The cost of removals to Germany will depend on several factors, such as the volume of goods you are sending, what packing is required, and the distance you are from the port.

There will also be additional costs to consider, such as optional insurance/shipment protection and German customs inspection fees that need to be paid on arrival.

The best way to get a more accurate price or estimate is to call our team or request a removal quote online. They can also advise on the best way to reduce your removal costs.

We offer a fully comprehensive removal service to Germany, which will take care of everything for you. The removal service includes door-to-door pick-up and delivery (not door-to-port), export packing by professional international removal packers, specialist cartons, crates, and antique packing as required, help with customs paperwork and inventory listing, shipping via accredited shipping lines, transport to and from the port, customs clearance service,

Additional fees that are not included in your removal costs quote include customs inspection fees, duties, port fees payable on arrival in Germany, storage services, and maritime insurance or shipment protection cover, which is recommended but not required.

Your household belongings and furniture will be shipped to Germany via a lorry, as part of a part load / shared service. You can use a dedicated lorry, but it will be more expensive. 

Our Germany removal service includes the following steps:

1) A home or video survey to provide you with an accurate quote or removal estimate.

2) A personal Move Coordinator to plan and manage all aspects of your home removal.

3) They will guide you through completing all the necessary paperwork for sea freight shipping, customs clearance, and shipment protection.

4) On move day, our movers and packers will take care of all the packing and export wrapping of furniture and other belongings.

5) For shared or part-load, your household goods and personal belongings will be taken in our removal vans.

6) On arrival at the port (we ship to all major ports in Germany), our local partner agents will handle the customs process for you. Once your shipment has been cleared and all customs fees and duties paid, it will be released for final delivery.

7) Your belongings will then be delivered to their final destination to your new home address or storage if required. Our partner will then unload your goods and unpack furniture to ensure all your belongings arrive safely.

If you are only sending a few personal belongings such as luggage and boxes, we recommend our baggage or box shipping service.

We can deliver boxes and other packing materials for you to self-pack. Once you are ready, we can collect them and deliver them to your address in Germany.

Our baggage shipping service for small moves includes up to about 20 boxes or suitcases and can include items such as TVs, bicycles, surfboards, and toolboxes.

It does not, however include large items of furniture.

 When it comes to importing goods into Germany, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the country’s regulations and restrictions. Being aware of prohibited and restricted items can streamline your customs process and prevent any potential issues, such as confiscated goods and fines. Understanding which items are not allowed will contribute to a hassle-free experience and ensure compliance with German laws.

• Products that come from endangered animals and plants protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) are permitted.
• Living plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables are subject to restrictions and may require declaration.
• Firearms, explosives, and weapons are strictly regulated in Germany and require special permits for importation.
• Pets such as cats, dogs, and ferrets require a mandatory health inspection upon entry into Germany. A Common Veterinary Entry Document Pets is required as proof.
• Illegal drugs and narcotics are strictly prohibited in Germany, and importing them can result in severe legal consequences.
• Bringing counterfeit or pirated goods into Germany is illegal and can lead to confiscation and legal action.
• Endangered species, as well as products made from them, are prohibited.
• Meat, milk, and dairy products for personal consumption are generally allowed from EU countries and some others, but those from non-EU countries may face restrictions.
• Items such as chemicals, pesticides, and toxic substances are restricted.

For comprehensive guidance on import regulations, consult the official German customs website or contact local customs offices in Germany, which details items that can and cannot be imported.

If you only have a small number of personal effects to send to Germany, then our air freight removal service is for you. We can provide you with boxes and cartons, or you can use your bags and suitcases. This is the quickest removal service but also the most expensive. 

You can check out our more detailed Germany Removals Guide below, or why not give one of our advisers a call on 01942 559960?

They will be happy to answer all of your questions, give you some guideline prices, and arrange a home survey consultation to give you a more accurate price.

We recommend getting a few quotes for your move so you can compare the different styles of companies and ensure you are happy with their service. Make sure, however, that you are comparing like with like. For example, are the volumes the same? Is everything included?

Also, overseas removals are very different to domestic moves. It is therefore essential to ensure that your removalist is experienced, if not specialising in international moves.

We are confident that you’ll find your quote from United Removals to be very competitive and can be assured that standards of service are second to none.

In recent years, shipping costs have increased, so you may want to keep this in mind when you consider what you want to take with you to Germany and what you can leave behind. However, it isn’t all bad news; remember, it becomes relatively cheaper as you ship more.

You need to think about the cost involved in replacing some of your items in Germany if you are not sure about shipping them. Even when they are only small items, this cost can soon add up, particularly if there are many things.

Research the cost of replacement items as some things are more expensive, and some may not even be available – it may turn out that shipping them may be more economical in the long run.

Will you need storage in the UK or Germany?

Moving from one location in the UK to another is rarely the smooth process that people hope for, so it goes without saying that when you move to another country, the entire process can become a little trickier.

Often people find that they have a period once they have sold their property and before they move when they need to place their belongings in storage, and this is something we can help you with.

We have several storage solutions depending on your needs. We can arrange storage for your personal effects in the UK before they are shipped or in Germany after they arrive – whichever suits your situation.

Suppose the issue is that you do not have a fixed address in Germany to ship your belongings to. In that case, we can arrange for your household goods and personal effects to be placed in storage in Germany whilst you sort out accommodation.

Once you have a property ready, our local movers can arrange delivery of your belongings from storage.

Your belongings must be appropriately packed for shipping to Germany. The journey is a lengthy one, and they will be moved around from one form of transport to another more than once.

This means that there is a chance items could move within your shipping container, and if they are not adequately protected, then they could become damaged.

A high standard of export packing is, therefore, essential so it is recommended that you use a professional packing service. This will also save you a lot of time and stress.

Our team of professional packers is expertly trained to deal with all the issues that can be encountered with export wrapping. The boxes that we use to transport all of your smaller items are double-walled, and we also ensure that all of your furniture is export-wrapped to ensure that it arrives in good condition at your destination.

For those delicate and fragile items, such as artwork and antiques, we can arrange specialist packing to offer better protection to your personal effects. This includes custom-built crates.

Our expert packing team is here to help you with as little or as much of your packing process as you want. We offer all of our customers the following packing services:

• Full international export standard packing & wrap service
• Fully trained export packers
• Provision of export quality boxes, cartons, packing paper & packing materials
• Custom wood casing/crates, if required
• Professional antique wrapping for delicate items
• Advice on preparing your items for transport to Germany
• Premium grade disinfectant available for outdoor items
• Full inventory list for customs

You may wish to start packing some boxes before your move day. Speak to our team about using export-quality cartons, and remember you’ll need to keep an inventory of items for customs.

The Germany government is quite stringent when it comes to biosecurity issues in order to protect their unique environment, and as such, all of your items will need to be cleaned thoroughly in preparation for shipping. This is especially the case when it comes to any outdoor items.

If you are planning to ship tools, bikes, garden equipment and BBQ then these will need to be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly. Our team can offer a professional disinfecting service that should clean all of your belongings thoroughly enough to keep the Customs inspectors happy.

Our international removal service is perfect for shipping your furniture to Germany from the UK.

For furniture removals, every item is carefully packed or ‘export wrapped’ using packing materials such as blanket wrap. All furniture pieces including sofas, armchairs, beds, tables, and cupboards can be packed and shipped in a container.

As large items are bulky you consider which are cost effective to send. For example, most houses and apartments in Germany have built-in wardrobes so it might not be worthwhile shipping these.

You may wish to put your belongings in self-storage units whilst you are selling your property or waiting for your visa to come through.

Shipping your belongings to Germany from storage is a simple process. If your household belongings and furniture are in self-storage units in the UK, our team can arrange to collect them and professionally pack them for shipping either at the self-storage unit or back at our depot.

If you wish to pre-pack yourself, please ensure you have appropriate international shipping cartons/boxes and that everything is carefully wrapped and packed for its journey.

Many of our customers worry about customs clearance for all of their belongings when they arrive in Germany, especially since Brexit. This is something that we can help you with. You may find the following information useful when planning your move.

If you are an EU citizen you should have no problem with customs. For non-EU citizens moving to Germany, you are able to import used personal effects and household goods duty-free but you should check that you meet the requirements and have all the correct documentation.

Customs regulations and duties are subject to change, so it can be a good idea to check for the most up-to-date guidelines and information.

If you do not meet the criteria for household effects, or it is deemed that your goods are commercial imports, then Customs duty and GST may be applied.

On arrival in Germany, your household goods and personal effects will require inspection and clearance from German Customs before they are allowed into the country.

In order for your shipping container to be released, you will need to pay any German Customs inspections and customs fees, and also any quarantine fees. These will be payable locally. Our agents in Germany will be able to assist you with the customs clearance process.

The personal Move Coordinator who is assigned to you when you choose us to assist with your removal will be able to advise you with information regarding what you can and can’t take to Germany and how you can prepare and clean your items for shipping. If you prefer, our expert packers can help you with this.

United International Removals take great care to ensure your belongings are well-packed and taken care of during their journey. We only use accredited shipping lines and partners to ensure the highest service levels.

However, due to the nature of international shipping and removals, it is recommended that you take out your own maritime insurance policy or shipment protection cover for complete peace of mind. Just like when you mail a parcel overseas, the shipping company cannot cover the full value of your goods in the unlikely event of something going missing or being broken.

We can offer and recommend a highly flexible Shipment Protection Cover that will provide you with many advantages.

This cover is simple and easy to put in place. All that is required is completing a shipment protection valuation form detailing the items that need to be covered and their value.

The shipment protection costs are calculated on the value of the belongings you want to cover and whether you have packed them yourself or if they have been packed professionally.

It’s hard to beat the charm of Germany, with its history, culture, and beautiful landscapes. For those embarking on a new adventure abroad, Germany offers a range of appealing options. There really is something to suit every taste. With our relocation services, moving to Germany is made easy, allowing you to embark on your exciting journey without a second thought.

1. Hamburg

Hamburg offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Life in Hamburg revolves around its bustling port, historic neighborhoods like Speicherstadt, and vibrant nightlife along the Reeperbahn. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, with lots of green spaces, cultural events, and a thriving arts scene.

2. Munich

As the capital of Bavaria, Munich exudes charm with its picturesque architecture, beer gardens, and cultural heritage. Munich boasts a its laidback atmosphere, traditional Bavarian festivals like Oktoberfest, and proximity to the Bavarian Alps for outdoor activities. The city has a strong economy, excellent public transportation, and a vibrant culinary scene.

3. Cologne

Situated along the Rhine River, Cologne offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. Life in Cologne revolves around its iconic cathedral, charming old town, and vibrant arts scene. There’s a lively atmosphere, with bustling street markets, riverside promenades, and a diverse range of cultural events throughout the year.

4. Frankfurt

As a major financial hub in Europe, Frankfurt attracts professionals from around the world seeking career opportunities and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. It boasts a thriving business district, world-class museums like the Städel Museum, and a diverse culinary scene. The city’s skyline, dominated by modern skyscrapers, contrasts with its historic old town and scenic riverfront.

5. Dusseldorf

Known for its fashion, art, and lively nightlife, Dusseldorf offers a dynamic and vibrant urban experience. Residents enjoy a high standard of living, with excellent public transportation, green spaces like Hofgarten, and a strong sense of community. Dusseldorf has elegant shopping boulevards, a bustling waterfront, and an eclectic dining scene.

6. Berlin

As the capital and cultural heart of Germany, Berlin is a melting pot of creativity, history, and diversity. Life in Berlin is characterised by its eclectic neighborhoods, vibrant street art, and thriving music and nightlife scene. Visitors to Berlin can enjoy a laidback lifestyle, with an abundance of parks, lakes, and cultural attractions like the Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island.,

7. Stuttgart

In the heart of the Swabian Alps, you will find Stuttgart, which offers a unique blend of natural beauty, automotive heritage and modern innovation. Stuttgart boasts picturesque vineyards, world-renowned automotive museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum, and scenic parks like Rosensteinpark.

From the bustling city streets of Berlin to the serene lakeshores of Bavaria, Germany provides a range of opportunities for those seeking a fresh start abroad. With our expertise in international removals, we’ll ensure a seamless transition to your chosen destination in Germany.

Germany requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be microchipped before relocating. This microchip serves as a unique identification for the animal and must be implanted before any vaccinations are administered. They must also be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination should be administered at least 21 days before the pet’s arrival in Germany.

 Pets will also need a pet passport, containing information about their identity, microchip number, rabies vaccination details and owner’s contact information. It serves as a travel document for pets within the European Union. Rabies vaccination is a key requirement of a pet moving to Germany, and it’s advisable to ensure that pets are up to date on other vaccinations as well, such as distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis.

Within 10 days of travel, pets must be examined by a licensed vet, who will issue a health certificate stating that the animal is healthy and fit for travel. This certificate should accompany the pet during travel and be presented to customs officials upon arrival in Germany. Upon arrival in Germany, pets and their accompanying documentation will be inspected by customs officials. It’s crucial to have all required paperwork in order to avoid any delays or issues at the border.

One of the first steps is to research the German job market thoroughly to understand the industries and sectors that are thriving and in demand. Websites like Bundesagentur für Arbeit and online job portals such as Indeed, StepStone and XING are valuable resources for job seekers, offering a wide range of job listings across various industries. Networking is also essential when looking for a job in Germany. Building professional connections through platforms like LinkedIn or attending industry events and job fairs can help expand your network and increase your chances of finding job opportunities.

 When applying for jobs in Germany, it’s crucial to tailor your application documents, including your CV and cover letter, to the specific job and company you’re applying to. German employers value precision, attention to detail and professionalism, so be sure to highlight your relevant skills, qualifications and work experience clearly.

 The job interview process in Germany typically involves multiple stages, including phone interviews, in-person interviews, and possibly assessment tests or case studies, depending on the role and company. It’s important to prepare thoroughly for each interview stage, researching the company, practising common interview questions, and familiarising yourself with German business etiquette and cultural norms.

For many people, including those from the UK, a visa is not required to enter Germany for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period. This is due to the Schengen Agreement. This allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes Germany, for tourism, business or visiting family and friends. However, for those planning to stay longer than 90 days or work in Germany, a visa or residence permit is necessary. Depending on the purpose of the stay, there are different visa options available.

When relocating to Germany, transferring money efficiently and securely is crucial. While international bank transfers are possible, setting up a German bank account offers many advantages. Not only does it simplify financial transactions and enable direct deposit of wages, but it also reduces fees associated with currency conversion and international transactions.

Having a local bank account allows for seamless integration into the German financial system, making it easier to pay bills, rent and other expenses. Plus, many landlords and employers in Germany prefer to deal with individuals who have local bank accounts, enhancing credibility and reliability.

 We hope this information helps you with your move to Germany. If you need further assistance, or more information on the removals process, our knowledgeable team is here to help.