Shipping to Europe from the US
From Berlin to Barcelona, Paris to Rome — we ship your belongings to destinations across the European Union.
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How We Ship to Europe
We have been shipping personal effects and household goods from the US to Europe for over 25 years. EU customs regulations for importing personal effects are generally favourable — the Transfer of Residence relief available in most EU countries exempts your belongings from duties and VAT if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Each EU country has its own customs forms and procedures, but the underlying framework (EU Regulation 1186/2009) is consistent. We know the specific requirements for every destination and handle all paperwork in the local language where required — French for the Douanes, German for the Zollamt, Spanish for the Aduanas, Italian for the Agenzia delle Dogane.
Whether you are shipping to a major European capital or a small rural town, we provide complete door-to-door service including pickup at your US home, export documentation, ocean or air transit, customs clearance, and final delivery to your European address.
Air Freight vs Ocean Freight to Europe
Choose the shipping method that works best for your timeline and budget. Many clients use both — air freight for essentials and ocean freight for the bulk of their belongings.Air Freight
Essential items, documents, and valuables needed quickly after arrival
Air freight to all major European airports. Customs clearance and delivery to your address included.
Ocean Freight
Furniture, household goods, bulk shipments
Ocean freight to European ports with onward inland delivery. Both shared container (LCL) and full container (FCL) options. The most economical choice for larger shipments.
Our Most Popular Packages for Europe
Choose the package that best fits your move to Europe.
Student Package
Budget-friendly shipping for students studying abroad
[Price TBD]
4-6 weeks (ocean) or 7-14 days (air freight option available)- 5-15 standard boxes at student-friendly pricing
- Door-to-door service including campus and student housing delivery
- Customs clearance handled for you
- Packing guidelines designed for students
- Insurance options for electronics and valuables
Mini Move Package
Co-load and partial container options for larger relocations
[Price TBD]
5-8 weeks depending on destination- 30-80 boxes plus small furniture items
- Co-load / partial container for cost efficiency
- Door-to-door service from the US to Ireland, UK, or Europe
- Professional packing services available as an add-on
- Full customs clearance and duty relief assistance
Full Container
20ft or 40ft dedicated containers for complete household moves
[Price TBD]
4-8 weeks depending on destination- Choice of 20ft container (~1,170 cubic feet) or 40ft container (~2,390 cubic feet)
- Exclusive use — your belongings only, no co-loading
- Container delivered to your US address for loading
- Door-to-door service to any destination worldwide
- Full customs clearance and documentation
What You Can Ship to Europe
Commonly Shipped Items
- • Household furniture and furnishings
- • Personal clothing and shoes
- • Books, photos, and documents
- • Electronics (230V across Europe — check dual-voltage)
- • Kitchen items and cookware
- • Bedding and linens
- • Children's belongings
- • Sporting and hobby equipment
- • Musical instruments
- • Art, antiques, and collectibles
Restricted & Prohibited Items
- • Alcohol and tobacco (excluded from ToR relief EU-wide)
- • Firearms (country-specific licencing required)
- • Perishable food items
- • Hazardous materials
- • Plants, seeds, and soil (EU phytosanitary regulations)
- • New, unused items (may attract duties)
- • Commercial goods
EU Transfer of Residence (ToR) Relief for Europe
This relief exempts personal effects and household goods from customs duties and VAT across all EU member states when you relocate your permanent home from a non-EU country.
Not sure if you qualify?
Contact us for a free assessment. We will review your situation and let you know exactly what to expect at customs.
Ask Us About EU Transfer of Residence (ToR) ReliefCustoms & Documentation for Europe
EU customs regulations allow duty-free importation of personal belongings when transferring your residence, under Council Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009. The specifics vary by country, but the general framework is consistent across all EU member states.
Key Requirements
- → You must have lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months
- → Items must have been owned and used for at least 6 months
- → You must be establishing your normal residence in an EU member state
- → Goods must be for personal use — no selling or lending for 12 months
Documents Needed
- → Passport
- → Proof of overseas residence for 12+ months
- → Detailed inventory of all items
- → Proof of new European address
- → Country-specific customs declaration forms (we prepare these in the required language)
Important Notes
- ! Each EU country has its own customs authority and forms — we know them all
- ! The UK (post-Brexit) has a completely separate customs system — see our UK destination page
- ! Some countries require a local tax ID before customs clearance (e.g., codice fiscale in Italy, NIE in Spain)
- ! Multiple shipments are allowed under ToR relief, provided all arrive within 12 months
Official Resources
Shipping Tips for Europe
Research your specific country's customs process
While the EU framework is consistent, each country has its own forms, timelines, and quirks. Check our individual country pages for detailed customs guidance.
230V is standard across Europe
All of continental Europe uses 230V. Plug types vary (C/F in most of mainland Europe, G in UK/Ireland, L in Italy). Modern electronics are dual-voltage — larger appliances are not.
Get your local tax ID early
Many EU countries require a local tax identification number before customs can process your shipment. Apply as soon as possible after arrival.
European homes are smaller
Across the continent, homes tend to be more compact than American ones. Large US furniture pieces — especially oversized sofas and king beds — may not fit.