Moving to Germany

East Coast Shipping offers reliable, full-service international relocation solutions to Germany — whether you're moving for work, military service, retirement, or a new adventure abroad. We provide personalized support for everything from packing and loading to customs clearance and final delivery.

Services We Offer

• Door-to-Door, Door-to-Port, and Port-to-Port Moving Options

• Full and Partial Packing & Wrapping Services

• Short-Term and Long-Term Storage

• Volume Surveys for Accurate Quotes

• Local Pickup Across the U.S.

• Customs Clearance & Documentation Support

• Groupage and Full Container Load (FCL) Services

• Destination Services in Germany

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Estimated Transit Times

From East Coast USA to Germany

• LCL Direct: 4–6 weeks

• Groupage: 6–10 weeks (varies seasonally)

• FCL (Full Container Load): 3–5 weeks

From West Coast USA to Germany

• LCL Direct: 5–7 weeks

• Groupage: 2–4 months

• FCL: 4–7 weeks

Delays may occur due to port congestion, customs, or weather. Consult your shipping coordinator for updates.

Documents Required for Importing Household Goods

To import goods duty- and tax-free, you must have owned and used them for at least 6 months prior to shipping. Goods must be imported within 12 months of your registration in Germany.

Required Documents (English or German only):

• Copy of your passport (photo page)

• Detailed and numbered packing list (no vague labels like "PBO" or "Misc")

• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill

• German residence registration (Anmeldebestätigung)

• Flight ticket copy showing entry into Germany

Additional Requirements Based on Your Situation

For German or EU Citizens:

• Employer or embassy letter confirming 12+ months abroad
  OR

• Proof such as credit card statements (12 months), tax returns (2 years), lease/sale documents, etc.

• If not de-registered before departure, an Auszug aus dem Melderegister and self-explanation are needed

For Foreign / Non-EU Citizens:

• Copy of visa or visa application

• Employer letter confirming work and start date

• If not relocating from country of birth, proof of 12+ months abroad required

For Students or Pupils:

• University or school letter confirming studies abroad

• Credit card activity for the past 12 months

• De-registration from Germany

For Retirees:

• Pension approval letter

• Credit card activity

• Tax returns for the past 2 years
   

Importing Vehicles into Germany 

To qualify for tax-free import, your vehicle must have been owned and used for 6+ months prior to shipment.

Required Documents:

• Title of ownership

• Vehicle registration showing 6+ months of use

• De-registration certificate or license plate return confirmation

If unavailable, vehicle tax may be charged during clearance.

If your vehicle doesn’t meet EU standards:

• 10% duty (passenger cars), 22% (pickup trucks)

• Plus 19% VAT on total value, freight, and duty

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Prohibited:

• Living plants

• Ammunition

• Illegal drugs

Taxable or Restricted:

• Alcohol (requires detailed inventory)

• Tobacco and coffee (taxable)

• Perfume (in excess of personal use amounts)

• Food: Only dry, non-perishable items in small quantities

• Medicine: Only small personal quantities (best to carry in hand luggage)

• Weapons: Require special permit, prior approval, and must be declared

• Hunting trophies, ivory, coral, etc.: Require CITES certificate and will be examined by customs

For U.S. Military and Government Contractors (SOFA Status)

If you are relocating under SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement), special customs forms are required:

• AE Form 550-175A (Household Goods)

• AE Form 190-1AA (Vehicles)

These must be obtained from your base or military police in Germany using your B/L and packing list. Customs clearance occurs inland, and you must be present with the driver. Do not give these forms to anyone else.

Helpful Links:

• U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz – https://home.army.mil/rheinland-pfalz/index.php/my-fort/newcomers/moving

• EUCOM SOFA Info – https://www.eucom.mil/sofa-status-of-forces-agreement

• U.S. Forces Customs Guide – https://www.europeafrica.army.mil/Portals/19/documents/Germany/Customs/Importing-Items-Germany.pdf

Settling in Germany – What You Should Know

Resident Registration (Anmeldung):
Required within 14 days of arrival.
https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/120686/

Health Insurance:
Mandatory for all residents.
https://www.howtogermany.com/pages/healthinsurance.html

Bank Account:
Required for salaries, rent, and utilities.
https://www.germany-visa.org/immigration/moving-from-us/

Driving License Conversion:
U.S. licenses may be exchangeable depending on your state. Contact your local German authority for details.

Additional Helpful Resources

German Customs Portal:
https://www.zoll.de/EN/Private-individuals/Moving/Moving-node.html

Germany Visa & Immigration Info:
https://www.germany-visa.org/immigration/moving-from-us/

Federal Foreign Office – Entry & Residency:
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service

Expat Forum (English):
https://www.toytowngermany.com/

Let’s Get Started

Whether you're moving a few boxes or an entire household, East Coast Shipping is here to manage every step — from packing and pickup to customs clearance and delivery in Germany. Contact us today for a personalized quote and support with your relocation. Request a Quote