Moving to Belgium
The French-speaking Walloons and Flemings took root in this land in the olden days and gave this wonderful country its own identity. The rich history and high standards of living have made Belgium appealing to individuals looking for changes.
People throughout the world move to Belgium for different reasons. No matter what reason it is for you, knowing what household goods you can bring and how to import them is a crucial step in your relocation journey.
Prior to packing your bags for a move to Belgium, take a look at our moving to Belgium guide to gain essential shipping and customs knowledge that will set you up for success.
Moving to Belgium would require thorough planning and preparation months in advance. We know how stressful and overwhelming it can get and therefore have prepared for you the following moving to Belgium guide.
Moving to Belgium by Sea Freight
When moving to Belgium you want to get your valuables safely transported while staying within the budget. Sea freight shipping is the ultimate way to transport cargo when moving overseas. Depending on the amount of household items you are moving to Belgium, you may have the following method of transportation:
Moving to Belgium by Air Freight
If you need to move to Belgium fast, require items immediately after landing or transport luxury or antique goods, air freight is the way to go. Within 3-4 days your valuables will reach Belgium from any part of the world. The following 3 shipping sizes are offered by Hercules Moving Company:
If you are planning to move a 3 to 5-bedroom house, a Sole Use Container is the right shipping option for you. All of your items will be allocated into one container with only you and your moving company having access to it. Here are 3 sizes offered by Hercules Moving Company:
If you are moving to Belgium with only essential items, choose to transport them via shared container. This concept allows multiple senders to fill one full container when moving to Belgium, making it more affordable. Shared container shipments can be of two types:
Groupage Shipping
Groupage shipments refer to a method where the moving company collects multiple small cargoes that are parting to a similar location/area. Best to be used when moving to famous destinations, otherwise you risk waiting somewhat longer than intended.
LCL shipping
In LCL or Less than Container Load, in comparison to groupage, your moving company would create a custom wooden crate and pass it on to a freight forwarder to be transported to Belgium on your behalf.
It is known that the fastest way to move from one place to another is by plane. Therefore, shipping your household goods by air freight is a convenient way to move to Belgium if you need your items quickly and with minimum wait time. Your cargo will arrive in Belgium in a matter of days. Choose one of the following shipment sizes when moving to Belgium:
Door to Port vs. Door to Door Moving
The following 2 ways are offered by Hercules moving company when moving to Belgium:
Door-to-port shipping consists of processes that induce disassembling and packing items in your home country and transporting it to be shipped to Belgium afterwards. This method is great for those, who are obliged to be present during customs clearance.
Door-to-door incorporates the process of relocation from start to finish fully supervised and managed by the moving company. It is useful for those, who do not wish to hire another moving company in Belgium and want a stress-free experience.
Moving household goods to Belgium
Customs Regulations
Duty-free household items importation into Belgium is allowed in the following reasons:
- The items have been owned and used at the previous country of residence for at least 6 months prior to arrival.
- Imported household goods will be used for the same purpose as were used before the move and will not be sold, lend or rent for the next 12 months.
- You must have lived outside the customs territory of the European Union for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
Restricted and Dutiable Items
- Wine, alcohol, new furniture and household goods
- Antiques: Duty-free, but subject to VAT.
- Gifts and souvenirs: subject to import duties and VAT.
- Please always specify if the customer wants to send items that are not 'normal' household or personal items.
- Ivory (CITES)
- Stuffed animals/animal skins
- Raw wood
- Plants
- Coats, fur and leather shoes from protected animals (requires permission from the Territorial Office)
Prohibited Items
- Food: It is not allowed to bring in as part of the household goods (take-out goods), but Customs will accept normal family provisions. Perishables are not allowed. Loaded at the door.
- Drugs
- Tobacco
- Please always check if the customer wants to ship items that are not 'regular' household items or personal items.
Shipping a Car to Belgium
- Proof of residence in the municipality where you intend to stay
- Valid European insurance certificate
- Certificate of ownership
- Copy of title deed or certificate of value
- Bill of lading
- Please make sure that the vehicle is added to the HHG cargo inventory.
- During the first 6 months the car can be driven with a foreign license (as a tourist) if the car is insured. Only the money is withheld, not the car.
Moving Pets to Belgium
- Apply for an import license.
- Your pet must be identified with a microchip. A tattoo is still acceptable if it was done before July 3, 2011.
- Rabies certificate
- Pets must be identified (tattoo or electronic identification system) and vaccinated against rabies
- Pet must have insurance prior to entering Belgium
- All dogs must be registered with the Association Belge d'Identification et d'Enregistrement Canins
- The pet crate must comply with the IATA requirements
Electronics in Belgium
When moving household goods to Belgium, consider that the socket and voltage power differentiate between countries. Belgium, like most European countries, uses a C/E plug type with 230v voltage power.
How We Work
We could have wrote 100 beautiful words here - but instead take a look on how we move below
Hercules goes the extra mile to ensure that all of your most valuable art is protected. Expert wrapping and packaging methods start the highest quality moving & packing materials. Our mover training program ensures that every team has an expert who can safely pack any item so it arrives in the same condition it left.
Hercules can build custom measured crates and containers to meet your specific long distance shipping needs. If you are moving, and have a taxidermy collection, the experts at HMC can help. Our crateless system is effective for securing any type or size of trophy.
To avoid damage to fragile items during a long-distance move to your new residence, office or storage unit Hercules will use all the right materials and implement the proper packing techniques for maximum protection.
With the right training and proper equipment, your furniture will be handled safely in any situation.
Not all furniture is the same size. Hercules uses various materials to prepare furniture for moving: moving blankets, cardboard, bubble wrap, or alligator wrap. HMC movers and packers will pack your furniture the right way.
