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Moving to the Netherlands
What you need to know about shipping to the Netherlands
Got a new job overseas, or going on an adventure? Are you leaving New Zealand and moving to the Netherlands?
Our team of moving experts are here to help! As an experienced shipping company, here at Transworld we provide a door-to-door service, where we can help you with all your shipping needs every step of the way.
To help with your transition to your new home in the Netherlands, we’ve put together useful tips and advice around:
- Shipping options
- Netherlands customs
- What you can and can’t take
Shipping your personal belongings: your options
There are a few freight options when it comes to shipping to the Netherlands.
Here are a few points to consider before making your shipping choice:
- How much do you want to ship?
- What’s your budget?
- How fast do you want your goods to arrive?
FCL: shipping a large household
When shipping to the Netherlands, full-container-load is the best option for those who intend on shipping their entire household. Furniture, kitchenware; the lot.
Key benefits:
- Large capacity: if you have a lot of belongings and wish to bring them all with you, FCL is your best option as you can fill the container to the brim.
- Fast delivery: as this is a non-shared container, it won’t have to go to various locations to be filled. Once it’s packed it will be on its away!
- Broad shipping locations: at Transworld, we take pride in our large range of shipping locations. The FCL option arrives at most major Netherlands ports.
Groupage: sharing is caring
For those of you who only have small amount of belongings, the groupage option may be the best choice for you. This will mean you will share your container with others moving to the Netherlands.
Keep in mind however that this option will take a little longer.
Key benefits:
- Economical: on a groupage basis, you only have to pay for the space you use, so it is more cost-effective.
- Flexible freighting: groupage is flexible as you get to choose how much space you use. A few boxes? Sweet. A small household? No worries.
- Ships to most ports: as always, as a reliable shipping company, we strive to make your move as easy as possible. Which is why we ship to most major Netherlands ports.
Air Freight: the fast choice
When shipping to the Netherlands, the fastest option is to send your items by air. If you require some, or all of your belongings upon immediate arrival in the Netherlands this is the best choice.
Please keep in mind however, while this may be convenient, it is also rather costly.
Key benefits:
- A fast choice: flying your belongings by air is much faster than shipping them, so your items will arrive in the Netherlands very quickly.
- Perfect for a few essential items: if you require some of your items upon immediate arrival in the Netherlands, air freight is the best choice for you.
- Broad delivery range: at Transworld, on an air freight basis, we deliver your belongings to most major Netherlands airports.
How long will shipping take?
Just as each of these freighting options vary in size and cost, shipping duration also vary:
- FCL: If you’re shipping a full-container to the Netherlands, it will take approximately 8-9 weeks to arrive.
- Groupage: Due to the sharing nature of groupage shipping, this option will take approximately 12 weeks.
- Air Freight: The fastest option is to fly your items. Shipping your items to the Netherlands by air will take approximately 2-3 weeks.
Want to know how much shipping to the Netherlands costs? Get a free quote!
Customs and quarantine
As part of our service, we take care of all Customs and Quarantine formalities you need to complete for shipping your belongings and moving to the Netherlands.
What we take care of:
- Quarantine inspection
- Supply you with the correct paperwork
- Compile an inventory of your items
What we need from you:
- Copy of your passport
- Statement of your intended length of stay
- Copy of your Visa
Shipping to the Netherlands: what you can and can’t take
Prohibited and restricted items
When moving overseas, no matter the destination, there are strict rules on what you can and cannot pack.
The following is a guideline for shipping to the Netherlands.
Prohibited items:
- Flammable items such as petroleum, matches, etc.
- Live plants or animals (except pets with a permit)
- Any animal products such as meat or dairy
- Drugs, unlicensed guns or indecent material
Restricted items that require a permit:
- Vehicles
- Pets
- Imitation guns
- Alcohol
Shipping firearms and weapons
If you need to ship any firearms or weapons to the Netherlands, such as hunting equipment for example, there are strict regulations.
To do so, you will require a permit, license, and written permission and certificate from the police. At Transworld, we are experts in this process and can help you with every step required.
All other dangerous items such as BB guns, daggers and knives are strictly prohibited.
Shipping cars and vehicles
In order to ship your vehicles to the Netherlands, you will need copies of your passport and license and proof of documentation that you are the owner and user of the vehicle (e.g. invoices).
Here are a few things to be aware of:
- You will need a registration card, certificate of residence and insurance certificate
- Upon arrival in the Netherlands you will need to change your license
- You will be required to pay taxes to import your vehicle
- In order to qualify to ship your vehicle you must have owned it for at least 6 months
Taking your pets with you
When moving overseas, there are a few formalities and regulations to take into consideration when you plan to bring your pet with you.
To ensure your pet is eligible for moving to the Netherlands, follow these guidelines:
- Get your pet microchipped
- Get a veterinary certificate within 7 days of their flight
- Book your pet into the compulsory quarantine
- Obtain an animal import permit
Transworld: a personal, door-to-door service
Moving overseas and shipping your belongings is made easy at Transworld. With an experienced team member by your side every step of the way, you will have your household packed and on its way in no time.
Our team will help you with all formalities and documentation you may be unsure of, and make sure your transition to moving to the Netherlands, as stress-free as possible.
Moving to the Netherlands, but unsure of shipping formalities and regulations? Our experienced team at Transworld will assist you every step of the way. Give us a call today for a free quote!

Free quote - Moving from New Zealand or Moving to New Zealand
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Free quote - Moving from New Zealand or Moving to New Zealand
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Moving to Ireland
What you need to know when moving to Ireland
Thinking about moving to Ireland from NZ? Wondering what shipping options there are?
The Transworld team are here to help! We arrange relocations to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. As certified and knowledgeable moving specialists, we’ll do all we can to make your move as simple and straightforward as possible.
Whether you’re moving to Ireland on your own, or taking the whole family with you, our team will be there with guidance and support every step of the way.
To help you start thinking about your options, we’ve put together useful tips and advice around:
- Shipping options
- Irish customs
- What you can and can’t take
Shipping your personal belongings: your options
We offer a number of options for individuals relocating to Ireland. Before you choose one, consider these factors:
- How much do you want to ship?
- What’s your budget?
- How fast do you want your goods to arrive?
FCL: for relocating the whole household
If you’re moving to Ireland with the entire household, we recommend shipping with an FCL (full container load).
This is one of the faster shipping methods, as you don’t share the container with anyone else. Once your items are packed, loaded and checked, they can get on their way.
Key benefits:
- More room: fit your whole household into one of our full containers.
- Efficient shipping times: with only your items in the container, you’re in control. As soon as it’s ready, the container will be shipped.
- Ship everywhere in Ireland: wherever you are, we’ll get your items to you.
Groupage: for when you want to share
We offer Groupage shipping for those with a smaller household or only needing to ship a few items. This option enables you to share the container with others also relocating to Ireland.
An economical choice, this service takes longer than other options due to the fact we must wait until the whole container is full before shipping.
Key benefits:
- Cost-effective: the cheapest option, save money by sharing the container with others moving to Ireland.
- Space accomodation: only pay for the space that you use.
- Ship all over Ireland: our Groupage option ships to any location in Ireland.
Air Freight: for when you need items immediately
The fastest and most expensive way of shipping to Ireland, this option is best if you have a small amount of items that you need urgently (such as extra baggage).
As this service costs much more than either FCL or Groupage shipping, make sure you are certain of its necessity before booking.
Key benefits:
- Speedy delivery: the fastest way to get your items to Ireland.
- Ideal for a few crucial items: the quickest way to get the items you can't do without.
- Fly to any location: items can be delivered anywhere in Ireland.
How long will shipping take?
- FCL: Shipping to Ireland with a full container takes between 8-9 weeks.
- Groupage: Transit time for Groupage shipping is generally 10-13 weeks.
- Air Freight: the fastest option, air freight takes 2-3 weeks.
Curious about how much relocating to Ireland will cost? Request a free quote!
We’ll take care of Irish customs and quarantine
As part of our door-to-door service, the Transworld team will manage all the customs and quarantine involved in shipping to Ireland. One less thing for you to think about!
With years of experience and knowledge in Irish custom and quarantine regulations, we understand what’s involved in the process and can prepare you accordingly.
We take care of:
- Quarantine inspections
- Giving you the necessary Irish customs forms
- Compiling an inventory of all packed items for use in customs
Republic of Ireland
What you need to do:
- Provide a copy of your passport
- Include 2 bank statements and 3 utility bills from previous residence
- Supply evidence of employment (a letter from the employer with the start date)
- Provide proof of residency in Ireland or a letter confirming accommodation
- Supply a bank statement from an Irish bank account
- Apply for a PPS number (Personal Public Service)
Northern Ireland
What you need to do:
- Supply a copy of your passport
- State whether you are moving as a tourist or temporary residence (if so, you will need to provide your intended length of stay)
- Apply for a URN (unique reference number) before your items arrive in the UK. This is a requirement for all shipments going to the UK. We recommend you apply as soon as you decide you’re ready to move.
For more information on Northern Ireland customs, head to our UK page.
What you can and can’t ship to Ireland
What you can’t: prohibited and restricted items
There are some Irish customs and quarantine regulations that you should be aware of before you ship your items. Bear these in mind when you begin planning what to take with you.
Items that can’t be shipped, include:
- Meat, fish and milk products
- Illicit drugs, obscene goods and weapons
- Products of endangered species or items of international heritage
If you’re unsure about what you can and can’t take to Ireland, give us a ring. We’d love to help!
Importing firearms and weapons into Ireland
Importing firearms and ammunition into Ireland is prohibited in most cases. If you do want to import these items, you will need to either:
- Have a licence issued by Crime 4 (Firearms and Explosives) Division
- Hold a current firearm certificate
What you can: shipping vehicles to Ireland
If you are planning to ship a motorbike or vehicle to Ireland, the Transworld team can help you arrange it. You will need to provide:
- Copy of Bill of Sale
- Copy of latest insurance certificate
- Copy of vehicle log book
If you’ve got a query regarding shipping vehicles to Ireland, give us a call. We’re here to help!
What you can: taking pets to Ireland
With a wealth of experience in shipping to Ireland, the Transworld team can help you organise your pet transport. New Zealand is classified as a low-risk non-EU country, so importing animals is allowed but there are some requirements.
To be eligible for importing, your animal must:
- Have a veterinary inspection at an EU approved Border Inspection Post (BIP)
- Be identified by a microchip
- Be vaccinated against rabies
The door-to-door Transworld service
The Transworld team provide a comprehensive shipping service, taking care of every detail involved in moving to Ireland.
We’ll safely pack your goods in NZ, get them shipped to Ireland, manage customs and then get them delivered to your door on the other end.
What’s more, you’ll have a dedicated team member who will be on-hand throughout the process to answer questions, keep you updated and ensure your items arrive safe and secure.
We guarantee to take the pressure off and ensure your goods are delivered safe and secure. Give us a call today for a free quote!

Free quote - Moving from New Zealand or Moving to New Zealand
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