Moving to Europe from the US: Visas, Customs, Shipping

Updated July 2026

Moving to Europe from the U.S. involves more than booking a flight and packing bags. To legally import your household goods and settle in long term, you need to meet residency and customs requirements that vary by country. As an international shipping company serving all 50 states, we have helped Americans relocate to France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and Italy, and this guide walks through what actually needs to happen before your shipment leaves the U.S.

Visas, Residency, and Customs

Before shipping your belongings, you typically need to show a legal right to live in your destination country. This might be a residency visa such as Portugal’s D7 or Spain’s non-lucrative visa, a work permit or intra-company transfer visa, a retirement or long-stay permit, or EU citizenship through family. Your visa type affects whether your goods qualify for duty-free import, so it is worth confirming before your shipment is in transit rather than after.

Most European countries require a change of residence certificate, a detailed inventory translated into the local language, a passport copy and residency visa, and a non-resale declaration confirming your goods are for personal use. Many countries also want proof that you lived outside the EU for at least twelve months to qualify for duty-free entry. For the full documentation breakdown by country, see our customs regulations guide.

Common restrictions across European destinations include alcohol and tobacco, items purchased within the last six months, large quantities of unopened goods, and electronics or appliances that are not voltage compatible. We review your inventory before you pack, specifically to catch these issues early, rather than at customs.

Notes by Destination Country

Requirements shift enough by country that it is worth knowing the general shape before you commit to a timeline. France generally requires proof of residence and a detailed inventory in French for customs clearance, and typically allows duty-free import for goods owned and used for at least six months prior to the move. Germany’s process is similarly documentation-heavy, with customs authorities expecting a complete household inventory and proof that you are transferring your primary residence, not opening a second home. Portugal, a common destination for the D7 visa route, generally ties duty-free import eligibility to your residency status and how recently items were purchased. Italy applies its own residency and customs timeline, and in our experience the paperwork moves faster when the change of residence certificate and inventory are submitted together rather than in separate steps.

None of this replaces country-specific guidance for your exact situation, since rules do change and enforcement varies by port, but knowing the general pattern helps you gather the right documents before your shipment date rather than scrambling once it is already in transit.

Shipping Your Household Goods

Ocean freight is the standard choice for full household relocations, priced by volume and available as a full container load for larger shipments or a shared container for smaller ones where you only pay for the space you use. Transit to Europe typically runs four to eight weeks depending on the port and season, though these are typical ranges rather than guarantees. Air freight moves in five to ten business days but costs considerably more, so most clients use it only for essential or time-sensitive items alongside a sea freight shipment for everything else.

Packing for international freight is different from a domestic move. Our packing service uses ISPM-15 certified wood, moisture-resistant wrapping, and crating techniques built to meet both customs and insurance standards, including custom crating for fragile or high-value items like art, antiques, and instruments.

If your new home is not ready when your shipment arrives, storage is available in the U.S. and at several European destinations, coordinated with your delivery timeline.

Why Insurance Matters for a European Move

Ocean freight involves long distances, multiple handoffs, and unpredictable weather, and even a well-run shipment carries some risk. All-risk insurance offers the most complete protection, covering damage, loss, theft, or mishandling on professionally packed shipments. Total loss coverage is a lighter, more budget-friendly option for major incidents like a container loss at sea, and custom valuation lets you assign specific value to high-risk items such as art or instruments. You can review the options on our international moving insurance page.

SDC is licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission, which means our insurance policies are backed by a legally binding, regulated framework, something not every broker or freelance mover can offer. We walk through inventory prep, coverage limits, and documentation with you so your policy is fully enforceable if you ever need it.

What a Well-Run Move Looks Like

A move that goes smoothly means your paperwork is prepared correctly, your goods are packed to international standards, your customs documents are complete and translated, your shipment is insured and tracked, and delivery happens on time without surprises. Missing any one of these is usually what turns into customs delays, unexpected duties, or a damaged item with no coverage to fall back on.

Common Questions

How far in advance should I book my shipment?
Three to six months is a reasonable window for most European moves, since it gives time to secure a visa, gather customs documentation, and reserve container space before peak season demand tightens availability.

Can I ship before my visa is fully approved?
It depends on the country and visa type. Some destinations tie duty-free eligibility directly to your residency approval date, so shipping too early can mean paying import duties you would otherwise avoid. We check this against your specific visa timeline before recommending a shipping date.

Call SDC International Shipping at 877-339-0267 or request a quote to talk through your specific destination and timeline.