Moving Guide
– Netherlands
Your Move, Delivered Perfectly
Removals to Netherlands
Moving to or from the Netherlands is made effortless with Britannia Alan Cook. Our commitment goes beyond mere relocation – we take pride in offering a suite of removal services tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re in need of storage solutions or expert packing assistance, our goal is to ensure your move to or from the Netherlands is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
At Britannia Alan Cook, we’re your trusted solution for relocation to the Netherlands, irrespective of the size or destination. Whether you’re navigating local landscapes or exploring picturesque regions, our seamless service is supported by the extensive network of Britannia Movers International. Your journey to the Netherlands begins with us.
For more details on our European Removal services, click here. Alternatively, contact us to arrange a free quotation, or if you have any further questions.
Country Facts: Netherlands
Time Zone: UTC + 1
Mainland Netherlands uses Central European time zone (UTC +1). From the last Sunday of March until the last Sunday of October, the clocks change to Central European summer time and move forward one hour
Currency: Euros
Calling Code: +31
Languages spoken
Dutch is the official language
Importing Personal Effects
The below documents are required to import personal effects into the Netherlands from the UK:
- Clear copy of the photo page of shipper’s passport
- Copy of the registration document from the town/city in the
- Netherlands that shipper will reside in (This document must mention the country that the shipper moved from)
- If importer does not have the registration document, then alternatively, it should be ok to provide a document showing de-registration from current country. A document such as a letter from last employer stating dates worked from and to.
- Another option is to provide a Dutch property rental agreement (which cannot be older than 6 months)
Personal effects should be able to be imported duty free if above documents can be provided and it is proved:
- Shipper lived outside of the EU for 12 months or more
- Shipper owned the personal effects for 6 months or more
- Belongings arrive within 12 months of the shipper
- Shipper will use the effects in the Netherlands for at least 12 months after import.
Importing Vehicles
If importer has owned the vehicle for 6 months or more has lived outside of the Netherlands for 12 months or more and can supply the below required documents, then vehicle will be considered for import duty and tax free:
- Copy of vehicle invoice
- Certificate of residence
- Registration card
- Insurance certificate or proof vehicle was insured before importation to the Netherlands.
Moving Pets
Health & vaccination certificates will be required
Contact a pet moving specialist for advice and full list of requirements to import a pet into the Netherlands.
Prohibitions and Restrictions:
Food cannot be imported into the Netherlands from the UK
The import of alcohol into the Netherlands is subject to payment of duties & taxes.
Import of medicines will only be permitted with a valid prescription from a doctor.
Importing plants do you need a Phytosanitary certificate.
Due to the additional time for customs clearance it is not recommended to include any plants with an import of personal effects into the Netherlands. There will almost certainly be large additional charges and there are no guarantees that import of the plants will be granted.
General information about the country and what it is known for
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is made up of 12 separate provinces, North and South Holland are 2 of the 12 provinces. Despite this fact, The Netherlands has also been known and referred to as Holland in the past, both in the Netherlands and throughout the world. However, in 2020, the Dutch government officially dropped the use of the name Holland so it can be known only as ‘The Netherlands’.
There are more bikes in the Netherlands than people. It has been estimated that there are between 22-23 million bikes (which includes about 2.4 million e-bikes) in the Netherlands, compared to approximately 17 million people. In the Netherlands you can find a ‘bakfiets’, which literally translates to box bike. ‘Bakifets’ look like a bike with a large container on the front, the container can be used to transport kids, pets and shopping. The large number of bikes means there is also a high amount of bike theft in the Netherlands. The most common crime in the Amsterdam (the capital city of the Netherlands) is bike theft, up to 80,000 bikes are estimated to be stolen a year.
Orange is the national colour of the Netherlands. The connection with orange can be traced back many hundreds of years through the Dutch monarchy and their lineage with the house of orange. The Netherlands’ connection to orange is seen a number of ways, such as the orange kits their national football, hockey and rugby teams wear. There is an often told folklore that back during a period, possibly at a time during the 17th century the Dutch even turned carrots orange as a tribute to William of Orange. Before this time, carrots were predominantly yellow, white or purple. This folklore has been refuted by a number of sources who state there is no documented evidence that it could have happened.
Whether you need a permit to work or live there
A UK citizen would very likely need to have a residence and work permit to work and live full time in the Netherlands.
International money transfers
If transferring currency from or to the UK, IFX can use their expertise to save you money with competitive rates that are better than the high street bank. Please contact them to see how much you can save.
For more information about the Netherlands removals and storage services, please contact our friendly team. Alternatively, please complete our contact us form and we will be in touch as soon as possible.
