Moving to Europe from the U.S.: What You Need to Know
You’ve dreamed about it—walking cobblestone streets in Spain, enjoying slower mornings in a French village, or settling into the seaside charm of Portugal. Moving to Europe from the U.S. has never been more appealing… or more achievable.
But as exciting as the dream is, the logistics behind it can feel like a maze:
What paperwork do you need?
What can you bring with you?
How do you pack for ocean freight shipping?
And how do you make sure your belongings don’t get stuck in customs—or worse, denied entry altogether?
This is where most hopeful expats freeze—not because they’re not ready for the move, but because they’re overwhelmed by the process.
At SDC International Shipping, we’ve helped thousands of Americans move their households across the Atlantic. Whether you’re relocating to France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, or Italy, we know how to get your belongings there legally, securely, and without surprises.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every major step of relocating to Europe: from visas and customs paperwork to choosing the right container size and protecting your shipment with insurance. Whether you’re moving for work, retirement, or adventure, this is the roadmap you’ve been looking for.
Let’s make your move to Europe simple, stress-free, and exactly what you hoped it would be.
Visas, Residency, and Customs: What You Need Before You Ship
Moving to Europe isn’t as simple as booking a flight and packing your bags. To legally import your household goods—and to stay long-term—you’ll need to meet a range of residency and customs requirements that vary by country.
This is where the move becomes real—and where many people feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry. With the right support and documentation, it’s all very doable.
Let’s walk through the essentials.
Visas & Residency Permits
Before shipping your belongings, you’ll typically need to show that you have the legal right to live in your destination country. This could be:
- A residency visa (such as Portugal’s D7 visa or Spain’s non-lucrative visa)
- A work permit or intra-company transfer visa
- A retirement visa or long-stay permit
- EU citizenship or family reunification status
Each visa type affects your ability to ship household goods duty-free, so it’s critical to know what’s required before your shipment is in transit.
Customs Documentation
Europe has strict customs processes, and every country has slightly different documentation requirements. However, in most cases, you’ll need:
- A Change of Residence Certificate (proving you’re relocating permanently)
- A detailed packing list or valued inventory, translated into the local language
- A passport copy and residency visa
- A Non-Resale Declaration, confirming your goods are for personal use
- Proof that you’ve lived outside the EU for at least 12 months (to qualify for duty-free import)
Learn more in our Customs Regulations Guide
What You Can’t Bring
Many European countries restrict or prohibit the import of:
- Alcohol and tobacco
- New items (purchased within the last 6 months)
- Large quantities of unopened goods
- Certain electronics or appliances (based on voltage compatibility)
This is why we work with you to review your inventory before you pack—to avoid customs delays, rejections, or unexpected taxes.
At SDC, we walk every client through the customs process for their destination country. We’ll help you gather documents, pre-clear your shipment if possible, and communicate with customs officials directly—so your belongings aren’t stuck in limbo.
How to Ship Your Household Goods to Europe (Without the Stress)
Once your visa is in place and your customs documents are being prepared, it’s time to talk logistics—specifically, how to get your belongings from your current home in the U.S. to your new home in Europe.
There are a few ways to do this, and the right option depends on how much you’re shipping, how fast you need it to arrive, and your budget.
At SDC International Shipping, we specialize in customized, door-to-door overseas relocation. That means we handle everything—from picking up your items in the U.S. to delivering them safely in Europe—without confusing handoffs or third-party headaches.
Here’s what to expect:
Ocean Freight: The Most Popular (and Cost-Effective) Option
Ocean freight is the go-to solution for most full household relocations. It’s cost-efficient and ideal for shipping furniture, appliances, clothing, personal effects, and even vehicles.
We offer two container options:
- Full Container Load (FCL): A 20’ or 40’ container dedicated to your shipment
- Shared Container / Groupage: Ideal for smaller moves—you only pay for the space you use
Transit times to Europe vary from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the port and time of year, and we’ll give you a full shipping schedule upfront.
Learn more about international shipping containers
Air Freight: Fast, but Costly
If you’re only sending a few essential items—or need something urgently (like documents, electronics, or clothing)—air freight may be a good fit. Items arrive in 5–10 business days, but the cost is significantly higher than sea freight and priced by volume + weight.
Most clients opt for a combination: sea freight for furniture and bulk items, and air freight for time-sensitive belongings.
Packing & Crating for International Shipping
Unlike domestic moves, packing for international freight requires precision and compliance. We use ISPM 15-certified wood, moisture-resistant wrapping, and secure crating techniques that meet customs and insurance standards.
Our professional packing services include:
- Full home packing + inventory creation
- Custom crating for fragile or high-value items (art, antiques, instruments)
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly as needed
Door-to-Door Delivery
With SDC, there’s no mystery about where your shipment is or who’s handling it. We manage every hand-off, track your freight in real time, and work with trusted destination agents to ensure safe delivery to your new home abroad.
Need time before you’re ready to receive your items? We also offer secure storage in the U.S. and in Europe, coordinated with your delivery timeline.
Don’t Skip This: Why Insurance Is Crucial for Your Move to Europe
Imagine this: your household goods have made it across the Atlantic. You’re settling into your new home in Europe, ready to unpack your life. But when your shipment arrives, you discover that your favorite chair has been damaged—or worse, a portion of your belongings never made it at all.
It’s rare, but it happens. Ocean freight comes with variables—long distances, multiple handoffs, and unpredictable weather. Even with the most experienced international movers (like SDC), risks exist.
That’s why international moving insurance is not just a smart choice—it’s a vital part of your overseas relocation strategy.
What Kind of Insurance Do You Need?
At SDC, we help you choose the right level of protection based on what you’re shipping, how it’s packed, and your comfort with risk.
We offer:
- All-Risk Insurance: The most comprehensive coverage, including damage, loss, theft, or mishandling—available for professionally packed shipments
- Total Loss Coverage: Budget-friendly protection in case of major incidents (like container loss at sea)
- Custom Valuation: You assign value to specific high-risk or high-value items (art, instruments, electronics)
Explore your options here:
👉 International Moving Insurance
👉 Marine Cargo Insurance
Why Work with a Licensed, FMC-Certified Carrier?
Because SDC is licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), we can provide legally binding, reliable insurance policies that meet global shipping standards. Many brokers and freelance movers can’t.
We’ll also walk you through inventory prep, coverage limits, and documentation requirements to make sure your policy is fully enforceable—no fine print surprises.
Peace of Mind in a Box
When you’ve trusted us with the contents of your life, we take that responsibility seriously. Insurance is just one more way we ensure your overseas move isn’t just successful—it’s secure.
What Success Looks Like: A Seamless Move to Europe with SDC
You’ve made the decision. You’re ready to live in Europe—maybe for a year, maybe forever. But how your move unfolds depends entirely on the team guiding you through it.
With SDC International Shipping, success means more than just getting your boxes from one continent to another. It means:
- Your paperwork is prepared correctly
- Your household goods are packed to international standards
- Your customs documents are complete, translated, and pre-cleared
- Your shipment is insured, tracked, and handled professionally at every turn
- Your belongings are delivered to your new home in Europe—on time, intact, and without surprises
That’s what a successful international move looks like.
The Alternative?
Trying to manage it yourself—or choosing the wrong shipping partner—can result in:
- Customs delays that leave your items stuck for weeks
- Fines or duties due to incorrect documentation
- Damaged or lost items without the protection of insurance
- Hours of stress, confusion, and backtracking at the worst possible time
We’ve seen it happen. And we’ve stepped in to fix it more than once.
But when you move with SDC, you don’t need a backup plan—you have the right plan.
🎯 Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re six months out or still exploring your options, we’re here to help.
👉 Request your free international moving quote
👉 Or call to speak with a relocation expert: 877-339-0267
Your new life in Europe is waiting. Let’s move you there—together.
