Shipping to Germany from the US
Europe's largest economy — we get your belongings to Germany safely and clear them through the Zollamt without issue.
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How We Ship to Germany
Our Germany service includes complete door-to-door shipping from anywhere in the US to any German address. We pack your belongings, handle all export and import documentation, ship via air or ocean freight, clear German customs on your behalf, and deliver directly to your home.
German apartments often come unfurnished — sometimes even without light fixtures or kitchen cabinets (the previous tenant takes them). This means many of our clients shipping to Germany choose to bring more furniture than they might to other European destinations. We can advise on what makes sense to ship versus buy locally based on your specific situation.
We also handle shipping for US military personnel and their families on PCS orders to Germany. Military moves often have personal items beyond the standard transport allowance — we provide affordable supplemental shipping to any base or off-base address, including Ramstein, Stuttgart, Wiesbaden, Grafenwöhr, and Vilseck.
We recommend starting to plan your shipment 6–8 weeks before your move date. Our team will guide you through what to bring and what to expect at each stage of the process.
Air Freight vs Ocean Freight to Germany
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, electronics, and personal effects needed immediately
Air freight to Frankfurt, Munich, or Berlin airports. Includes Zollamt customs clearance and delivery to your German address.
Ocean Freight
Furniture, household goods, larger shipments
Ocean freight to Hamburg or Bremerhaven. Includes pickup, Zollamt customs clearance with Umzugsgut relief, and inland delivery to your address anywhere in Germany. LCL and FCL options available.
What You Can Ship to Germany
Commonly Shipped Items
- • Household furniture (especially if your German apartment is unfurnished)
- • Kitchen cabinets and appliances (many German rentals have none)
- • Personal clothing and shoes
- • Books, photos, and documents
- • Electronics (Germany uses 230V — check dual-voltage)
- • Bedding, linens, and towels
- • Children's belongings and toys
- • Sporting equipment
- • Tools and equipment
Restricted & Prohibited Items
- • Alcohol and tobacco
- • Firearms (strict German regulations)
- • Perishable food
- • Hazardous materials
- • Plants and soil
- • New, unused items (may attract duty)
- • Commercial goods
Umzugsgut (Relocation Goods) Relief for Germany
This exempts your personal effects and household goods from customs duties and import VAT when relocating your permanent residence to Germany from outside the EU.
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 Umzugsgut (Relocation Goods) ReliefCustoms & Documentation for Germany
Germany follows EU customs regulations for importing personal effects under the Umzugsgut (relocation goods) relief — the German implementation of EU Transfer of Residence relief under Regulation 1186/2009. German customs (Zollamt) are known for being thorough, so accurate documentation is essential.
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 relocating your permanent home to Germany
- → Goods must be for personal use only
Documents Needed
- → Detailed inventory list (Packliste) of all items
- → Passport
- → Proof of overseas residence for 12+ months
- → Proof of German address (Meldebescheinigung or rental contract)
- → Completed customs declaration (Zollanmeldung)
Important Notes
- ! You must complete your Anmeldung (address registration) at the local Bürgeramt within two weeks of moving in — this is legally required and provides the Meldebescheinigung needed for customs
- ! German customs are very thorough — ensure your inventory is detailed and accurate
- ! All customs forms are prepared in German as required by the Zollamt — we handle this entirely
- ! City Post Express works directly with German customs authorities to ensure smooth clearance
Official Resources
Shipping Tips for Germany
Check if your German apartment has a kitchen
Many German rentals come completely empty — no kitchen cabinets, no countertops, sometimes no light fixtures. The previous tenant often takes everything. Plan to ship kitchen items or budget to buy locally.
Complete your Anmeldung immediately
You must register your address at the local Bürgeramt within 14 days. The Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate) is needed for customs clearance, bank accounts, and virtually everything else in Germany.
German customs are thorough
The Zollamt takes documentation seriously. An inaccurate or vague inventory can cause delays. We prepare detailed, properly formatted Packlisten for you.
Ship furniture if your apartment is unfurnished
Unlike other European countries where furnished or semi-furnished rentals are common, German apartments are often completely bare. Shipping your furniture may make more sense here than elsewhere.