Moving from the UK to Poland: Transfer of Residence Step by Step

An international move requires careful planning. A key issue is transporting your transfer of residence property — the personal belongings you bring to your new country. The steps below help the process run smoothly; the full description is in our complete guide.

1. Understand what transfer of residence property means

Transfer of residence property covers personal items and household goods moved by someone relocating permanently or for a longer period. This includes furniture, clothing, appliances, books, and even private vehicles (which have separate rules on excise duty and registration, see shipping a car from the UK as relocation goods). However, every country has its own rules on which items can be brought in without additional customs duties.

---

Enlarge

2. Check the customs rules of your destination country

When moving from the UK to Poland, EU rules apply — Council Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009 (Articles 3–11). Personal property is relieved from import duty provided, among other things, that:

• Your normal place of residence was outside the EU customs territory (e.g. in the UK) for a continuous period of at least 12 months (Article 5).
• The items were in your possession and used at your former residence for at least 6 months before you left it (Article 4).
• The items are intended for the same purpose at your new residence; the relief does not cover, among other things, alcohol, tobacco products, commercial means of transport or articles used in a trade or profession (Article 6).
• The property is released for free circulation, as a rule, within 12 months of establishing your residence in Poland, and may be imported in several consignments (Article 7).

VAT relief on import is governed by national rules: Article 47 of the Polish VAT Act sets analogous conditions (12 months' residence outside the EU, 6 months' use of the items, declaration for release for free circulation within 12 months of moving to Poland, and a 12-month ban on transferring the items without informing the customs authority). Confirm the current documentary requirements with the customs office or a customs agency before shipping. The conditions are described further in our guide to relocation goods from the UK to Poland.

---

3. Take an inventory of your belongings

Drawing up a detailed list of the items you intend to take is the foundation of a smooth move. The list should include:

• A description of the item (e.g. "three-seater sofa").
• Quantity (e.g. "2 suitcases").
• Market value, for insurance or customs declaration purposes. An inventory makes it easier to organise transport and avoid problems at the border.

---

4. Contact a professional removal company

International moves are best entrusted to specialists experienced in organising the transport of transfer of residence property. A company like this can:

• Handle the packing and securing of your belongings.
• Arrange appropriate transport (sea container, aircraft, lorry).
• Help with customs clearance.

When choosing a company, it's worth checking reviews, its insurance offer, and the range of additional services, such as storing your property.

---

5. Arrange the right insurance

International transport carries a risk of damage, loss or delay. That's why it's worth taking out transfer of residence property insurance. This insurance covers the cost of any losses and gives you peace of mind.

---

6. Packing and labelling your shipment

Packing belongings for an international move is different from a standard house move. Be sure to:

• Use reinforced cardboard boxes and protective wrapping.
• Label each box with a unique number and a short description of its contents.
• Clearly mark fragile items, such as glass or electronics.

---

7. Remember restrictions and bans

Some items may be banned in the destination country or subject to special rules. These can include:

• Hazardous substances (chemicals, flammable materials).
• Plants, seeds and food products.
• Works of art, antiques or items of significant cultural value.

Before packing, make sure the items you're transporting meet the requirements of the destination country.

---

8. Organising transport for large items

If you're transporting a car, a motorcycle or furniture, check the requirements for their transport and customs clearance. For vehicles, you may need to provide:

• Registration documents.
• Proof of ownership.
• The documents needed to declare and register the vehicle in Poland (see registering a car from the UK in Poland).

---

9. Documents required for customs clearance

Prepare all the necessary documents (the full list is in what documents are needed for clearance of relocation goods), such as:

• Passport.
• Documents proving you lived in the UK for at least 12 months (e.g. a tenancy agreement, a letter from your employer, utility bills).
• A detailed inventory of the items (see how to prepare a list of belongings).
• Documents confirming the change of residence (e.g. an employment contract, a tenancy agreement).

---

10. Allow time to settle in

An international move isn't just about transporting your belongings — it's also about adapting to a new environment. Give yourself time to deal with the registration formalities in your new location and to unpack and organise your home.

---

Summary

What matters most are the deadlines (12 months to release the goods for free circulation), proof of residence and use of the items, and a detailed inventory. Besides clearance, sort out official matters after your return — see our checklist of formalities after returning from the UK. Need help with clearance? Get in touch — we are a customs agency registered in CDS, with a UK EORI number. Our charges are on one page only: how much does UK customs clearance cost.

Frequently asked questions