Transfer of Residence

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• Passport copy
• Original bill of lading (OBL) / airway bill (AWB)
• Packing list
• Pro-forma invoice
• Convention Marchandises Routiers (CMR )

Specific Information

• The owner of the goods should be present at the destination and should have a valid visa.
• The owner of the goods should be employed with a registered company.
• Temporary import of household goods and personal effects is duty and taxes free.
• • This is valid for 12 months and can be renewed every year until the time the foreigner has finished his or her stay and is ready to re-export the shipment.
• Permanent import of household and personal effects is subject to customs duties and taxes.
• • Additionally, a value added tax (VAT) of 20% is charged on the import.
• Only a limited amount of foodstuff, new items, and electronics are allowed duty free. 

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Title / registration

Specific Information

• It is difficult for a foreigner to import a motor vehicle into Lithuania and is not recommended.

Pets

Documents Required

• Vaccination record
• Veterinary health record

Specific Information

• Cats and dogs are subject to special regulations of the European Parliament and of the Council (EC No. 998/2003). 

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Vodka / other alcoholic drinks (1 L)
• Wine (3 L)
• Beer (5 L)
• Tobacco (200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco)
• Sugar (1 kg)
• Chocolate (3 kg)
• Coffee(2 kg)
• Jewelry (50 kg)
• Petrol (20 L)
• Car (1) 

Prohibited Items

• Firearms
• Ammunition
• Drugs
• Pornographic materials
• Live animals 

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• Copy of passport
• Packing list copy in French or in German
• Bill of lading (express release) / air waybill (AWB)
• Certificate de Franchise en Douane
• T-Form for transit within the European Union (EU) (new furniture and goods)
• Original purchase invoice of new furniture and goods
• Consumption declaration (COM 4) for new furniture and goods
• Customs declaration in French or German
• Inventory list numbered in French or English and without any blanks (5 copies)
• Declaration 136 F
• Attestation from employer / “Fiche de Renseignements”
• Inventory list in French or English (3 original, completed, and signed on every page by the owner of the goods)

Specific Information

• Based on these documents, we will set-up the Customs declaration in French, that the owner of the goods will have to sign in original (as well as the passport copy, the packing list, and an attestation that the belongings are used).
• If the owner of the goods cannot provide the certificate “de franchise en douane” because the owner of the goods does not have a permanent residence permit, then the owner of the goods must provide:
  • Attestation from employer telling that the employee was residing outside the European territory for these last 12 months
  • Copy of rental contract in Luxembourg
• If the employer cannot provide the attestation from employer, then the employer needs to provide utility bills covering the last 12 months before arriving in Luxembourg.
• If an owner of the goods cannot provide some of the documents, a deposit for temporary import formalities is available.
• All new furniture and goods are subject to taxes duties.
• Diplomat removals are duty-free entry IF a 136 F declaration can be provided by the diplomatic organization / Embassy in Luxembourg.
• Removals within the EU territory are not subject to taxes duties.
• Duty-free entry for used furniture and goods must meet the following criteria:
  • The objects have been owned and used abroad by the owner of the goods.
  • The goods will clearly show signs of use.
  • The articles were not obtained for the purpose of a duty-free import.
• For used furniture and goods, a provisional exemption of duties will be granted by Customs pending the presentation of documents and the authorization, against a deposit of the following:
  • The import charges (approximately 3.5% of the declared value of the goods),
  • The value added tax (VAT) of 15% (based on 10% plus the declared value)
  • A sum of €200.00 to secure a correct settlement of the Customs documents.
• The certificate of residence must be issued by the local authorities (Commune) of the new domicile in Luxembourg, showing the nationality, previous residence abroad for at least 12 months, and the date of registration of the domicile in Luxembourg, and state that the applicant has not resided previously in Luxembourg (nationals not previously living in Luxembourg).
• For citizens residing abroad for at least 12 months with a declaration of change of domicile, a certificate of residence issued by the local authorities (Commune) of the new domicile in Luxembourg, showing the nationality, the previous residence abroad, the date of the previous de-registration of domicile on leaving Luxembourg and the date of the re-registration of domicile in Luxembourg or two certificates are required:
  • One issued by the local authorities (Commune) in the city of residence in Luxembourg, bearing the date of emigration, and the commune abroad to which the owner of the goods relocated.
  • One issued by the local authorities (Commune) in the city of the new residence.
• For nationals or non - citizens registering for a change of residence within the previous year  or no change of residence, proof must be furnished that:
  • The stay is not the consequence of a temporary situation (travel, mission, studies) of limited duration.
  • The owner of the goods had no residence in Luxembourg throughout the entire duration of stay abroad.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Copy of passport
• Original title
• Customs declaration in French, signed by the owner of the goods
• Original bill of lading / air waybill  
• Original purchase invoice
• Proof of insurance covering the previous 6 months
• Certificate of residence
• Proof of invoice or another document as evidence of the ownership abroad
• Letter from Ministry of Foreign Affairs verifying diplomatic status or employment
• T-Form for transit within the European Union (EU)

Specific Information

• Vehicles are permitted duty-free if in the owner of the goods’ possession and use for at least 6 months, had more than 6000 km when registering with the local authorities (Commune), and note that the owner of the goods is transferring to a residence to Luxembourg.
• The car will not be sold or transferred before 12 months after the move.

Pets

Documents Required

• Vaccination record
• Veterinary health certificate

Specific Information

• Medical examination may be required on arrival
• As regulations are often changing, contact the destination agent or Consulate for specific information.

Wedding Trousseau / Gifts

• Form 136
• Inventory certificate from the local authorities abroad, giving evidence that the applicant has resided together with his parents before marriage (residence is compulsory for one person of the couple) (duty-free import - 5 copies)
• Certificate document showing place and date of the marriage (duty-free import)
• Document showing that at the time of the marriage one spouse was residing in the country and the other abroad (duty-free import)

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Dangerous objects (an authorization from the Ministry of Justice is required prior to import)
• Tobacco
• Spirits and wine (a detailed list showing the number, the size and degree of alcohol of the bottles as follows:
  • If < 13° = 12% VAT on the declared value + taxes of € 13.1 per hectoliter
  • If > 13° = 15% VAT on the declared value + taxes of € 13.1 per hectoliter

Prohibited Items

• Ammunition
• Ivory
• Medicines
• Narcotics and drugs

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• Passport
• Detailed inventory in English, dated and signed by the owner of the goods
• Copy of bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
• Full contact information of the owner of the goods in Malaysia
• Letter of employment / copy of work permit
• Copy of Malaysian ID (returning citizens)
• List of electrical items
• Diplomatic exemption letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (obtained by the Embassy - diplomats)

Specific Information

• The owner of the goods must be present in the country when the goods are being imported
• All shipments are subject to Customs examination
• ISPM 15 fumigation is required for all wooden packaging materials at origin country prior to import.
• All used household goods and personal effects used and owned by the owner of the goods for more than 6 months may be imported into Malaysia duty free.
• Items less than 6 months old are subject to Customs duties and taxes.
• Some entry ports in Malaysia may require an electrical board permit for all electrical goods.
• The list of electrical items must include the item name, model, make, serial number and year of purchase (not required for port of entry at Port Kelang).
• List of additional items include detailed information for books, VCDs, DVDs, CDs, etc. included in shipment
• The diplomatic letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes approximately 7-10 business days to obtain; check with agent regarding requirements to be included in the letter.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Original passport (1 copy)
• Original registration (1 copy)
• Proof of ownership
• Original insurance policy in country of origin proving use (1 copy)
• Letter from owner of the goods requesting permission to import a motor vehicle

Specific Information

• All motor vehicles imported attract high import duties and taxes.
• All documentation is required a minimum of 7 days prior to arrival of the vessel or 2 days prior to arrival of the flight to avoid incurring additional shipments (excludes diplomats).
• The process can take between 7 - 14 working days for the Ministry to issue the exemption letter.
• The owner of the goods must apply for 1 import permit per vehicle with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in Kuala Lumpur prior to import.
  • The owner of the goods can only import a motor vehicle if approved.
• Import duties where the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value is less than RM 20,000.00, is approximately 170% - 300% and subject to taxes of approximately 10% - 20%.

Pets

Documents Required

• Certificate of vaccination
• Veterinary health certificate
• Import permit

Specific Information

• To apply for an import permit the owner of the goods must provide rabies / vaccination given 2 weeks validity with documentation and a microchip, along with the owner of the goods’ passport and/or Malaysian ID (returning citizens), and their complete address.
  • This takes a day and is valid for 30 days.
• West Malaysia and East Malaysia have completely different set of government regulations.
  • Please check with destination agent in Malaysia for more specific information.
• All pets arriving after 10:00pm, will be charged for overtime cost at USD 80.00 flat rate
• No food will be provided while in quarantine, please make sure sufficient food is supplied at the quarantine.
  • Attach food for the duration of quarantine; otherwise food will be given for a cost.
• Space must be reserved for quarantine in advance of arrival.
• The owner of the goods is allowed to visit the pet(s) at quarantine within office hours and on weekends upon special request to be made in advance.
• Every pet owner is allowed to import their own pets, as long as rabies / vaccination documentation is up to date.
• The veterinary health certificate must be issued 7 days prior to departure and state that the animal has been free from rabies during the preceding 6 months.
• Cats and dogs are subject to quarantine in West Malaysia, if they are imported from Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan or Sweden.
• Cats and dogs are subject to quarantine between 30 and 180 days inEast Malaysia.
  • The government State Veterinarian Department will consider house quarantine after 30 days, subject to a formal application and approval during the first week of quarantine.
• Detailed information regarding the transport of animals must be provided to the destination airport prior to departure, including the type and number of pets.

Antiques, Artifacts, Carpets, Paintings

Documents Required

• Import permit
• Origin certificate
• Photograph of Item
• Valuation report

Specific Information

• Contact the destination agent in Malaysia for further instruction.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Liquor, wine and tobacco (a special import permit is required and is difficult to obtain); these items are subject to high import duties and taxes.
• To import alcohol or tobacco a list must be supplied mentioning type of alcohol, quantity in ml or liter, country of origin, purchase value and percent of alcohol. 
• The following items may qualify for free import if within the indicated limits:
  • Cigarettes (200), tobacco (225 g)
  • Alcohol (1 L)
• • Books,VCD,DVD, CD, etc. (subject to censorship screening on arrival).
  • A screening fee will be charged directly to the owner of the goods.
• Restricted pets include:
• Bull mastiff
• Bull terrier
• Doberman
• Rottweiler
• Belgian / German shepherds
• To import these pets requires a pedigree certificate and micro-chip.
  • The government veterinary officer will inspect owner’s residence prior to approval for import permit.

Prohibited Items

• Narcotics (the death penalty is given for drug trafficking)
• Non-branded drugs
• Firearms, gas pistols, electric shock batons, stun guns (and similar weapons), ammunition and explosives (flares incorporating a barrel, etc.)
• Indecent or obscene video cassettes, DVDs, films, books, magazines and other articles
• Flick knives, butterfly knives and certain other offensive weapons, including some martial arts weapons
• Counterfeit currency
• Radio transmitters, walkie-talkies, citizen band radios, cordless telephones, etc. (an import permit is required)
• Meat and poultry; many other animal products; check with agent
• Plants and plant produce including trees and shrubs, potatoes and certain other vegetables, fruit, bulbs and seeds
• Animals and birds, whether alive or dead (egg. stuffed), parts and articles derived from protected species, including furs, skins, ivory, reptile leather and goods made from them

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required                                          

• Copy of passport
• Detailed inventory 
• Bewijs van aanmelding
• Aangifte – Douane 39 form (diplomats)
• Copy of the registration at town/city hall where the shipper will live (document must mention the country the shipper is moving from).
• When client does not have his town/city hall registration yet, client may also submit a proof of deregistration from the country of origin. Please also supply one of the following documents:
  • Copy of a work contract or declaration from the employer confirming the period of working for them abroad and will now be working for them in the Netherlands as from …… (date),

OR

• Copy of a rental agreement or purchase contract of the residence in the Netherlands. This may not be older than 6 months.

Specific Information

• The “Bewijs van aanmelding” is the certificate from the population register of the municipality showing owner of the goods’ intent to reside in the Netherlands
• The Netherlands application is a required form that must be filled out to be able to move to the Netherlands
• All fumigated containers arriving in the port of Rotterdam or Antwerp with an excessive concentration of gas will be removed from the logistic transport chain. 
  • Delays may take several months before the container is released. 
  • High costs may be incurred due to any delays.
• The following conditions must apply for the duty-free import of the household effects shipment:
  • The permanent residence of the owner of the goods must be the Netherlands or another European Union member country.
  • The previous permanent residence of the owner of the goods situated outside of the European Union for at least 12 months.
  • All goods have been used as part of the normal household of the owner of the goods and will be used for the same purpose.
  • All goods have been in the owner of the goods’ possession for at least 6 months and have been used during that time.
  • The goods will be imported into the Netherlands within 12 months after registration.
  • The goods will not be sold, rented off or given away within 12 months after registration in the Netherlands.
• Owners of the goods must apply to Customs for the exemption in the import declaration.
  • The following documents are required:
    • A signed inventory listing all of the personal goods in the shipment.
    • The certificate of registration in the personal records database of the municipality in the Netherlands.
      • Must certify that the date on which the owner of the goods has established in the Netherlands or another country within the European Union.
      • Owner of the goods can also send comparable documentary evidence demonstrating that this is the case.
        • Employment contract
        • Employer statement
        • Work permit
        • Rental contract or mortgage certificate for new place of residence

• All containers arriving in the Port of Rotterdam with an excessive concentration of gas will be taken out from the logistic transport chain. (Methyl bromide is mostly used toxic gas).

• According to the Ministry one may expect delays running up to several months before a fumigated container finally will be released to the consignee. Obviously high costs will be involved if a container has an excessive concentration of gas.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Certificate of title / registration
• Purchase invoice or other proof of ownership
• Original bill of lading
• Certificate of residence
• Copy of foreign insurance certificate or proof of insurance

Specific Information

• Consideration for an application for free entry of motor vehicles is 4 to 6 weeks
• A separate application for any tax exemption must be completed if not imported with the household effects shipment.
• A technical inspection as well as registration is required at the RDW after Customs clearance.

Pets

Documents Required

• Vaccination record
• Veterinary health certificate

Specific Information

• The veterinary health certificate must be signed by an authorized veterinarian within 8 days of import.
• The vaccination record must be signed at least 31 days prior to departure but not longer than 12 months prior to import.

Wedding Trousseau / Gifts

• Inventory in 2 copies.
• Marriage certificate.
• Certificate of residence.
• Exemption of duties form.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Hunting and shooting firearms require a permit issued by the Dutch authoritie
• Medicines:
  • To import medicines, a manufacturing license issued by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport is required.
  • Medications must be for personal use.
  • Owners of the goods should request a medical passport from a general practitioner to verify the personal use of the medication. 
• Plants / flowers / fruits / vegetables:
  • These items resquire a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin declaring the items healthy and free from diseases.
  • If a phytosanitary certificate is unavailable, Customs will confiscate the items.
• Animal Products / Food Items:
  • A health certificate is required for the import of these items, including but not limited to, cheese, milk, eggs, meat, meat products, animal skins, and hunting trophies.
  • The health certificate must be issued by the authorities of the origin country at the time the goods are imported.
  • All animal products and food items are subject to veterinary examination upon arrival.
  • Goods of animal origin, including food items, are subject to special requirements. 
    • Contact the destination for specific information and exceptions.
  • Powdered milk, baby food, and special food items for medical purposed may be imported provided the following requirements are met:
    • The products do not need to be chilled prior to consumption.
    • The products are packaged products of a registered trademark.
    • The packaging should be unopened and undamaged.
  • An exemption from the required health certificate applies to products in which an animal ingredient is no longer identifiable (e.g., chocolate, etc.).
  • Contact the Dutch Embassy in the origin country if you need assistance.

Prohibited Items

• Weapons (toy and imitation) and ammunition (strike, thrust or stabbing weapons; gas pistols, alarm pistols, pepper sprays, etc.)
• Alcohol / Cigarettes / Tobacco