Moving Home

This section contains useful information for moving home and importing your valuable possessions.

Making arrangements to move your household belongings to the new home in the UK is not a simple task. 

Sea freight is naturally cheaper than airfreight, but takes longer.

It is advisable to collect relevant information and quotes from various international moving companies. Considerations should not be on price and delivery time alone. 

The following should also be taken into account:

  • Whether customs declaration service and related taxes are included

  • Insurance

  • Pick-up and delivery

  • Packaging and storage

  • Tracking 

Bringing goods into the UK are subject to import taxes and customs duty.  However, Immigrants might be able to claim Transfer of residence relief (ToR) from HM Revenue & Customs.

Steps to apply ToR

  1. Eligibility

  • You have been resident outside the UK for at least 12 consecutive months prior to moving to the UK.

  • You are importing the goods within 12 months of moving to the UK

  • You intend to use the goods in the UK for the same purpose they were used for prior to moving

Important Note: The declared items can be imported in multiple consignments. Any goods for which relief is granted cannot be lent, used as security, hired out or transferred to another person within 12 months of the date you moved.

2. Complete the ToR1 Form

When you complete the ToR1 form you will be required to upload a list of the customs declared items, passport copy with the page of photo, UK and HK address proof, all of which can be in PDF or JPEG format. 

Regarding the list of the imported items, you do not need to write down each items but you can list the items as the following:

  • Cutleries (knife, fork and spoon): about 30 pieces

  • Utensils (teacup, plate and glass): about 20 pieces

  • Kitchenware (pan, wok and stirrer): about 10 pieces

Please note that: You are not required to upload photos of each item. Bank statements, utility bills or mortgage/rental agreements can be used as UK and HK address proof. If you do not yet have a UK address, you can upload proof of your temporary accommodation, such as receipt of hotel reservation.

3. After Submitting the Form

Before shipping your belongings, you or your agent can apply to the UK Customs; or you can apply after your belongings are shipped. There is a chance that your items will be detained or import duties will be imposed during the application.

How to Import a Car

When you are applying for duty and VAT relief for your vehicle, UK Customs will issue a Notification of Vehicle Arrivals (NOVA) to notify you when to apply to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for permission and registration of your vehicle.

You should submit the following documents for each imported vehicle:

  • Year of manufacture

  • Model

  • Vehicle Identification Number or Chassis Number

  • Registration number

  • Registration certificate with date of issue and country of issue

  • Purchase date

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