Belgium
MOVING TO OR FROM BELGIUM
All GB Liners’ branches have the facility to know how to quote for and arrange and operate European moves. We recognise, however, that not every branch can be an expert for every European destination and so we have therefore chosen to designate our Hereford branch as our “centre of expertise” for Belgium. You can contact them by phoning 01432 272274 or emailing hereford@gbliners.com if you require specialist advice. Alternatively, of course, you can contact your local branch if you don’t think you need specialist help.
Sat – 9:00am – 12:00pm
Living in belgium
Advice on living in Belgium can be obtained from:
Customs Formalities for Moving To Belgium
Most Customs regimes have several factors in common:
- People moving to an EU country on a transfer of residence basis (i.e. moving their main place of residence from the UK to that EU country for work or personal reasons) are generally permitted to import their household and personal belongings free of duty and tax.
- There is usually a requirement to prove that the person moving has previously resided in the UK for a specified qualifying period, by means of presenting documents such as Council Tax bills, bank statements, utility bills etc.
- There is usually a requirement to prove that permission for residency or employment in the destination country has been granted.
- There is usually a requirement to prove identity by providing a passport copy.
- New items (usually less than 6 months old) may be subject to tax.
- Certain item are usually prohibited e.g. guns, animal skins or products, etc.
- Certain items are usually restricted e.g. alcohol, tobacco etc.
You will need to be able to supply any required information or documentation before the move is packed, to allow us to have it checked by our agent in the destination country for confirmation that everything is in order. This is essential to ensure that there are no delays at the destination border due to missing or incorrect documentation.
For a move to an EU country being made for any reason other than a transfer of residence, then you should ask us to check the specific Customs requirements for your circumstances and this should be done as early in the process as possible. If, for example, your circumstances were such that carrying-out the move would incur a significant duty or tax liability then that may influence your decision to move altogether. It is essential therefore, that such issues are raised as early as possible.
If you are furnishing a holiday or secondary home in an EU country (that is a home other than your main place of residence), then usually you will have to pay duty or tax on the items that you are moving.
Customs regulations and document requirements for Belgium
- Passport (copy including the page with customer’s signature).
- Certificate of Residence obtained from the local Belgian town hall – copy is acceptable.
- Change of Residence Certificate (for Belgian citizens) – this should confirm residency in the origin country for at least 12 months with start and end dates.
- Proof of cancellation of residence abroad.
- Non-valued inventory list or packing list in English, French or German signed in original by customer.
- Certificate stating that the customer has resided outside the European Community for at least twelve months prior to arrival in Belgium (certificate issued by the Belgium Consulate at the place of origin) or employer in country of origin or branch office in Belgium.
- For company moves, a signed and stamped declaration from the employer confirming that the transfer is required.
Documents required for export clearance out of Belgium (for UK bound moves)
- Copies of Inventory.
- Copies of customers passports.
- Completion of UK transfer of residence application and generation of a URN number provided to us by you. (See relevant web page.)