Moving from the UK to Germany
Moving from the UK to Germany is now a structured process — not just transport. Use this page to understand the route, customs, timing, and next steps that shape a successful move.
Start your move plan
Set your route and move into the planner.
How moving to Germany actually works now
Start with your route — everything else follows from there. Route, customs, transport, and arrival all need to work together for the move to run smoothly.
Plan your route
Start here. Your UK origin and German destination define timing, grouping, and availability.
Prepare customs & documents
Once your route is clear, prepare your inventory and documents for German import.
Transport your move
With route and documents set, choose shared or direct transport for the move itself.
Set up in Germany
Final step: delivery access, arrival timing, and the first local setup after the move lands.
Key questions people ask before they move
Quick answers to the questions most people ask before they move.
Do I need a visa to move to Germany?
It depends on your citizenship and the purpose of your stay. EU citizens and non-EU citizens do not follow the same entry and residence path.
How long does a UK → Germany move take?
Most moves take between 3 and 10 days depending on route, transport type, and customs readiness.
What documents are required?
Most moves need a clear inventory, ID documents, address or residence-related proof, and customs-supporting paperwork.
How much does it cost?
Cost depends mainly on route, move size, transport type, access, and how complex the customs file is.
Should I use shared or direct transport?
Shared transport suits smaller and more flexible moves, while direct transport is better when timing is tighter or the load is larger.
What usually causes delays?
Delays usually come from document gaps, difficult access, unrealistic timing, or weak inventory preparation before the move starts.
Your move depends on 3 things
These are the main factors that shape timing, transport choice, customs handling, and price.
Route
Distance, destination, and grouping logic affect timing, transport fit, and delivery rhythm.
Move size
Volume changes vehicle fit, handling time, labour needs, and the best transport option.
Customs complexity
The stronger and clearer the file, the smoother the move. Weak paperwork creates avoidable friction.
Build your move step by step
Follow this path to plan your move properly — start with your route, understand your documents, then structure the full move in the planner.
Choose your route
Start here. Your UK origin and German destination define timing, grouping, and availability.
Browse routesComplete customs form 0350
Use Form 0350 to organise the customs file properly before the move starts so your delivery is not slowed down later.
Open form 0350 generatorBuild your full move
Use your route and volume to structure the move properly instead of guessing the next step.
Start move plannerUse the checklist tool and cost simulator
Use these two tools to organise your move and understand how route, volume, access, and transport setup affect the price.
Cost simulator
See how a UK → Germany move quote is built from volume, transport setup, access, and timing logic.
Open cost simulatorChecklist tool
Build your move plan in 30 seconds and organise the move into the right phases from planning through Germany setup.
Open checklist toolWhat happens across the move
This is how the move unfolds from preparation through to arrival in Germany.
Planning & preparation
This is where inventory, documents, access details, and timing windows are aligned before collection day arrives.
Transit & delivery
Collection, channel crossing, road transport, and final delivery all depend on the route and the quality of the move file.
Arrival & setup
After delivery, the move shifts into access completion, unpacking priorities, and the first practical steps in Germany.
Cost + timing simplified
See the main cost and timing drivers before you go deeper into planning.
Typical timelines
Direct moves are usually faster. Shared moves are usually more flexible on price but broader on delivery timing.
What affects cost
Route, volume, access, transport type, and customs complexity are the main cost drivers.
What delays moves
Weak inventories, missing documents, difficult access, and unrealistic timing are the most common delay points.
Moving to Berlin vs Munich vs Hamburg
Delivery access, timing, and route pressure change depending on where your move ends — compare how each city affects your move.
Berlin
Urban access, parking pressure, and apartment delivery complexity define how moves into Berlin are handled.
Open BerlinMunich
Southern routes, tighter scheduling, and higher delivery precision shape moves ending in Munich.
Open MunichHamburg
Northern corridor logistics, port-city access, and arrival flow define moves into Hamburg.
Open HamburgMoving to Germany — FAQ
Short answers to the most common questions before you move forward.
Can I move to Germany with a small load?
Yes. Smaller moves often work well on shared transport when you can stay flexible on dates.
Is direct transport worth it?
Yes when timing matters, your load is larger, or you want a narrower and more predictable delivery window.
Do I need a full inventory?
Yes. A proper inventory supports both transport planning and customs preparation.
What usually causes delays?
Document gaps, weak inventory detail, difficult access, and fixed timing without enough planning margin.
How early should I start planning?
Around 2–4 weeks ahead is a strong starting point for aligning transport, timing, and paperwork.
Does the destination city matter?
Yes. Delivery conditions, access, and local arrival context change from city to city in Germany.
Should I check customs before booking?
Yes. Early customs preparation reduces friction later and helps the move file stay coherent.
What is the best next step once I understand the process?
Move into the planner so your route, move size, and next action are structured properly.
Can I move without using a planner?
You can, but using the planner helps structure your route, volume, and next steps so nothing is missed or delayed.
Start planning your move
Turn route, customs, and timing into a structured UK to Germany move plan.