Moving to France, Spain, Germany or anywhere else in the EU used to be one of the simpler international moves you could make from Scotland. Since the UK left the EU, that has changed. There is more paperwork, more advance planning, and a few rules that catch people out if they leave things too late.
None of this means a move to Europe is difficult. It means it needs organising properly, with the right documents ready at the right time. Families and companies who plan for it, rather than assume it will work like it used to, have a smooth move. Those who do not can face delays at the border, extra costs, or goods held up in customs.
This article sets out what has changed since Brexit, what documents and timelines to expect, and what a removals company handles for you when you book an international move to the EU.
What actually changed after Brexit
Before Brexit, moving household goods between the UK and the EU was treated much like moving within a single country. There was no customs declaration to make and no formal import process at the border, because the UK was part of the same customs union as the rest of the EU.
That freedom of movement for goods ended when the UK left the EU customs union and single market. A house move from Aberdeen to Amsterdam, or from Dundee to a village outside Barcelona, is now treated as an import into a non-EU country, and your possessions need to clear customs like any other international shipment.
In practical terms, this means:
- A formal customs declaration is required for the shipment, even though it is just your furniture and personal effects rather than anything commercial.
- A detailed inventory of everything being moved is now a standard requirement, not an optional extra.
- Proof of residency in both the country you are leaving and the country you are moving to is usually needed to support any relief from import duty.
- Timing matters more. Documents generally need to be prepared and submitted before the shipment travels, not sorted out after it arrives.
None of this is designed to stop people moving. It is simply the normal customs process that already applied to moves outside the EU, now extended to EU destinations too.
The paperwork you should expect to gather
The exact list of documents varies by destination country, and it is genuinely worth checking the current requirements for your specific country before you travel, since rules and forms are reviewed periodically. That said, most EU countries ask for a broadly similar set of information for a household goods move.
| Document or item | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Detailed packing inventory | Lists every item being shipped, often required in the destination language |
| Passport copies | Confirms identity of the person moving |
| Proof of address abroad | Rental agreement, purchase contract, or utility bill at the new address |
| Proof you are leaving the UK | Evidence of your UK address being given up, such as a tenancy end date or sale completion |
| Employment or residency confirmation | Some countries want evidence of the reason for the move, such as a work contract or residency permit |
| Vehicle documents (if applicable) | V5C and insurance details if a car is part of the shipment |
| Customs declaration form | Completed for the specific destination country, usually by your mover or their agent |
Keep copies of everything, both digital and printed. Border and customs staff will sometimes want a physical document even if you have already emailed a scan ahead.
Duty relief and why timing matters
Many people moving their normal household possessions to live in an EU country can apply for relief from import duty and VAT on those goods, on the basis that they are transferring their residence rather than importing goods commercially. This is often referred to as Transfer of Residence, or ToR, relief, though the exact name and process differ from country to country.
We would rather be careful here than give you a false sense of certainty: the qualifying conditions, required evidence, and application deadlines vary by country and can change. As a general rule, you should expect to need to show that you have genuinely lived at your previous address, that the goods have been in your use for a reasonable period, and that you are moving your main residence rather than buying a second home or investment property. Applications for relief are also often time limited, meaning they need to be lodged before or shortly after the goods arrive, not months later.
The safest approach is to check the specific requirements for your destination country well in advance, ideally as soon as you have a moving date in mind, and to keep any evidence of ownership and residency that you already have rather than trying to source it retrospectively.
A realistic timeline
Post-Brexit moves to Europe generally need more lead time than people expect, mainly because of the paperwork stage rather than the physical transport.
| Stage | Typical timing before moving day |
|---|---|
| Get a quote and confirm your route (road, sea freight, or a mix) | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Gather residency, address and identity documents | 6 to 10 weeks |
| Submit customs declaration and any duty relief application | 2 to 6 weeks |
| Packing and inventory completed | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Transport and customs clearance at the border | Varies by route and destination |
Sea freight to some destinations, or shipments routed through particular ports, can add time to the schedule, so it is worth discussing your preferred sea freight options early if your move includes bulky items, a vehicle, or a full household of furniture.
What your removals company handles for you
This is where a lot of the stress genuinely lifts off your shoulders. A removals company experienced in European moves will normally take care of:
- Preparing the customs paperwork, including the declaration and supporting documents in the correct format for the destination country.
- Building the detailed inventory as they pack, which then supports both customs clearance and your own peace of mind about what has gone where.
- Advising on duty relief eligibility in general terms, and pointing you towards the current official guidance for your specific circumstances.
- Coordinating the transport route, whether that is a direct road journey, a groupage load with other households, or a sea freight container.
- Liaising with customs agents or brokers at the destination if the shipment needs formal clearance on arrival.
You can find our general guidance on this process on our customs information page, and it is worth reading before your move so you know what to expect and what will be asked of you.
Why membership of FIDI matters here
Shore Porters has traded since 1498, beginning as porters working at Aberdeen Harbour, and today we hold FIDI FAIM accreditation as well as ISO 9001 certification and membership of the British Association of Removers. FIDI is the international federation for removal companies, and FAIM accreditation specifically covers quality standards for international moving, including the handling of customs documentation.
For a move where the paperwork genuinely matters, that network is useful. FIDI membership connects us with quality assured partners in destination countries who understand the local customs process, rather than leaving you to work it out from scratch once your container has already left the UK.
We are also covered by the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee, which protects any payments you make in advance of your move, and we are financially bonded by the BAR Overseas Group.
Getting your move to Europe right
A move from Scotland to the EU is still entirely achievable, and thousands of people make the move successfully every year. The difference since Brexit is that the paperwork now needs to be part of your planning from day one, rather than an afterthought once the van is packed.
If you are planning a move to Europe, request a free move estimate and we will talk you through the customs process, the likely timeline for your specific destination, and whether sea freight, a full load, or a part-load service suits your circumstances best.
