Check Your Previous Residence
To qualify for the transfer-of-residence relief, you generally need to have maintained your normal residence outside the European Union for at least 12 consecutive months.
International Movers to Germany | USA to Germany Shipping
Moving from the USA to Germany? We can help prepare your household goods for German customs and arrange their journey to your new home.
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Across the Atlantic
International Movers From the US to Germany
Moving your belongings to Germany requires more than booking a container. Your shipment needs to be prepared for German customs, your household inventory needs to be documented properly, and the transportation plan has to account for where in Germany you’re ultimately moving.
We provide international moving services from the USA to Germany for families, professionals, students, returning residents and individuals relocating abroad. From packing in the USA to international freight, customs coordination, and delivery in Germany, we can arrange every part of your relocation seamlessly.
Customs-ready moves
Packing, freight, German customs and delivery to your new home.
- 600+ global agents Worldwide destination support
- Door-to-door care From collection to final delivery
- Sea and air options Solutions for different timelines
Before you ship
Start With German Customs Requirements
Before shipping your household goods from the USA to Germany, it is important to understand whether your belongings qualify for duty and tax relief. German customs has specific conditions for customers transferring their normal residence, so preparing your documents and inventory in advance can make the clearance process easier.
Our international movers to Germany can help you prepare your customs documents and provide international car shipping from the US to Germany.
Meet the Ownership and Use Requirement
The belongings you import must generally have been in your possession and used at your previous residence for at least six months before your move to Germany.
Import Belongings for the Same Purpose
The goods should be intended for the same purpose at your new residence in Germany. Qualifying belongings can also arrive in separate shipments, provided they meet the applicable requirements and timing rules.
Keep the Required Customs Documentation
German customs requires a written customs declaration for personal property being imported under the transfer-of-residence provisions. Form 0350 is used for this purpose, and supporting documentation may also be required.
Prepare a Detailed Inventory
Your inventory should clearly identify furniture, appliances, clothing, electronics, artwork and other belongings. Keeping records that establish ownership and previous use can also be important when claiming customs relief.
Know Which Items Are Excluded or Have Additional Requirements
Alcohol, tobacco products, commercial means of transport and most professional or trade-related equipment are not covered by the household-goods relief. Private vehicles may qualify as personal property in certain circumstances, but separate German tax, customs, and registration requirements can apply.
From home to destination
How Your International Move Works
A clear, coordinated process keeps every stage visible and helps reduce uncertainty throughout your relocation.
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Request a Quote
Share your route, timing and move size.
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Complete a Survey
Review inventory and special items.
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Build Your Plan
Choose services and coverage.
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Pack & Collect
Prepare and load belongings securely.
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Ship & Clear Customs
Coordinate freight and paperwork.
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Deliver to Your Home
Complete final or inside delivery.
Flexible shipping choices
Plan Your Shipment Around Your German Destination
The best shipping arrangement depends on where you're moving in Germany, how much you're taking and how quickly you need your belongings to arrive. Your U.S. origin and available ocean services can also influence the route and final delivery arrangements.
We can tailor the shipping arrangement around your timeline, shipment volume, and budget. Request a customized quote to discuss the right moving plan for your relocation to Germany.
Main ports
Hamburg or Bremerhaven for Ocean Shipments
Most U.S.-to-Germany ocean shipments can enter through major container ports such as Hamburg or Bremerhaven. From there, we can arrange inland transportation to your final destination, whether you’re moving to Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne or another German city.
Sized to your move
Shared or Dedicated Container Shipping
The amount you’re shipping will help determine how much container space you need. Shared-container shipping can be a practical option for smaller shipments of furniture, personal belongings, and household goods, while a dedicated container provides the space needed for a larger family household.
Fastest option
Air Freight or a Combination of Shipping Methods
For smaller or time-sensitive shipments, air freight can provide a faster alternative to ocean transportation. You can also divide your shipment between methods, sending essential belongings by air while your larger household goods travel by ocean.
Plan your budget
USA to Germany Moving Cost
A cost estimate for a USA to Germany move can provide a rough starting point, but it cannot account for the cost of each individual service, your origin, route, and destination. The actual price may vary based on your requirements.
| Bedrooms | Volume (Cubic Feet) | Standard Price Range | Price with Full Packing Services (+20%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Without Furniture | |||
| 1 BedroomWithout Furniture | 200 | $4,100 – $4,300 | $4,920 – $5,160 |
| 2 BedroomsWithout Furniture | 350 | $4,600 – $5,300 | $5,520 – $6,360 |
| 3 BedroomsWithout Furniture | 500 | $6,500 – $7,700 | $7,800 – $9,240 |
| 4 BedroomsWithout Furniture | 650 | $7,300 – $8,700 | $8,760 – $10,440 |
| 5 BedroomsWithout Furniture | 800 | $7,700 – $9,100 | $9,240 – $10,920 |
| With Furniture | |||
| 1 BedroomWith Furniture | 600 | $7,300 – $8,300 | $8,760 – $9,960 |
| 2 BedroomsWith Furniture | 900 | $8,100 – $9,500 | $9,720 – $11,400 |
| 3 BedroomsWith Furniture | 1,500 | $10,900 – $12,800 | $13,080 – $15,360 |
| 4 BedroomsWith Furniture | 2,000 | $11,900 – $13,700 | $14,280 – $16,440 |
| 5 BedroomsWith Furniture | 2,500 | $13,100 – $15,000 | $15,720 – $18,000 |
Please note that the prices above are provided as a guideline only. Your actual moving cost may be higher or lower depending on the specific details of your shipment.
For a more accurate figure, we highly recommend a free pre-move survey so we can assess what you’re taking and build a quote around your actual move.
Specialty items and storage
Fine Art, Antiques, Cars and Other Specialty Belongings
We provide specialized handling for fine art, antiques, pianos, vehicles and oversized belongings entering Germany, with professional wrapping, packing and custom crating available when appropriate.
Private vehicles can qualify as transferred personal property under German customs rules when the conditions are met, but vehicle ownership, registration, and tax requirements need to be considered separately. For specialty shipments, we can plan the packing and transportation requirements before your belongings leave the USA.
Specialty items we handle
Storage When Your German Home Isn't Ready
You may arrive in Germany before your permanent home is available.
- We offer short-term and long-term storage so your belongings can be held between leaving your U.S. residence and receiving them in Germany.
- Our storage options include containerized storage, climate-controlled storage at select warehouses, hybrid storage and shared-container storage.
- Packing, inventory, insurance, and eventual delivery can also be incorporated into the relocation plan.
Experienced support matters
Why Choose Us for Your USA to Germany Move?
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78 Years of International Moving Experience
We’ve been handling international relocations for 78 years, helping customers move household goods across borders.
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600+ Agents Worldwide
Our network of 600+ agents worldwide helps connect your shipment in the USA with services needed at your German destination.
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No One-Size-Fits-All Shipment
A student shipping a few belongings, a family moving an entire home and a professional relocating to Germany for work may need completely different services. We build the moving plan around your actual shipment.
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Full-Service Support
We can arrange professional packing, custom crating, ocean or air freight, vehicle shipping, storage, customs coordination and destination delivery as part of your relocation.
600+
Partner agents worldwide supporting international moves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide international moving services throughout Germany?
Yes. We can arrange international household shipments to destinations throughout Germany, including major cities such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne and smaller towns and communities. We coordinate transportation from the appropriate German port or entry point through to your final delivery address.
Can we ship our entire household from the USA to Germany?
Yes. We can arrange full household moves for customers relocating permanently or moving to Germany for work or family reasons. Your shipment can include furniture, appliances, personal belongings and specialty items, with the appropriate packing and container option selected based on the volume of your household.
What customs documents do we need when moving our belongings to Germany?
The documentation depends on your circumstances and whether you are claiming relief from import duties. Customers transferring their residence to Germany may need to provide proof of their previous residence, an inventory of the goods and documentation showing that qualifying belongings meet the ownership and use requirements. We can help coordinate the information required for the customs process.
Can we ship a car with our household goods to Germany?
Yes. We can arrange international vehicle shipping alongside your household shipment or as a separate service. German import requirements, taxes and registration rules can apply to vehicles, so we recommend discussing your vehicle with us when planning the move.
How should we prepare our belongings for German customs?
We recommend creating a clear inventory and identifying the contents of your boxes and larger items. Items such as furniture, electronics, artwork and personal effects should be described accurately rather than grouped under vague labels. We can help organize the shipment information needed for customs clearance.
Can we use storage if our home in Germany is not ready?
Yes. We offer short-term and long-term storage when there is a gap between leaving your U.S. residence and being ready to receive your belongings in Germany. Your shipment can be packed and stored before continuing to its final destination when the timing is right.
Continue planning your relocation
Popular International Moving Destinations
Explore country-specific information about shipping, customs and preparing for your new destination.
Move From the USA to Germany With a Plan Built Around You
Tell us where you’re moving from in the USA, where you’re headed in Germany and what you’re taking with you. We’ll use those details to plan the right shipping, customs and delivery arrangements for your relocation.
Request your free international moving quote today and receive a response within 24 hours.