Moving to Germany from Canada

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED GOODS

No particular restrictions for normal consumer goods and foodstuffs. Alcohol, tobacco products, perfumes and coffee are dutiable.

If you have any of these, you would need to prepare a list of all items to present to customs.

# Item Type Measurement Value

Live animals and animal products protected by the Washington agreement on the protection of species may not be imported.

Medications and medicines, prescription or otherwise, are subject to customs inspection and must be shown to an expert for confirmation that it is legal to be imported into Germany. Inclusion of medicines or medications in the HHGs shipments can cause a customs examination, and it is therefore suggested that the shippers do not include any in their HHGs shipments.

Firearms must be entered on the inventory as last items, indicating the model, calibre and serial number, and must be loaded close to the door of container, lift van or truck. Firearms must be registered with the German authorities before a release will be granted by customs.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

Used household goods may be imported into Germany duty-free, provided they have been in owner’s possession for at least one year abroad and are for continued use* by the owner. (If the shipper has not lived outside of the EC for at least one year, then there is still the possibility to import the HHGs without paying duty or taxes, provided the employer will issue a written confirmation stating it was intended for the employee to remain abroad for at least one year, but that due to an internal company change it became necessary to repatriate the employee sooner).

*From a customs standpoint, the shipper is not allowed to sell, loan out, or give away any of his imported HHGs for a period of at least one year. If it should come to German customs attention that this has been done, the shipper will be charged duty and import tax.

If the owner cannot import the household goods immediately at the time of taking up residence, then proof must be furnished as to the reasons of the delay, but goods must be imported within 1 years.

Documents required for customs clearance:

Household goods

  • Household goods inventory.
  • Original registration at local city hall (Anmeldebescheinigung vom Einwohnermeldeamt) or a certified copy.
  • Original passport or a certified copy may be requested by customs, but as a rule photocopies are sufficient. A definite exception is the Hamburg POE, where one can expect customs to require the original passport.
  • Attestation of employer stating employment in Germany, or if an EC citizen, then an attestation of employer stating that the shipper resided outside of the EC for at least 1 year. Exception – see “Customs Regulations”.
  • Foreign diplomats: certificate issued by their embassy or consulate. Goods will then be cleared without inspection.
  • The customs declaration form will as a rule be provided by the German moving company, and will also be completed by the German moving company.

Marriage dowries

In addition to the documents specified under I ) above, a copy of the marriage certificate is required.

Inherited goods

In addition to the documents specified under I ) above, a copy of the will is required.

Motor cars
In addition to the documents specified under I ) above, proof of ownership (registration certificate, title, log-book) is required. Car must be used by owner more than 6 months by owner outside the EC.

Diplomatic Goods
Customs clearance of Diplomatic Household goods require only the original form 0349, stamped and consigned from the consulate, copy of diplomatic passport and the inventory. If you do not have a diplomatic form you will need the normal paperwork for customs clearance: certified passport, police registration etc.

Pets
All pets must have a valid health certificate issued no more than 10 days before entry and must have had a rabies vaccination no more than one year before entry. Please ask our agent in Germany for full details.

Important: This information is intended for general guidance. Orbit International Logistics LTD. cannot however take responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage that may occur from its use. As such it is advisable to contact the nearest German customs office for full and current information prior to importation.

Moving to Germany

When moving from Canada to Germany it is very important to choose the best overseas moving company. Orbit International Moving Logistics is the best international moving company in Canada. With our extensive experience with international relocation to Germany , Orbit International Moving Logistics can offer you and your family, valuable insights about you’re moving to Germany and finding the right international relocation companies and choosing the best international moving service overseas moving companies. We have listed below helpful ideas and tips that can help you plan you’re moving to Germany Shall you prefer to talk with an International moving consultant, please call (416) 661-4228.

The Best Overseas Moving Companies:

There are many overseas moving companies who claim to be the best mover and best relocation company in the country. Of course this cannot be true because then, all the international shipping companies would be the best.

To help determine which overseas moving company is right for you, Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd has gathered some vital points for you to consider.

  1. The best tip – a recommendation from a friend.
  2. Research the overseas moving companies you are considering. Check if they are licensed to export and import.
  3. Make sure that you are performing an equal comparison between the quotes of the various companies. You compare international relocation rates from the overseas moving companies based on shipping an equal volume of goods and contracting the same exact shipping service on the same dates. Pay special attention to the “EXCLUDES” of each quote to insure that you are not overlooking any hidden fees.
  4. Check the overseas moving company’s referrals and reputation. Ask each company for testimonials from past clients. A reputable overseas moving company should have some for you to review.
  5. Visit the physical office of the overseas moving company you are considering. Never trust an international moving company without a physical address!. In this day and age anyone can have an office in their basement.
  6. Make sure that the overseas shipping company you choose has reputable overseas forwarding agents who can assist you in the same manner that you are getting from the company moving you from Canada.

Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd was established by 2 long time family friends who had experienced moves with mixes results. However, none have satisfied the quality of service needed during such an emotional and straining event. We have extensive experience relocating customers worldwide by Ocean Freight and Air Cargo as we are an international shipper. Our rates are always All-inclusive. What sets us apart is the level of service we offer our customers.  We provide free, no-obligation estimates, listen to your concerns, and find the solutions best suited to meeting your removal and relocation needs – whether you’re moving your family.(i.e. door-to-door, door to port, full containers, RO-RO, custom crates, etc.) We offer free consultations with one of our relocation specialist and assist you in planning moving to Germany  and choosing the right overseas moving services.

List of German consulates in Canada

Embassy of Germany in Ottawa, Canada
1 Waverley Street, Ottawa
Ontario, K2P 0T8
Canada
City: Ottawa
Phone: (1 613) 232 1101
Fax: (1 613) 594 9330
Web Site: http://www.kanada.diplo.de

Email: info@ottawa.diplo.de
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 09.00 a.m. to noon

Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany in Montreal
1250, Boulevard Rene-Levesque Ouest,
Suite 4315
Montreal,
City: Montreal
Phone: 1-514-931-2277
Fax: 1-514-931-7239
Web Site: http://www.kanada.diplo.de
Email: mail@montr.diplo.de
Office Hours:  open for the public from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 12.00 and can be reached by telephone from Monday to Thursday until 16.45 and on Fridy until 13.45.

Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Toronto, Canada
2 Bloor St. East, 25th floor
Toronto, Ontario
M4W 1A8
City: Toronto
Phone: 416-925-2813
Fax: 416-925-2818
Web Site: http://www.kanada.diplo.de
Email: info@toronto.diplo.de
Office Hours: The consular section (passport and visa applications as well as other legal matters) is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – noon.
Working hours of the Consulate are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m., and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., except on holidays.

Consulate of Germany in Edmonton, Canada
8005-102 Street
Edmonton, AB, T6E 4A2
Canada
City: Edmonton
Phone: 780-434-0430
Fax: 780-439-9950
Email: hkedm@telus.net
Office Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to noon

Consulate General of Germany in Vancouver
Suite 704, World Trade Centre
999 Canada Place
Vancouver
B.C. V6C 3E1
Canada
City: Vancouver
Phone: (1-604) 684 8377
Fax: (1-604) 684 8334
Email: GermanConsulateVancouver@telus.net
Office Hours: The consular section (passport and visa applications as well as other legal matters) is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – noon. Working hours of the Consulate are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., except on holidays

Consulate of Germany in Halifax, Canada
1100 – 1959 Upper Water Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3L 3E5
Post: P.O. Box 2380, Stn. Central RPO,
Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3E5
Canada
City: Halifax
Phone: 902-491-4106
Fax: 902-421-3130
Email: achapman@coxhanson.ca

Consulate of Germany in Prince George, Canada
203 – 2289 Westwood Dr.
Prince George, B.C., V2N 4V6
Canada
City: Prince George
Phone: 250-649-0202
Fax: 250-563-6563
Email: akoehler@telus.net

Consulate of Germany in Saskatoon, Canada
823 Brookhurst Bay
Saskatoon, SK, S7V 1G1
Canada
City: Saskatoon
Phone: 306-979-4911
Fax: 306-979-4912
Email: hksask@shaw.ca

Consulate of Germany in St. John’s, Canada
3 Blackmarsh Road
St. John’s, Newfoundland, A1E 1S2
Canada
City: St. John’s
Phone: 709-579-2222
Fax: 709-739-8911
Email: westend@westendelectronics.com