Moving from the US to Germany: customs, papers and what you can't pack

Bringing your things in duty-free

Moving goods (Übersiedlungsgut): your home was outside the EU for at least 12 months, and you've owned and used each thing for at least 6, shown by receipts. Clear them within 12 months of moving, in several shipments if you like. File form 0350, in writing. Don't sell, lend or rent them out for 12 months — and tell customs before you move house in that time.

The papers customs wants

• Form 0350 (an English translation aid exists)
• Proof you owned and used the goods — receipts or sale contracts
• Proof you've moved your residence

Inspection and clearance

Not stated. Copies can be emailed to customs.

Don't pack these

• Alcohol and tobacco — excise duty still applies
• Business goods and commercial vehicles
• Weapons and ammunition need permits
• Protected species
• Strong medicines need a doctor's certificate
• Cash of €10,000 or more must be declared.

Bringing a car

Must already be registered in your name. German vehicle tax is paid at the border on form 3820, then register it locally.

Bringing a dog or cat

A 15-digit ISO microchip, put in on or before the rabies shot. Wait 21 days after a first rabies vaccine. No rabies blood test is needed coming from the US. Your vet fills in the EU health certificate (the new form in use since 1 October 2026), USDA endorses it — $101 per certificate, any number of pets — and the pet must arrive within 10 days. Five pets or fewer, traveling within 5 days of you.

No tapeworm treatment needed. Arrive through a designated entry point.

Germany won't let in Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers or their crosses (assistance dogs excepted). Some states ban more breeds.

Duty and tax on everything else

Customs duty depends on what the item is — look it up by item in the EU tariff (TARIC). Import VAT is charged on top of duty.

VAT is 19%.