Moving to the Netherlands from Singapore
Everything You Need to Know for Your Move to the Netherlands
Moving your home from Singapore to the Netherlands comes with several things to organise before your belongings are shipped. From your household inventory and residence documents to special requirements for vehicles, pets and restricted items, preparing ahead can help make the relocation process more straightforward.
Here’s what you need to know before your belongings make the journey to the Netherlands.
Your Move at a Glance
If you’re transferring your residence to the Netherlands, your used household belongings may qualify for duty-free entry when the required conditions are met.
To qualify, you must generally:
- Have lived outside the European Union for at least 12 months before leaving your country of departure.
- Be moving to live in the Netherlands.
- Be bringing household goods belonging to your residence.
- Have owned and used your personal belongings for at least 6 months before your move.
- Import your personal belongings within 12 months of arriving in the Netherlands.
- Continue using the belongings yourself and not lend, rent, pawn or sell them for 12 months after customs clearance.
If the duty-free exemption does not apply, a declaration of realistic value, signed by the customer, is required.
New Items & Appliances
Not everything is treated the same way as used household belongings.
New Furniture & Household Articles
New furniture and household articles require an invoice and are subject to payment of duties.
Electrical & Household Appliances
Electrical and household appliances can be included as household effects.
Make sure your inventory includes the brand and fabrication number for these items.
Machines & Spare Parts
Machines, appliances and spare parts require an invoice and are subject to payment of duties.
Items That Need Extra Attention
Some belongings have specific customs requirements or cannot be included in your shipment.
Wine & Alcohol
Wine and alcohol require a detailed valued list and are subject to duties and taxes.
If you're planning to ship alcohol, let us know before packing it so we can help you prepare the necessary information.
Food
Food is not allowed in the household shipment.
We recommend discussing any questionable items with your moving consultant before packing.
Medicine, Narcotics & Drugs
Medicine can be included as part of your household effects when it has been prescribed by a doctor and is part of the household effects.
Otherwise, the items are forbidden.
Unsure about a medication? Speak with us before packing.
Arms, Ammunition & Dangerous Objects
Arms, ammunition and dangerous objects require:
- Permits issued by Customs
- Authorisations from the relevant Police authorities
Do not include these items in your household shipment without confirming the applicable requirements first.
Bringing Your Vehicle?
If you’re planning to take your car or motorcycle with you, you’ll need additional documentation.
Motor Vehicles
Prepare:
- Invoice or proof of ownership
- Registration card
- Certificate of residence
- Copy of foreign insurance certificate or proof of insurance
Can your vehicle qualify for duty-free entry?
A car or motorcycle may be imported free of duties and taxes if you have:
- Owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months before shipping it, and
- Resided outside the Netherlands for at least 1 year.
Other Vehicles
For bicycles and water vehicles, you’ll need:
- Invoice
- Registration card
- Certificate of residence
Planning to ship your vehicle? Speak with us →
Moving with Plants or Wood?
Plants and wood require a phytosanitary certificate.
If you’re considering including plants or applicable wood items in your shipment, speak with your moving consultant before packing.
Bringing Your Pet to the Netherlands?
Pet relocation requires advance preparation.
For cats, dogs and other animals, you'll need:
You should also contact your destination agent in the Netherlands before shipping your pet.
Special Types of Relocation
Wedding Trousseaux
Wedding trousseaux can qualify for duty-free entry. You'll need:
- Inventory in 2 copies
- Marriage certificate
- Certificate of residence
- Exemption of duties form
Inherited Goods
Inherited household goods can qualify for duty-free entry. You'll need:
- Application for exemption for inheritance
- Copy of the applicant's passport
- Registration of residence at the town hall
- Two signed inventory lists
-
Notary statement confirming:
- The goods originate from an inheritance
- The date the deceased passed away
- The date the goods were acquired by the applicant
-
If a motor vehicle or another vehicle is included in the inheritance,
additional documentation is required:
- Vehicle registration
- Purchase or ownership document
Diplomatic Relocations
Diplomatic removals have separate requirements.
A diplomatic passport is required.
Duty-free entry is available provided that:
- The person is not a Dutch national.
- The person is not permanently resident in the Netherlands.
- For administrative, technical and service staff, more than 10 years have not passed since the start of employment in the Netherlands.
Alcohol and cigarettes may also be imported by diplomats within limits determined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Restricted & Prohibited Items
Certain products entering the Netherlands are prohibited or may require an import licence.
These include categories such as:
- Weapons and ammunition
- Protected species of fauna and flora
- Drugs
- Strategic goods
- Environmentally unfriendly items
As the owner of the shipment, you remain responsible for its contents and should make sure you understand any restrictions or prohibitions before moving.
One Important Thing to Know About Your Container
Containers arriving at the Port of Rotterdam with excessive concentrations of gas may be removed from the logistics transport chain.
Fumigated containers with excessive gas concentrations can face delays of several months before being released to the consignee, with potentially significant additional costs.
Before Your Shipment Leaves Singapore
Your Documents
Your Household Goods
Additional Items
Why Choose CM Relocation?
Making your move from Singapore to the Netherlands simpler
Moving internationally involves plenty of details, from preparing your belongings to arranging transportation and coordinating the destination side of your relocation.
At CM Relocation, we help coordinate the key stages of your move, giving you one team to work with from Singapore through to your new home in the Netherlands.
Our services include
Professional Packing
Careful preparation of your belongings for international transportation.
International Shipping
Shipping solutions based on your household size and requirements.
Customs Coordination
Support with the documentation and clearance process.
Door-to-Door Delivery
Coordinated collection, transportation and delivery to your new home.
Personalised Relocation Support
Guidance throughout the different stages of your international move.
General FAQ for Moving to Netherlands
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your household belongings may qualify for duty-free entry if you meet the applicable conditions, including having lived outside the EU for at least 12 months and having owned and used your belongings for at least 6 months before the move.
No. Food is not allowed in the shipment.
Yes. A car or motorcycle may qualify for duty- and tax-free entry if you’ve owned and used it for at least 6 months before shipping and have lived outside the Netherlands for at least one year. Additional documentation is required.
Yes, but health and vaccination certificates are required for cats, dogs and other animals. You should also contact your destination agent in the Netherlands before shipping your pet.
More Questions on shipping to Netherlands?
We will be happy to answer them.
Please email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to assist with your move.