Since 1 January 2021 every UK-to-EU household move is a customs export. Getting the paperwork right — and using the Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief — makes the difference between a smooth move and thousands of pounds of avoidable VAT.
Household goods are now classified as commercial cargo when they cross the UK–EU border. You'll need a full inventory in the destination language, a T1 transit document if the load transits third countries, and either a customs broker at the port or a mover who handles customs in-house.
ToR is the EU-wide relief that lets you import personal belongings free of import VAT and duty when you're becoming a resident of an EU country. You must have owned the goods for at least 6 months, be moving your primary residence, and apply before goods arrive (some countries allow up to 12 months after arrival — check locally).
UK nationals staying >90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area need a national visa BEFORE moving. Ireland is an exception (Common Travel Area). Spain and Portugal both offer digital-nomad / non-lucrative options; France and Italy offer long-stay visitor visas.
Post-Brexit moves take longer than pre-2021. Plan for 6–12 weeks door-to-door on shared loads, 2–4 weeks on dedicated vans. Book customs clearance the day you book the mover, not after.
No — provided your ToR application is approved. Without it, expect 19–25% import VAT on the goods' declared value.
Yes, but vehicles have separate customs declarations and (in most EU countries) need re-registration within 6 months. Factor in the destination's roadworthiness test.
1–3 working days with pre-cleared paperwork; up to 10 days without. Peak-season delays (June–September) can add 5 days.