Every year, many people move from one European country to another — for work, study, family or retirement. A European moving company organises the move door to door, across one or several borders. Here is how it works.
Inside the EU: no customs
Since the single market, household goods travel freely between EU member states. There is no customs declaration, no duty and no border check on your furniture. What matters is your residence paperwork at destination — registration, tax number, health insurance — not your belongings.
Outside the EU customs union: the UK, Switzerland, Norway
These three countries are at the heart of Europe but outside the EU customs union. A cross-border move to or from them means:
- an export declaration in the country you leave;
- an import declaration in the country you arrive in;
- usually duty-free entry for used household goods if you move your main home (transfer of residence relief);
- in Switzerland, clearance on working days at commercial customs offices.
Our guide to transfer of residence relief explains the conditions.
Transport options
| Shared load (groupage) | Dedicated truck | |
|---|---|---|
| You pay for | Your volume only | The whole truck |
| Dates | Collection and delivery windows | Fixed days |
| Typical transit in Europe | 2 to 4 weeks | 1 to 7 days |
| Best for | Small volumes, flexible dates | Full homes, deadlines |
Ferries and tunnels — the Channel, the Irish Sea, the Baltic, the Adriatic — add a crossing but rarely more than a day.
Typical transit times by dedicated truck
| Route type | Example | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Neighbouring countries | Netherlands → Germany | 1 to 2 days |
| Western Europe | Belgium → Spain | 3 to 5 days |
| North to south | Sweden → Portugal | 5 to 8 days |
| Into or out of the UK | Germany → United Kingdom | Up to 5 days, plus customs |
Choosing a European moving company
Look for a mover that:
- gives you a written quote based on your real volume;
- explains which transport mode suits your volume and dates;
- handles customs if your route involves the UK, Switzerland or Norway;
- offers declared-value insurance;
- assigns one coordinator for the whole move.
Our guide on how to choose an international moving company lists the questions to ask.
Frequently asked questions
More guides
- How to choose the best international moving companyWhat separates the best international movers from the rest: quotes, customs, insurance, red flags and the questions to ask before you book.
- Transfer of Residence relief explained: moving your belongings duty-free to Europe and the UKHow to bring your household goods into the EU, the UK, Switzerland or Norway without paying import duty or VAT: conditions, forms and country-by-country rules.
- Moving from the UK to Europe after Brexit: customs, documents and timingSince Brexit, a move from the UK to Spain, Portugal, France or any EU country is an export and an import. What changed, how to bring your belongings duty-free, and how to plan your move.