Moving To Germany from South Africa

International Movers South Africa To Germany

Moving to Germany from South Africa

Germany is a land-locked country that holds a central position in Europe, geographically as well as politically. In fact, in the years after World War II, Germany has rebuilt and rebranded to such a remarkable extent that Germany is now considered a strong democracy. With that rehabilitation has come vastly improved social, political, and economic stability, making Germany a popular country for ex-pats.

There’s a lot to know when you move internationally. The purpose of this guide is to share some of what you need to know to make this big move. Read on to learn more about the process of moving to Germany.

When it comes to international moving, many people think that the process is going to be difficult and expensive. However, with the help of a professional relocating company, it can be a lot easier than you think. In this article, we are going to discuss the steps that are involved in an foreign move process and how Three Movers can help you with your move.

The first step in an international move is to determine the amount of time that you are going to need the moving company for hauling your belongings. The hauling company will help you as foreign nationals to get german health insurance and a permanent residence permit. Many people think that they will be able to do it all by themselves, but when it comes to packing and transporting fragile items, it is important to have professionals involved in the foreign move process. The German authorities accepts foreign nationals who wants to become German citizen who can prove financial stability.

After you have booked your foreign move with a mover, you will need to gather all your belongings that you are going to take with you overseas. When it comes to packing fragile items, it is important that they are packed in a way so that the moving company can ensure their security while being transported overseas.

With our customized international hauling plan, our team will help you with customs clearance process and customs clearance management team with all the logistics.

Importing Household Goods

One of the first things you should consider when moving overseas is customs duty and taxes. Fortunately, Germany will allow you to import your household goods free of custom and border taxes. To qualify for this benefit, you must provide documentation to support:

• Official termination of your residence abroad (Documentation could include a lease termination or sale agreements for your previous home in South Africa)
• Proof of new residence in Germany (Again, this could be a lease agreement, Einwohnermeldeamt [A fancy German word for German police registration], or a letter from your German employer.)
• Proof of residency outside Germany for at least 12 months (By way of a signed lease agreement or proof of homeownership.)

Did you notice what all these things have in common? A terminated lease agreement from South Africa combined with a new lease agreement in Germany could be all you need. Sounds great, right? Not so fast. Not all household goods will qualify for this exemption. The goods you import must have been owned and used by you in South Africa for at least 12 months before your move. Reach out to your local German embassy for the most current guidance.

Importing a Vehicle to Germany

If you move to Germany permanently, you can import your vehicle free of duty and VAT. The requirements for this vehicle tax-exemption are the same as for your household imports. You must prove that you have given up your residence in your home country, are moving permanently to Germany, and have lived in South Africa for at least a year.

Modifications to your vehicle may be required. Even if your South African vehicle meets all of the mechanical requirements, your vehicle will be subject to inspection for roadworthiness and adherence to safety standards regarding headlights, emissions, brakes, and tires. Contact your local Kfz-Zulassungsstelle (German motor vehicle registration office) to learn more.

Once your vehicle has safely arrived in Germany, you will need to register your vehicle. Here are the documents you will need to provide:

• 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 Australia
• Insurance Card
• Proof of Roadworthiness and Emissions Testing
• Certification from the German Federal Motor Vehicle Registry proving that the vehicle has not previously been registered in Germany

Three Movers

Most people don’t get the chance to become experts in overseas moves or international shipping because they only do it once or twice. At Three Movers, we have developed aboard shipping expertise and established partnerships with foreign shipping partners. We can help with everything from paperwork to packing to ensure that your move is seamless and stress-free. Contact us today for your free, for your customized international moving quote no-obligation international shipping quote.