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Moving back to the UK from Germany? Clear guidance and a free quote from one vetted, FIDI-certified partner mover.
In short: A move from Germany to the UK is connected to one certified FIDI FAIM partner mover, free and with no obligation. Before you leave Germany, you deregister your address (Abmeldung) at the Bürgeramt. On the UK side, ToR1 is the Transfer of Residence form that lets your used belongings come in free of duty and VAT.
Most moves go by road via the Channel, and door-to-door times are usually a few days depending on your German city and UK destination. Your partner mover confirms the timeline and the document list for your route.
Before you go, deregister your German address with Abmeldung at your local Bürgeramt. Skipping it can leave you liable for German tax and registration after you have left, which is a headache to unpick from the UK. These are sometimes called overseas removals or house removals to Germany, and the removal services described here cover all of them.
German speakers often search for this move as Umzug nach England or Umzug von Deutschland, so if you are helping a German partner or family member, those are the terms they will use.
On the UK side, ToR1 is the Transfer of Residence form. It lets you bring your used personal belongings into the UK free of import duty and VAT, as long as you are moving your home here and have owned and used the goods. You apply to HMRC before your goods arrive, and you receive a reference the mover uses at the border.
This applies whether you are a British citizen coming home or a German national moving to join family or work. Your partner mover talks you through the form and the timing.
Most moves travel by road, crossing on the Channel Tunnel or ferry, then on to your UK address. A dedicated vehicle is quicker and more flexible; a shared load is cheaper for smaller moves. Door-to-door transit is usually a few days, longer for a shared load that waits for other shipments.
To get a free quote, send your German collection city, your UK destination and a rough idea of your volume. We connect you with one FIDI-certified partner mover who quotes directly. The enquiry is free.
This guide is written and maintained by Darren Benjamin, founder of International Removals Companies (DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD, company number 07425576). Darren has worked in international removals and logistics for over 20 years and has been a director of a UK removals company since 2013.
The international movers and international moving companies we work with hold FIDI FAIM Certified, BAR Overseas, IAM, EUROMOVERS and FEDEMAC accreditations where confirmed. Only FIDI FAIM is an audited certification, checked by Ernst and Young. To hold it, a moving company must pass more than 200 independent quality checks and be re-audited every three years.
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One FIDI-certified partner mover gives you the quote directly. Free enquiry, no obligation to book.
Get a Germany Removals QuoteFree enquiry service. One FIDI-certified partner moving company. No obligation.
Moving between the UK and Germany means switching between pounds and euros. German landlords normally ask for a deposit of two to three months' cold rent (Kaltmiete) in euros before they hand over the keys, and that is usually the first large euro payment you will make. International Removals Companies can connect you with a trusted currency exchange partner at no charge. Ask about this when you request your Germany removals quote.
This is a customer convenience only. International Removals Companies does not give exchange rate advice, forecasts, savings claims, urgency claims or instructions to transfer money.
See our verified Germany partner movers for more on the partner network and accreditation details.
International moving companies price by cubic metre, not by room count or weight. A sparsely furnished three bed house can cost less than a heavily furnished two bed flat. Reducing volume before the survey is the most effective way to lower the figure.
Ground floor with parking outside is straightforward. A fourth floor German apartment with no lift, restricted parking and a narrow stairwell may need an external furniture lift. Describe access honestly at survey stage so it is priced in rather than discovered on the day.
June to August is peak season across the European moving industry, and prices rise while availability tightens. October to March is materially cheaper. Month-end and Friday collections are busier than mid-week, mid-month slots.