A Guide to Relocating to The Netherlands

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Important information you need to know when moving to The Netherlands

Want to move to Amsterdam? Considering moving to Rotterdam? Or thinking about an international removal to The Hague. Here’s the moving advice you’ll need for any international removal to The Netherlands… To make navigation of this page easier for you, we have added the below clickable menu and return buttons throughout.

Moving Household Goods And Personal Effects To The Netherlands

Please note. That many of these things will not apply to you if you are moving from another EU (European Union) State and/or you are a citizen of the EU (European Union) due to the free movement of goods throughout the EU. Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning an international removal to the Netherlands:

Copy of Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods)
Letter of employment
Work permit
Detailed moving inventory (2 copies) – We will complete this if you want us to undertake a full packing service for your removal
Bewijs van aanmelding
Aangifte – Douane 39 form (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
Completed Netherlands application
Lease / purchase contract (new and previous residences)

We recommend providing these as soon as possible to reduce delays with your removal to the Netherlands. Late receipt of documentation can lead to missed shipments, additional charges and penalties at Dutch Customs. For your own protection, we will almost never ship your goods without the above in place.

Additional Removal Advice

The “Bewijs van aanmelding” is the certificate from the population register of the municipality showing owner of the goods’ intent to reside in the Netherlands
The Netherlands application is a required form that must be filled out to be able to move to the Netherlands
All fumigated containers arriving in the port of Rotterdam or Antwerp with an excessive concentration of gas will be removed from the logistic transport chain.
Delays may take several months before the container is released.
High costs may be incurred due to any delays.

The following conditions must apply for the duty-free import of the household effects shipment:

The permanent residence of the owner of the goods must be the Netherlands or another European Union member country.
The previous permanent residence of the owner of the goods situated outside of the European Union for at least 12 months.
All goods have been used as part of the normal household of the owner of the goods and will be used for the same purpose.
All goods have been in the owner of the goods’ possession for at least 6 months and have been used during that time.
The goods will be imported into the Netherlands within 12 months after registration.
The goods will not be sold, rented off or given away within 12 months after registration in the Netherlands.
Owners of the goods must apply to Customs for the exemption in the import declaration.

The following documents are required:

A signed moving inventory listing all of the personal goods in the shipment.
The certificate of registration in the personal records database of the municipality in the Netherlands.
- Must certify that the date on which the owner of the goods has established in the Netherlands or another country within the European Union.
  - Owner of the goods can also send comparable documentary evidence demonstrating that this is the case.
  - Employment contract
  - Employer statement
  - Work permit
  - Rental contract or mortgage certificate for new place of residence

Useful Links

We always recommend speaking directly to the relevant embassy for the most accurate and up to date moving advice:

Popular Destinations in The Netherlands

Gerson Moving Services is vastly experienced in international removals to cities all over the globe. Their long history and detailed knowledge of different countries makes them the perfect choice for your move. Here are some of the most popular destinations we are asked to move people to in the Netherlands:

Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Tilburg, Groningen, Almere, Breda, Nijmegen, Enschede, Apeldoorn, Haarlem, Amersfoort, Azznstad, Arnheim, Maastricht, Leiden, Dordrecht, Delft.

Additional Services for your move to The Netherlands

Moving Your Money

If you’re moving to The Netherlands, it’s very likely you’ll need to exchange a significant amount of currency. Many people lose out by using their bank, assuming it’s the only option. However, there are specialist currency exchange providers that offer more competitive rates and can help you save thousands. To find out how to make your money go further during your move, speak to one of our move managers, click here, or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335.

Get Move Liability Cover for your international removal to The Netherlands

We always advise taking out move protection liability cover with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.

Discover Our GMS Xtra Value Services

Gerson Moving Services goes beyond standard removals, offering a full range of relocation solutions to make your move seamless. Our value-added services include international currency transfer, home and school search, visa and immigration support, health insurance, container tracking, car purchase and leasing, and temporary accommodation. We also provide expert packing, secure storage, customs clearance, and pet relocation, ensuring a smooth transition whether you’re moving locally or internationally. With our end-to-end relocation management, you can trust Gerson for a stress-free, efficient move.

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Moving Your Car Or Motorcycle

Documents required

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning to move your vehicle to The Netherlands:

Certificate of title / registration
Original bill of lading
Purchase invoice or other proof of ownership

Additional Import Advice

Consideration for an application for free entry of motor vehicles is 4 to 6 weeks
A separate application for any tax exemption must be completed if not imported with the household effects shipment.
A technical inspection as well as registration is required at the RDW after Customs clearance.

Relocating Your Pets to The Netherlands

These documents will be required when planning to relocate your pet to The Netherlands

Veterinary health certificate
Vaccination record

Additional Import Advice

The veterinary health certificate must be signed by an authorized veterinarian within 8 days of import.
The vaccination record must be signed at least 31 days prior to departure but not longer than 12 months prior to import.

Restricted & Dutiable / Taxable Items

Think very carefully before moving these items to The Netherlands. Items on this list will be taxed and/or require specific permission to import. In all cases they must be declared prior to you relocating to The Netherlands:

Hunting and shooting firearms require a permit issued by the Dutch authorities

The following restrictions apply to the import of these items: Only persons 17 years or older may import these items. Alcohol / Cigarettes / Tobacco:

The items cannot be contained as part of the household effects shipment and must be imported as travel baggage.
Spirits (1 L), sparkling wine (2 L), liquor wines like sherry, and port (2 L) or a proportional mix of these items
Non-sparkling wines (4 L) and beer (16 L)
Cigarettes (200), tobacco (250 g), cigarillos (100), cigars (50)

Medicines:

To import medicines, a manufacturing license issued by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport is required.
Medications must be for personal use.
Owners of the goods should request a medical passport from a general practitioner to verify the personal use of the medication.

Plants / flowers / fruits / vegetables:

These items require a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin declaring the items healthy and free from diseases.
If a phytosanitary certificate is unavailable, Customs will confiscate the items.

Animal Products / Food Items:

A health certificate is required for the import of these items, including but not limited to, cheese, milk, eggs, meat, meat products, animal skins, and hunting trophies.
The health certificate must be issued by the authorities of the origin country at the time the goods are imported.
All animal products and food items are subject to veterinary examination upon arrival.
Goods of animal origin, including food items, are subject to special requirements.
- Contact the destination for specific information and exceptions.
Powdered milk, baby food, and special food items for medical purposed may be imported provided the following requirements are met:
- The products do not need to be chilled prior to consumption.
- The products are packaged products of a registered trademark.
- The packaging should be unopened and undamaged.
An exemption from the required health certificate applies to products in which an animal ingredient is no longer identifiable (e.g., chocolate, etc.).
Contact the Dutch Embassy in the origin country if you need assistance.

Prohibited / Banned Items

Do not move any of these items to The Netherlands:

Weapons (toy and imitation) and ammunition (strike, thrust or stabbing weapons; gas pistols, alarm pistols, pepper sprays, etc.)

The following additional items are prohibited in GMS Baggage/Courier Consignments:

Aerosols (all kinds, Hairspray, Deodorant etc)
Aftershaves / Perfumes / Fragrances
Airbags
Alcoholic Drinks or Bottles
Ammunition of any kind
Animals of any kind (Dead or Alive)
Any items containing Petrol (Liquid, Gas or Fumes)
Biological Samples
Car Batteries
Cash & Cards (Credit / Debit)
Chainsaws
Cheques (Bank)
Christmas Crackers
Counterfeit Currency
Dangerous Goods
Driving Licence
Drugs (Including Prescription)
Engines
Excrement / Filth

Fire Extinguishers
Fish (Dead or Live)
Foodstuffs (all kinds)
Hazardous Goods
Human Remains (including ashes)
Infectious Substances
Knives
Laptop Computers, Mobile/Smart Phones or Tablets
Lighters
Lottery Tickets
Nail Varnish / Nail Varnish Remover
Oils
Paints
Passports
Perishable Goods (All)
Plants / Seeds etc
Printer Toner
Seatbelt Tensioners and Steering Wheels
Stamps
Tobacco
Water
Weapons (all kinds, including replicas)
Windscreens

Disclaimer: Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This information is provided as a guide only. While Gerson Moving Services has exercised reasonable care in publishing this information, Gerson Moving Services makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.

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A Guide to Relocating to The Netherlands

Important information you need to know when moving to The Netherlands

Moving Household Goods And Personal Effects To The Netherlands

Additional Removal Advice

Useful Links

Popular Destinations in The Netherlands

Additional Services for your move to The Netherlands

Moving Your Money

Get Move Liability Cover for your international removal to The Netherlands

Discover Our GMS Xtra Value Services

Moving Your Car Or Motorcycle

Documents required

Additional Import Advice

Relocating Your Pets to The Netherlands

Additional Import Advice

Restricted & Dutiable / Taxable Items

Prohibited / Banned Items

Do not move any of these items to The Netherlands:

Trusted Global Moving Services – Why Choose Us?

Move from France to Australia

Great Service!

Excellent service

Trusted Global Moving Services –
Why Choose Us?