Relocating to Europe? The team at Transworld can help make your move simple and stress-free. We take care of all your shipping needs, from door to door, so you can focus on starting your new chapter.
We are experienced in relocating individuals and families to Germany, France, Switzerland, Spain and other destinations throughout Europe.
To make your transition to living in Europe as smooth as possible, we’ve simplified what you need to know into some useful tips below.
As you plan your move to Europe, there are some options to consider when it comes to shipping. Ask yourself these questions to find out which option is best for you and your family:
How much do you want to take? / What's your budget? / How fast do you want your goods to arrive?
If you’re moving your entire household to Europe, you’ll likely need exclusive use of a 20’ or 40’ container (FCL).
Depending on the access to your home and council approval, the container may be able to be loaded at your residence, sealed and taken directly to port for shipping on first available vessel.
Transworld delivers to all major centres in Europe, so no matter where you’re living, we’ll deliver your possessions right to your new residence.
Key benefits:
For those with a small household or just looking to ship a few items, groupage shipping is the answer.
This way you share a container with other clients moving to the same destination. Groupage is an economical way of shipping, as you only pay for the space you use. Keep in mind, this service may take a little longer while we wait to fill the container for your destination but it is a very cost effective option. Transworld operates regular groupage service to European countries.
Key benefits:
Air Freight is the fastest option, though the most expensive. Ideal if you’re not taking a lot, or for those extra items you’ll need soon after your arrival.
We are proud to provide our customers with a door-to-door service, taking care of all the details involved in relocating to Europe. We’re the experts, and we’re here to take the stress out of moving overseas, so you can relax and leave it to us!
From packing, to shipping and Customs formalities, through to your new home, we’re with you all the way.
From the outset, you’ll have a dedicated team member on-hand throughout the process to answer your queries, keep you informed and make sure your requirements are fully met.
The Transworld team are here to make your move to Europe as simple and straightforward as possible. Give us a call today for a free quote!
Below are some approximate shipping times to popular European destinations
France, Germany, Spain and Netherlands
France
The importing of guns, weapons and ammunition into France is highly regulated. You may require registration and certificates and have authorisation from the French Defence Ministry (you’ll need to provide make, caliber, serial number and purpose).
Some weapons are strictly prohibited. We recommend contacting the French Defence Ministry to establish whether you can bring your firearm into France.
Germany
All firearms (and ammunition) must be declared when shipping to Germany. Due to strict firearm restrictions in Germany, you will require a special permit, and importation may be refused. We suggest you check with your nearest German Embassy.
Spain
If you own hunting gear or other firearms or weapons that you wish to ship to Spain, there are strict laws on the documentation you must possess:
France
The good news is, you can bring your pet with you when you move to France!
You will need an import permit, vaccination certificates and have your pet microchipped. Your pet may also be subject to quarantine.
Netherlands
To ensure your pet is eligible for moving to the Netherlands, follow these guidelines:
Germany
To bring your cat or dog into Germany, you’ll need:
Switzerland
All domestic animals imported into Switzerland are subject to an 8% VAT based on the value of the animal. Because New Zealand is rabies-free, pets must simply be microchipped and be up-to-date with all vaccinations. Contact the Geneva missions office for animal breed regulations in your canton.
France
People moving to and intending to live in France for some time may bring in one vehicle duty free, if it has been owned and used 6 months prior to shipping.
The car must pass the inspection for compliance with French standards and must be roadworthy. As the owner, you will need to supply the following documents:
Germany
You can bring your car with you on your move to Germany, but there may be hefty taxes applicable depending on your residence status and how long you have owned the vehicle. Our helpful team can advise on the best options available.
Spain
If you wish to ship your personal vehicle to Spain, ensure that you tick the following boxes:
Netherlands
In order to ship your vehicles to the Netherlands, you will need copies of your passport and license and proof of documentation that you are the owner and user of the vehicle (e.g. invoices).
Here are a few things to be aware of:
Switzerland
Cars owned for more than six months are considered personal property, and must be registered in Switzerland within twelve months of moving (providing it complies with technical inspections).
France
Our Transworld team understand what’s involved in shipping your household to France and will prepare you accordingly.
We take care of:
What you need to do:
Spain
Our team are experienced with taking care of the paperwork and formalities for moving to Spain, so we will take care of the following for you:
All we need from you is the following documentation:
Switzerland
We handle all customs and quarantine formalities to get you and your household to Switzerland. Our team will compile and provide the following paperwork:
All you need to do is provide us with the following identification and details:
France
When shipping your belongings into France, there are certain regulations you need to be aware of:
Alcohol must be inventoried separately with brand name, type, number of bottles, and value (import licence or liquor licence may be required).
The following items are prohibited altogether:
Explosives and matches
Germany
When shipping to Germany, there are a few regulations and restrictions to be aware of.
Restricted items include:
Switzerland
When moving to Switzerland to live, you can import your household items duty-free so long as you are establishing residency, your belongings have been used (and will continue to be used) by yourself for at least six months and that you are shipping your items within two years of transferring residency.
Prohibited and restricted items
Spain
As is true of shipping to any overseas location, there are restrictions on what you can pack.
So make sure you check this list beforehand.
Prohibited items when shipping to Spain:
Restricted items that require a permit or licence:
Netherlands
When moving overseas, no matter the destination, there are strict rules on what you can and cannot pack.
The following is a guideline for shipping to the Netherlands.
Prohibited items:
Restricted items that require a permit:
