Moving from London to Europe: The Post-Brexit Reality
Since the UK left the European Union, moving your household belongings from London to an EU country has become more complex. However, with the right preparation and a specialist international removal company, the process is entirely manageable. Here's what you need to know.
Transfer of Residence (ToR) Relief
The most important thing to understand when moving to the EU is Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief — also known as ToR1 relief in some countries. This allows you to import your personal belongings and household effects into an EU country without paying import duties or VAT, provided you meet certain conditions.
Key conditions for ToR relief:
- You must have been living outside the EU (i.e., in the UK) for at least 12 months
- You must be moving your normal place of residence to the EU country
- The goods must have been owned and used by you for at least 6 months before importation
- The goods must not be sold, loaned, or used commercially for 12 months after import
Your removal company should handle the ToR application — but you'll need to provide supporting documentation.
Documents You'll Need
- Completed ToR application (format varies by destination country)
- Passport copies (UK and new country of residence if applicable)
- Proof of previous UK residence (utility bills, council tax, bank statements)
- Proof of new address in the destination country (lease, purchase contract)
- Detailed inventory of all items being shipped (with estimated values)
- Proof of residence in the UK for 12+ months
Moving to Popular European Destinations
Moving to Spain
Spain is the most popular EU destination for UK movers. ToR relief (known as Franquicia de Traslado de Residencia) is available and well-established. Average sea freight transit by road to Spain: 3–5 days. Most removal companies send groupage shipments to Spain weekly.
Moving to France
France has a well-established ToR process. Road freight takes 1–3 days. Note that France requires a specifically formatted inventory (packing list) with each item listed and valued in euros.
Moving to Portugal
Portugal is increasingly popular with UK expats. The ToR process is similar to Spain. Transit by road: 3–5 days. Groupage shipments run weekly or fortnightly.
Moving to Germany, Netherlands, Belgium
Northern European destinations are typically faster: 1–3 days by road. The documentation requirements are similar but each country has its own customs authority and process.
What About Vehicles?
Vehicles cannot be imported under ToR relief in the same way as household goods. You'll need to re-register your UK vehicle in your new EU country of residence, which involves its own process, costs, and timelines. Consult a specialist vehicle import agent for your destination country.
Restricted and Prohibited Items for EU Import
- Plants and soil — biosecurity restrictions apply across the EU
- Meat and dairy products — may not be imported from UK post-Brexit
- Certain wooden goods — may require phytosanitary certificates
- Firearms — require export licence from UK and import permit from destination country
Timeline for a London-to-Europe Move
- 8–12 weeks before: Choose removal company, arrange survey, begin documentation
- 4–6 weeks before: Finalise ToR application, confirm shipping dates
- 2 weeks before: Complete packing of non-essentials, confirm inventory
- Moving week: Pack remaining items, final inventory check, collection by removal company
- Transit: 1–5 days for road freight to most EU destinations
- Delivery: Customs clearance on arrival (1–3 working days with ToR), then delivery to your new home
Plan Your European Move with Fair Price Movers
Fair Price Movers handles international removals to all European destinations, including Spain, France, Portugal, Germany, and the Netherlands. We manage the complete customs documentation process. Learn more about our international removal service or get a free international removal quote.