How to Complete Customs Form 0350 for Moving to Germany in 2025
Use this guide to understand the customs side of your move and connect it to the right next step in the full UK → Germany process.
When moving from the UK to Germany in 2025, one of the most important documents you’ll need is Customs Form 0350. This form allows you to apply for duty-free import of your personal belongings when transferring your residence to Germany. In this guide, we’ll explain who qualifies, what documents are required, how to fill out Form 0350, and what happens if you don’t qualify.
1) What is Customs Form 0350?
Form 0350 is the official document required by German customs (Zoll) for duty-free import of household goods and personal property when you transfer your main residence to Germany.
✅ If approved → your belongings enter without customs duty or VAT.
❌ If not approved → your goods are treated as a normal import with 19% VAT + customs duty.
👉 Other related tips: Moving from the UK to Germany in 2025: The Ultimate Guide
2) Who Qualifies for Duty-Free Import?
To qualify for duty-free relief under Form 0350, you must:
- Have lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months.
- Be transferring your main residence to Germany.
- Import goods that you have owned and used for at least 6 months.
- Import the goods within 12 months of your move.
- Keep the goods for at least 12 months after import (no resale, lending, or gifting).
3) Documents Required with Form 0350
You’ll need to attach supporting documents, including:
- Passport.
- Proof of UK residence (e.g., P60, council tax bills covering the last 12 months).
- German registration (Anmeldung).
- German rental agreement or property ownership papers.
- German employment contract (or proof of work transfer).
- Packing list with details of goods.
👉 Other related tips: Step-by-Step Packing List for Customs Clearance
4) How to Fill Out Form 0350
Below is a field-wise breakdown (following the 0350 translation help) of how to correctly complete Form 0350 when moving from the UK to Germany.
⚠️ Important: Complete only Questions 1–19. The section labelled “To be completed by the customs office” is for German customs (Zoll) and must be left blank.
Acknowledge this section; it simply declares you’re applying under the residence-transfer relief procedure.
Enter your full name, current contact address, and telephone number. If you’re still in the UK, use your UK details.
Write the date you moved or will move to Germany. If goods arrive before you, use your planned relocation date.
Enter your UK address and “United Kingdom” as the country.
Provide the start and end dates of your UK residence (at least 12 months). If your family lived with you, specify those dates too.
Tick if your UK stay was planned for ≥1 year and attach proof (employment, tenancy). Then give your German address (or tenancy agreement if Anmeldung is pending).
Tick this box if your goods arrive before you move.
Estimate the total EUR value of all goods you’re importing. Show individual values for any items ≥€5,000.
List package count and types (e.g., “24 cartons, 2 crates”). Must match your packing list.
Provide make, model, VIN/registration, year, quantity. Use “see attachment” if details don’t fit. If none, write “—”.
Only if applicable; list type, quantity, and serial numbers. Leave “—” if none.
Declare type and quantity if included. Anything beyond normal family use requires detailed specifications.
Declare business-only equipment. These generally don’t qualify for duty-free relief. Write “—” if none.
Summarise furniture, clothes, appliances, foodstuffs, pets. Use “see attachment” with your inventory.
Tick to confirm goods were used for ≥6 months at your UK residence and will be used similarly in Germany. Tick the extra line only if you need a certificate of non-objection for vehicle registration.
If using a customs broker or moving company, enter their name, address, phone. Otherwise write “—”.
Tick the proofs you enclose, e.g. UK deregistration, vehicle registration, German Anmeldung, tenancy agreement, employment contract, ID.
State if you’ll submit more documents later (e.g. pending Anmeldung).
Enter place, date, and sign. List all attachments (packing list, tenancy, employment, ID, vehicle papers, etc.).
✅ Quick Tips
- Ensure Q9 matches your numbered packing list.
- For Q10–Q14 items ≥€5,000, show individual values.
- Never fill the “customs office” box — Zoll does that.
- Keep a full copy of your submission (form + attachments).
5) Costs & What Happens If You Don’t Qualify
- Form 0350 cost: Free to submit.
- If approved: No VAT, no customs duty.
- If rejected:
- Pay 19% German VAT.
- Pay customs duties depending on product category.
- Possible storage fees if clearance delayed.
Comparison Table:
| With Form 0350 | Without Form 0350 |
|---|---|
| Duty-free import | Pay 19% VAT + duty |
| Faster clearance | Delays & storage fees |
| Recognised by Zoll | Normal import procedure |
6) FAQs )
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is Customs Form 0350? | It’s the Zoll declaration for duty-free import when transferring residence to Germany. |
| Who qualifies for Form 0350 relief? | Those who lived outside the EU for 12 months and are moving residence to Germany. |
| Is Form 0350 free? | Yes, there is no charge. |
| What happens if I don’t qualify? | You’ll pay 19% VAT + customs duties on your goods. |
| Can I sell items after import? | No, not within 12 months or duties may be charged retroactively. |
Conclusion
Form 0350 is essential for anyone moving from the UK to Germany in 2025. By completing it correctly and attaching the right documents, you can save thousands in customs charges and ensure your belongings are cleared smoothly. Always apply early and keep copies of all submissions for your records.
👉 Relatedt: German Anmeldung Explained for Expats (2025 Guide)