Moving from India to Germany: cost, transit time and customs
The short answer
- A 2BHK (≈18 CBM) usually ships in a 20ft container for about ₹4–6 lakh door to door; a 1BHK by LCL is about ₹3–4.4 lakh.
- Sea freight takes 45–65 days door to door by FCL and 55–80 days by LCL. Air takes 7–12 days.
- The key customs form is Zoll Form 0350 (declaration for removal goods), supported by your Anmeldung (residence registration).
- Removal goods are duty- and VAT-free if you lived outside the EU for 12+ months and owned and used the goods for 6+ months.
Prices are indicative door-to-door ranges in INR, excluding duties, destination inspection fees and insurance. Get an exact figure with the cost calculator or a free survey.
India to Germany at a glance
| Origin ports | Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mundra, Chennai |
|---|---|
| Main German ports | Hamburg, Bremerhaven (also via Rotterdam/Antwerp) |
| Sea transit, port to port | 25–35 days |
| Door to door, FCL / LCL | 45–65 days / 55–80 days |
| Air, door to door | 7–12 days |
| Key customs form | Zoll Form 0350 + Anmeldung certificate |
| Duty/VAT on removal goods | Free if conditions met (12 months abroad, 6 months use) |
| Mains power | 230V / 50Hz, Type C/F plugs |
How much does it cost to move from India to Germany?
For most families, a door-to-door move from India to Germany costs between ₹3–4.4 lakh for a 1BHK and ₹6–8.5 lakh for a 4BHK. Volume, not weight, drives the price for sea freight.
| Home size | Typical volume | Usual method | Indicative cost (door to door) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BHK / studio | ≈10.3 CBM | LCL (shared container) | ₹3–4.4 lakh |
| 2BHK | ≈18.3 CBM | 20ft container (FCL) | ₹4–6 lakh |
| 3BHK | ≈27.7 CBM | 20ft container (FCL) — full load | ₹4–6 lakh |
| 4BHK / villa | ≈40.3 CBM | 40ft container (FCL) | ₹6–8.5 lakh |
| Air — essentials only | ≈250 kg | Air freight | ₹125k–₹200k |
Volumes are Pikkol's standard averages for Indian homes. Your actual volume depends on furniture, books and appliances — a written survey fixes it. LCL is priced per CBM; containers are priced per box. Excludes duties/taxes, destination exam or inspection fees, storage and insurance (typically 2.9% of declared value).
Want your own number? Use the International Moving Cost Calculator — add rooms and items, and it picks LCL, 20ft or 40ft for you.
Should you ship LCL or a full container to Germany?
LCL suits up to roughly 13 CBM — students, Blue Card holders moving alone and couples. Consolidated cargo is often unpacked in Hamburg or Bremen, or in Rotterdam or Antwerp and trucked in.
A 20ft FCL wins from about 14 CBM and is the norm for families. Remember that many German rentals come without a fitted kitchen, which can change what's worth shipping.
Southern cities take longer. Munich, Stuttgart and Frankfurt receive containers by rail or truck from the northern ports, adding 3–7 days.
Not sure? The Sea vs Air, LCL vs FCL guide recommends a method from your volume, deadline and fragile items.
How long does shipping from India to Germany take?
Plan for 45–65 days door to door by full container, 55–80 days by LCL, and 7–12 days by air. Here's where the time goes:
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Survey, quote and packing date fixed | 1–3 weeks before packing |
| Packing, export customs, loading | 3–7 days |
| Ocean voyage incl. transhipment | 25–35 days |
| Anmeldung completed and Form 0350 submitted | Before the goods are cleared |
| German customs (Zoll) clearance | 3–10 days |
| Delivery, incl. no-parking zone permit | 2–7 days |
Transit times vary with sailing schedules, transhipment, peak season and customs selection. Your coordinator shares the vessel and ETA once booked.
Which customs documents do you need for Germany?
Keep these ready. Pikkol prepares the inventory and customs forms from your packing list, but some can only come from you.
| Document | Who provides it | When |
|---|---|---|
| Passport with German visa or residence permit | You | Before packing |
| Anmeldebestätigung / Meldebescheinigung (residence registration) | Your local Bürgeramt | After you arrive |
| Zoll Form 0350 — Declaration for Removal Goods | You, with Pikkol's help | Before clearance |
| Detailed inventory in English or German, with values | Pikkol at packing | At packing |
| Employment contract or admission letter; rental agreement | You | Before clearance |
| Original Bill of Lading / Air Waybill | Shipping line or airline | After loading |
| Proof you lived outside the EU for 12+ months (if asked) | You | Before clearance |
Do you pay customs duty on household goods in Germany?
Removal goods (Übersiedlungsgut) are free of customs duty and import VAT when you have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months, have owned and used the goods for at least 6 months, and import them within 12 months of moving your residence to Germany.
The goods must not be sold, lent or transferred for 12 months after import.
Register first, then clear. German customs normally expects to see your registration certificate, so plan the shipment to arrive after your Anmeldung appointment — appointments in big cities can take weeks.
New goods, alcohol and tobacco above allowances are dutiable. German import VAT is 19%.
Customs rules change. This summary reflects official guidance as of 28 September 2026; the officer's decision at clearance is final. See sources below.
Get the Exact quoteWhat can't you ship from India to Germany?
Leave these out of your household shipment, or check with us first:
- Meat, dairy and many animal products from outside the EU
- Plants, seeds and soil without phytosanitary certificates
- Counterfeit goods and pirated media
- Firearms and weapons without a German permit
- Medicines beyond a personal supply; some need a doctor's certificate
- Hazardous goods: aerosols, fuel, gas cylinders, paint
Appliances, cars and pets: what's different for Germany?
Electronics and appliances
Germany uses 230V/50Hz. Indian appliances generally work, but you'll need a Type C/F adapter. Many rentals have no kitchen fitted, so shipping a fridge or microwave can make sense — decide with our Ship, Sell or Store tool.
Cars
Importing a car needs EU conformity approval and a TÜV inspection. It can qualify as removal goods if owned for 6+ months, but a right-hand drive Indian car is impractical in Germany and adaptation is costly.
Pets
India is not an EU-listed country for rabies, so pets need a microchip, rabies vaccination, a titre test at an EU-approved lab and a three-month wait from the blood draw before entry, plus an EU health certificate. Plan at least 4 months ahead with our pet relocation team.
Delivery day
Many city buildings, especially older Altbau, have no lift and narrow stairs. The moving truck usually needs a temporary no-parking zone (Halteverbotszone) permit from the city — we arrange it with our partner.
Register first, ship second.
Germany's customs rules are generous to people who are moving to live — but only once you can prove it. Your Anmeldung and Form 0350 unlock duty-free entry, and big-city appointments can take weeks. We time the shipment so goods arrive after you are registered, not before, saving port storage.
Also check your new flat before you pack. If it comes without a kitchen, a lift or much storage, that changes what's worth shipping more than anything else on this corridor.
International Move Consultant, Pikkol · 58 moves to Germany planned
How does Pikkol run an India to Germany move?
- Shipment timed to your Anmeldung date to avoid port storage
- Form 0350 prepared from your packing inventory
- Zoll clearance, no-parking permit and delivery by a named German partner: Berlin Relocation Partner
- Video or in-home survey with a written CBM estimate
- Transit insurance options at 3.5% of declared value
- One move coordinator from survey to delivery
Before you choose any mover, run through our 12 checks to choose an international mover, and compare quotes line by line with the quote comparison tool.
India to Germany moving FAQs
How much does it cost to move from India to Germany?
Indicatively, a 1BHK (about 10 CBM) by LCL costs ₹3–4.4 lakh, a 2BHK in a 20ft container ₹4–6 lakh, and a 4BHK in a 40ft container ₹6–8.5 lakh, door to door. Duties, destination fees and insurance are extra.
What is Form 0350 for moving to Germany?
Form 0350 is the German customs declaration for removal goods (Zollanmeldung für Übersiedlungsgut). You submit it with your inventory and registration certificate to import household goods free of duty and VAT.
Are household goods duty-free when moving to Germany?
Yes, if you lived outside the EU for at least 12 months, owned and used the goods for at least 6 months, and import them within 12 months of moving. The goods can't be sold or lent for 12 months.
Do I need my Anmeldung before my shipment arrives in Germany?
Customs usually expects your residence registration certificate to clear removal goods. Plan the shipment so it arrives after your Anmeldung appointment.
How long does shipping from India to Germany take?
Allow 45–65 days door to door for a full container and 55–80 days for LCL. Southern cities like Munich add a few days by rail or truck. Air takes 7–12 days.
Will my Indian appliances work in Germany?
Mostly yes. Germany uses 230V/50Hz like India; you just need Type C/F plug adapters. Many rentals have no fitted kitchen, so some appliances are worth shipping.
Can I bring my dog from India to Germany?
Yes, with a microchip, rabies vaccination, a titre test at an EU-approved lab and a three-month wait after the blood test, plus an EU health certificate. Start at least four months ahead.
Should I choose LCL or a container for India to Germany?
Choose LCL up to about 13 CBM. From about 14 CBM, a 20ft container is usually better value, faster and involves less handling.
Plan your move to Germany
Free video survey, written CBM estimate and a door-to-door quote with every line item shown.