Customs Duties

In general the import of goods and registration of your car or motorcycle are liable to taxes, but this is not necessarily the case when you are moving. To take along your personal belongings, for example, your household effects and necessities, personal hygiene products, vehicles, dogs and cats, tax-free with you into the Netherlands you will, however, have to make a few provisions. The rules that apply to your situation depend on the country from which you are moving. The rules are different when you move from an EU country than from a non-EU country. The EU countries are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom and Sweden.

EU countries

 

When you are moving from an EU country to the Netherlands: there is basically a free movement of goods within the EU. You can bring your personal belongings along with you without having to apply for a permit or having to pay duties and taxes. You do need a permit, however, for bringing your car or motorcycle along with you. If you wish to bring your dog or cat when you are moving to the Netherlands, it needs a pet passport. Your pet must be examined by a recognized vet in the country you are moving from in order to obtain such a passport. Your dog or cat must have been vaccinated within 1 year and at least 30 days before your move.

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Non-EU countries

 

Moving from a non-EU country, you do need a permit for the duty-free import into the Netherlands of your personal belongings. You can apply for a permit at the customs district in the area in which your future residence is located. It is advisable to apply for this permit well before moving to the Netherlands. With your application you must also submit a list stating all the goods you wish to bring into the Netherlands. And there are more things you should take into account. For example, your dog or cat may not enter the country without its own passport for which you will have to see a vet first.

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Pets

 

If you wish to bring your dog or cat when you are moving to the Netherlands, it needs its own pet passport. Your pet must be examined by a recognized vet in the country you are moving from in order to obtain such a passport. Your dog or cat must have been vaccinated within 1 year and at least 30 days before your move. Please take into account that applying for such a passport will take some time. You should, therefore, apply for it at your vet no later than 10 days before your move. If you do not have a pet passport, your dog or cat will be vaccinated upon entering the country after which it will have to remain in quarantine for 30 days.

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This information is for informative purposes only, is general in nature, and is not intended to be a substitute for competent legal and professional advice. For specific questions and services we recommend you contact your removal contractor.

Source: Moving to the Netherlands, brochure of the Dutch Customs

Information: Netherlands Ministry of Finance
Belastingdienst Douane
http://www.belastingdienst.nl

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