Emigrating to the Netherlands: Moving Checklist
Moving to the Netherlands
A fresh start in the Netherlands: first the gemeente, then everything else
BSN first
A move to the Netherlands is not a big step logistically – no customs, good motorways – but at your destination almost everything depends on one number: the BSN, which you only receive after registering with the gemeente (municipality). For the journey, we plan your move as a long-distance move from the survey to the last box. We give you the fixed price after the survey, and your household goods are covered during transport under the statutory rules (HGB).
In Amsterdam, Utrecht or Leiden, the stairs in older buildings are often so steep and narrow that large furniture comes in through the window by external hoist; many cities also require a permit from the gemeente if the lorry parks in front of the house. We sort this out before moving day and, on request, provide interim storage if your flat is not yet free. For private customers, you will find our services under private move. That way your emigration to Holland becomes easy to plan.
Request a no-obligation quote for your move to Holland now
Fixed price after a survey for your move to Holland
Simply call us on 01625978461 or request your personal quote online. After the survey you receive a fixed price for your move to the Netherlands, listing packing, transport, furniture lift and assembly individually. We are based in Berlin (Stromstraße 21) and drive right up to your new address.
Quotes available individually based on workload, scheduling and the desired scope of services.
What we take on for your move to the Netherlands
Transport right to the canal
When you move to the Netherlands, we take on the heavy work: packing, carrying, the journey across the border and assembly in your new flat. Within the EU you do not need customs papers. What matters instead are the local particularities: steep stairs, narrow entrances and parking rules, which we clarify with you before the date so that the furniture lift and a parking space for the lorry are ready. We are liable for your belongings under the HGB; it is best to carry valuables yourself, and additional insurance is available on request. You take care of the gemeente, BSN and health insurance yourself – we tell you when each step is due.
Packing Service
Furniture lift
Furniture assembly
Interim storage
How we support you
To insure your household goods, a rough estimate of their value helps us: statutory liability is limited, and it is better to take out additional cover for valuable items. We clarify this together before your move to the Netherlands.
Reliable moving service
Safe handling
Clear communication
Structured move planning
Flexible support
Ready for everyday life
Part loads for small volumes
For smaller loads we offer a shared load: your household goods travel to Holland together with other consignments. This suits the often small flats in Dutch cities, or situations where you initially live in furnished accommodation. You save costs and only need a little flexibility on the delivery day.
Your
move – fully organised
This moving checklist for the Netherlands is about the order that counts there: find a flat, register with the gemeente, get your BSN, then a bank account, DigiD and health insurance. There is no customs duty on household goods, but there is the BPM registration tax on your car – unless you apply for the exemption for removal goods. On top of this come realistic costs and the timeline of the transport process. That way you are prepared before the first box is packed.
Planning safe and relaxed
Furniture, boxes, transport routes
Costs, timing and special cases
Frequently asked questions about moving to the Netherlands
Customs and import rules for moving to the Netherlands
As the Netherlands, like Germany, is a member of the European Union, there are no customs formalities for private household goods. You do not have to fill in customs papers or pay import taxes on furniture and personal belongings. Special rules only apply to certain goods such as weapons or prescription medicines.
If you take your car with you, you register it with the RDW (Dutch vehicle authority). The BPM registration tax is generally payable; however, if you have owned and used the car for at least six months before the move, you can apply to the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax office) within twelve months for the exemption for removal goods. Pets need an EU pet passport with a rabies vaccination. Clarify these points before your long-distance move.
Formalities after arrival: registration, BSN and insurance
If you are staying for longer than four months, you must register with the local gemeente within five days of arrival in order to receive your personal BSN number (citizen service number). This is a prerequisite for almost every other official step, from opening a bank account to signing up for health insurance. Taking out Dutch basic health insurance is also compulsory – within four months of the start of the insurance obligation.
For online dealings with the authorities you also need a DigiD login, with which you can apply online for tax returns, child benefit or housing allowance. If you work, you should also arrange the transfer of your social security in good time. We recommend preparing these formalities while you are planning your move to the Netherlands, to avoid delays.
Cost overview of the moving service
| Type of move | Price from |
|---|---|
| 1-room flat | €375 |
| 2-room flat | €589 |
| 3-room flat | €894 |
| 4-room flat | €1,309 |
| House/villa | on request |
| Long-distance move (per km) | €3.90 |
We are happy to clarify the details during a free survey.
These factors determine the moving costs
- Moving volume
- Distance (from €3.90/km)
- Floor without a lift
- Required parking restriction zone
We charge separately for furniture assembly and a shared load.
This is what we offer you in the move
What we offer you for your move
We take care of your move from A to Z, so that you can sit back and relax.
- House clearance: make space with our clearance service. House clearance
- Move with assembly: an all-round service with dismantling and assembly. Move with assembly
- Shared load: affordable transport through shared trips. Shared load
- Furniture transport: reliable transport for all kinds of furniture. Furniture transport
- Company relocation: professional moves for businesses and offices. Company relocation
- Private move: a worry-free move to your new home. Private move
From Berlin right to the canal
For us, a move to the Netherlands is a long-distance move like any other. The transport is described in our article on furniture transport to the Netherlands; routes from Berlin can be found under long-distance moves and in the locations overview.
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