As An American Moving to the Netherlands, What Can I Bring?

By Darien Wilson

If you're an American moving to the Netherlands, there's a good chance you'll want to bring some of your household belongings—more than just what fits in a suitcase. Maybe you're shipping a pallet, or maybe (like we did) you're sending a shipping container. Either way, an international move goes well beyond a typical domestic one, because you're officially importing your belongings. That means it's important to understand the rules around what you can bring, and when.

Boxes packed by professional movers for an international move to the Netherlands

Please don't just listen to me - go to the source - Belastingdienst, or the Dutch tax authority, to check the rules.

The best source for accurate information isn't "some random lady on the internet" (me), but the official Dutch websites, because this information can change. Currently, a list of requirements is located here, but in case it moves in the future, try searching for: "Belastingdienst verhuizen naar Nederland." Translated, this means "Tax authorities moving to the Netherlands". Belastingdienst is the Dutch equivalent of the IRS, and just like the IRS, it's not an agency you want to cross.

Duty-Free Import of Personal Belongings Into the Netherlands

(as of this writing in May 2025)

As an American moving to the Netherlands, what can you bring? You are allowed to import your own personal belongings duty-free if they meet the following requirements (Be sure to confirm these on the Belastingdienst site):

• You are moving to the Netherlands to live there permanently.

• You have lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months.

• The goods have been used for at least 6 months in your previous residence.

• The goods are for personal use and will continue to be used in your new residence.

• You bring the goods within 12 months of your move to the Netherlands.

• You do not sell, rent, or give away the goods within 12 months of their import.

What You Can’t Bring

It's MY stuff, what do you mean I can't bring it to my new house?

As I mentioned above, once you are moving your belongings across international borders, you are now importing them, and not everything can be imported! There are restrictions on bringing certain items into the Netherlands, including:

• Weapons and ammunition

• Animal products (like cheese or meat)

• Plants

• Illegal drugs (duh)

• Cultural goods (like art or antiques)

You can find more details about prohibited or restricted items here.

Moving with a Professional Company

If you hire a professional moving company to help with your move, as we did, they will likely be very familiar with these rules and can help ensure that all the proper paperwork is complete before your trip. Our movers handled the move from end-to-end, including packing, shipping, and unpacking.

What If You Wait Too Long?

"Did you know you have 30 minutes?" Actually, you have 12 months.

I've talked to a few people in this situation: Say you aren't sure you are going to stay in the Netherlands long term when you move here. You rent a storage unit in the States for things you can't bear to part with, but you don't need everyday, like your high school yearbooks and Grandma's Precious Moments figurine collection. But after a few years in the Netherlands, you decide you like it here, you want to stay, and it doesn't make sense to keep paying for that storage unit every month. So you look into bringing over the rest of your belongings, and you learn: you would likely pay an import tax if you import those items. Even though they are already yours, and even if most of the value is sentimental, if you waited longer than 12 months, you can no longer import your items duty-free..

Letting go of family heirlooms can bring up strong feelings.

Packing Can Be Emotionally Charged

Packing for a move abroad can be logistically complex and emotionally tough. I wrote more about this process here. Letting go of the things that remind us of the people we love, especially those who have passed on, can be painful, and juggling these feelings while figuring out the paperwork and logistics can be a lot to manage. Give yourself permission to feel your grief during this part of the process.

Moving Soon?

If you’re preparing for your own move to the Netherlands — or anywhere abroad — check out my Values & Vision Worksheet or book a strategy session with me. I help Americans in the sandwich years make intentional, successful international moves — with fewer surprises and more joy.

© 2025 ​Darien Wilson All Rights Reserved