Moving from the USA to Germany – Duty-free and stress-free to your new home Everything you need to know about Form 0350, duty-free requirements, and a smooth vehicle import—explained simply and clearly.
From a customs perspective, the USA is a third country. This means that your household goods must be declared to German customs upon import. The good news is that if the requirements for removal goods are met, importation is usually duty-free. This applies to many private household items – but not everything.
To ensure that your move goes smoothly, you need three things above all: clear documentation, the correct customs declaration (Form 0350), and timing. This is exactly where we can help you.
What you really need to know about customs when moving from the USA to Germany
Good news: Your personal belongings can usually be moved to Germany duty-free. Customs declaration is mandatory, but if you meet these five key requirements, you can save on taxes and fees:
Change of residence: You are officially moving your main residence to Germany.
12-month rule: You have lived in the US continuously for at least 12 months.
Ownership: You can prove that all items belong to you or your family.
6-month period: You have already used the items for at least six months (no new purchases!).
Continued private use: The items will continue to be used privately and for the same purpose in Germany.
Starting early pays off: less customs stress, more predictability
Avoiding delays
Incomplete documents or missing evidence slow down processing. With a complete set of documents, customs inspection runs much more smoothly.
Keeping costs under control
The customs declaration itself is generally free of charge. However, additional costs can quickly arise indirectly—e.g., due to delays, additional claims, or security deposits in the event of early import.
Smooth logistics timing
Customs, transport, arrival date, and move-in must all be coordinated. Especially with sea freight from the USA, coordinated planning saves time and reduces friction and helps avoid bottlenecks.
Avoiding stress
Getting everything done early on minimizes stress during the move. You'll have enough time to prepare all your documents correctly and focus on the move.
Checklist: These customs documents are required for relocation from the USA
The following documents are particularly relevant for the clearance of removal goods:
✓ Form 0350 (customs declaration for removal goods)
✓ Inventory list/packing list of removal goods
✓ Proof of relocation to the EU/Germany
✓ Proof of previous residence abroad (USA)
✓ Proof of identity / personal documents
✓ Invoices / proof of purchase / proof of ownership, if applicable
✓ Employment contract or other documents proving your relocation or residence status, if applicable
✓ For vehicles: proof of registration (USA)
These mistakes cost time and money when moving between the US and Germany
Common errors in customs clearance
- Incomplete inventory list
- Missing proof of use/ownership (especially for valuable items)
- Planning new goods as removal goods even though the requirements are not met
- Incomplete vehicle documents
- Incorrect planning of mandatory periods (12 months of residence in the USA / 6 months of previous ownership / 12-month blocking period)
- Advance shipment without planning for the security deposit in the event of early import
Duty-free or not? Your 30-second quick check for US moving goods
1. Change of residence
You are officially relocating your main residence to Germany or the EU.
2. Minimum stay
You have proven that you have lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months.
3. Ownership
The imported items are legally in your personal possession.
4. Prior ownership period
You have actively used the items to be moved for at least 6 months prior to departure.
5. Retention period
You do not plan to sell, give away, or lend the items immediately after importation.
6. Purpose limitation
The items will continue to be used in Germany for the same private purpose as before.
US import: Vehicles and household goods – logistics checklist
Bringing a vehicle from the USA is the biggest challenge when moving. To ensure that your car and the rest of your belongings remain duty-free, the following points must be fulfilled:
The critical path: Your vehicle
Ownership period & registration: The car must have been registered in your name for at least 6 months (e.g., via US title)
Personal use: The vehicle must have been demonstrably used for private purposes at your previous place of residence.
Technical adaptation: US models often do not comply with German standards; plan for conversions (e.g., lighting system) in good time.
TÜV approval: Contact a testing center at your future place of residence in advance to clarify eligibility for registration.
Potential pitfalls: What is not duty-free
Excise goods: Alcohol and tobacco are generally subject to duty.
Commercial exclusion: Commercial vehicles or items for resale are not considered relocation goods.
Special prohibitions: Strict licensing requirements apply to weapons, ammunition, or products made from protected animal species.
How DACHSER & KOLB supports you with customs clearance for your move from the USA to Germany
DACHSER & KOLB is your reliable partner for a stress-free move to the EU/Germany. We take care of all customs clearance for you and ensure that all formalities are handled correctly. Our services include:
Document check with a focus on customs
We check at an early stage whether your evidence of change of residence, use, and ownership is consistent.
Structured inventory list instead of a mess of papers
We help you with a comprehensible packing and inventory logic – important for quick approvals.
Customs and transport process from a single source
We coordinate packaging, transport, arrival windows, and customs clearance—so your project doesn't get stuck at any interfaces.
Solve special cases cleanly
Vehicles, follow-up shipments, valuable items, or time-sensitive imports: we plan with a risk buffer instead of assuming "it'll be fine."
Your advantages when moving to Germany with DACHSER & KOLB
Competent customs clearance
We take care of the entire organization and all formalities with customs authorities
Individual advice
We take the time to listen to your wishes and requirements and draw up a detailed removal plan
Transparent planning
Our free inspection and online price calculator give you a clear overview of the costs
Experienced specialists
From planning to implementation, we rely on qualified employees who will ensure you have a stress-free move
FAQ: Moving from the USA to Germany – the most important questions
Do I have to pay customs duty on my belongings when moving from the USA?
Formally, you must declare the removal goods to customs. If the requirements for removal goods are met, importation is usually possible free of duty.
Which form do I need for customs in Germany?
Form 0350 is used to declare household goods as relocation goods.
Can I send my belongings to Germany before I move there?
Yes, that is possible. Additional requirements apply (including establishing residence within 6 months); a security deposit may also be required.
Can I sell my imported household goods immediately after moving?
No, not usually. Once your declaration has been accepted, you may not pass on the removal goods (e.g., sell, give away, lend) for 12 months.
Can I bring my car from the USA duty-free?
This is possible under the conditions for relocation goods. The decisive factors are ownership, registration in your name, and prior personal use (typically at least 6 months), as well as correct documentation.
Are alcohol and tobacco part of duty-free moving goods?
No, alcoholic products, tobacco, and tobacco products are not considered relocation goods.
Contact us for a no-obligation consultation!
With customs clearance for your move to Germany from USA, DACHSER & KOLB ensures that your move is efficient, safe, and stress-free. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation!
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Sabrina Klier
Customer Service & Sales - AIR & SEA
