Long-distance move Berlin – Ghent: route process & deadlines

As Belgium, like Germany, is a member of the EU, there is no customs clearance when moving to Ghent – regardless of your nationality, because goods move within the EU single market without customs checks. An inventory list is still useful, for liability and unpacking. Pets are subject to the EU rules for pet animals.

After arrival, as an EU citizen moving from Germany, you register with the city of Ghent within three months; the police then come to carry out a residence check. As a resident you register your car in Belgium; the Belgian vehicle registration office specifies the deadline and documents. A checklist can be found in the article Emigrating to Belgium.

On moving day in Ghent, access is what matters most. A large part of the city centre around the Graslei, Korenlei and Belfry is car-free; since 2017 it has been divided into sectors, and car traffic runs via the R40 and R4 ring roads. In sub-municipalities such as Sint-Amandsberg, Ledeberg or Mariakerke, access is usually easier. During the survey we clarify where the van can stand and how far it is to the front door.

A feature of many old buildings in Ghent is narrow, steep staircases; in that case we plan a furniture lift. You or we submit the application for the street space in good time before moving day; the deadlines are given below. Ghent has around 270,000 inhabitants and, with Ghent University and Volvo Cars Gent, is an important place of work in Flanders.

Our price structure is clearly defined: 1 room from €359, 2 rooms from €609, 3 rooms from €915, 4 rooms from €1,299. We calculate larger properties such as houses or villas individually. Anyone moving over longer distances pays from €4.10/km for the long-distance move. The quickest way is a free survey.

The price is determined by the volume, the distance (from €4.10/km) and the number of floors. An available lift reduces the effort, while a parking restriction zone increases it. A part load also affects the final amount.

Whether private or business – we have the right solution for your move.

1. Business move: Efficient planning for offices and companies. Business move
2. Private move: Personal support for your new home. Private move
3. House clearance: Fast disposal and tidying up. House clearance
4. Move with assembly: Furniture is professionally assembled and dismantled. Move with assembly
5. Furniture transport: Individual transport for bulky goods. Furniture transport
6. Part load: An affordable alternative for small volumes. Part load

We plan moves from Berlin (Stromstraße 21), including to Belgium and back. The locations overview shows places with their own pages, and you can read more about long routes under Long-distance moves.

Anyone carrying out a move in Ghent who needs the pavement, carriageway or parking spaces for it requires, according to Stad Gent, a "vergunning inname publieke ruimte", i.e. a permit for the use of public space. The responsible body is the Afdeling Innames Publieke Ruimte (IPR). It weighs up safety, quality of life and mobility and obtains opinions from the fire service, De Lijn, IVAGO and the Mobiliteitsbedrijf, among others.

On traffic signs, the city states two rules: before 1 January 2027 you organise and put up the necessary signs yourself; they are often hired. For permits after this date, the city puts up the E1 and E3 no-parking signs; any further signs remain your responsibility. Damaged road markings are repaired at your expense.

For moves, loading and unloading and building sites, you can reach the IPR on 09 266 79 90 or at [email protected]. Private individuals can track the status of their application via mijnburgerprofiel.be. The city shows parking bans already granted on a map; it covers bans for moves, deliveries and works lasting longer than five days.

What planning at the loading address in Berlin looks like can be found under Parking restriction zone. Districts and access routes are described in the guide Moving to Ghent.

Ghent operates a low emission zone (Lage-emissiezone, LEZ). For foreign vehicles, the city states: they can be registered via the LEZ checking tool, some free of charge, and this registration then applies to all Flemish low emission zones. Registration must take place no later than one day after entering the zone. Alternatively there is an LEZ day pass, which applies to every type of vehicle, a maximum of twelve times a year, and must also be bought no later than one day after entering. The page does not state the price; check whether your particular vehicle is affected via lez.stad.gent or on +32 9 210 10 30.

Ghent also has a car-free area in the city centre: Stad Gent has a separate page on the "Vergunningen autovrij gebied", i.e. the permit to enter this zone. Anyone who needs to drive into the centre with the removal vehicle should clarify this in advance.

According to the city, the change of address to or within Ghent can be made directly online, and it also offers a moving checklist; questions are answered by Gentinfo on 09 210 10 10 (Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm) or at [email protected]. The city has separate pages for students, Belgians with a second residence and people without a fixed residence (reference address). Everyday tips can be found in our guide Living in Ghent.