registration], or a letter from your German employer.)
- Proof of residency outside Germany for at least 12 months
As always, the laws governing immigration and customs are subject to change. Reach out to your local German embassy or moving specialists for current guidance. There are some exceptions to the tax-free rules and items that are strictly prohibited from import altogether.
Importing a Vehicle to Germany
If you are moving to Germany permanently, your vehicle can be imported tax and duty-free. (Note: Your vehicle will be tax and duty-free as it pertains to customs only. Germany has other taxes associated with vehicle ownership that you will be required to pay.)
However, for vehicles manufactured for use in North America, modifications to your vehicle will be required to meet German vehicle safety standards. These modifications could be to your steering, headlights, emissions, brakes, or tires. These modifications can be expensive and must be performed by a qualified mechanic. If you are on the fence about whether or not you want to subject to your car to this modification, look it up online. You may decide to purchase a vehicle in Germany when you arrive.
At the end of the day, the German authorities aren’t going to let you on their famous, no-speed-limit, Autobahn until they know your vehicle is safe. To avoid surprises, you should contact the local Kfz-Zulassungsstelle (German motor vehicle registration office) to learn more about the requirements.
Once your vehicle has successfully passed through customs, you must register your vehicle in Germany. Vehicle registration in Germany requires:
- Valid Passport or Other ID
- Proof of Vehicle Ownership (free of liens or encumbrances)
- Proof of Address in Germany
- Customs Clearance
- Export Permit
- Vehicle Registration from Japan
- Insurance Card
- Proof of Roadworthiness and Emissions Testing
- Certification from the German Federal Motor Vehicle Registry attesting that the vehicle has never been registered in Germany
Three Movers
Don’t stress out over your international move. Three Movers is one of the best international movers you can find out there. We are here to help you navigate the paperwork, logistics, and follow-up so that you can focus on what’s most important to you.
Our goal is to help you ease the moving process and get your goods to your final destination while we also help you to save money. Our door-to-door services ensure that all the stress is taken care of concerning your overseas relocation.
We are trustworthy movers, contact us today to learn more and to receive your free, no-obligation international shipping quote.