Moving from Germany to the Netherlands
Household moves from Munich, Berlin, Hamburg and the rest of Germany to Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. We check the zero-emission zones, secure the loading space and deliver at a fixed price agreed in advance.
ISO certifiedprocessesHow much does it cost to move from Germany to the Netherlands?
A studio move starts at €1,350 from Hamburg to Amsterdam or Rotterdam and €1,550 from Berlin to Amsterdam, including VAT. From Munich, a studio to Rotterdam starts at €1,650, and a 2-bed flat from Berlin to Amsterdam at €2,250. Your fixed price follows from your inventory, access at both addresses and the services you book.
| From | Studio5–10 m³ | 1-bed flat10–15 m³ | 2-bed flat15–25 m³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Munich → Amsterdam | €1,700 | €2,400 | €2,850 |
| Munich → Rotterdam | €1,650 | €2,400 | €2,850 |
| Berlin → Amsterdam | €1,550 | €1,900 | €2,250 |
| Berlin → Rotterdam | €1,600 | €2,400 | €2,850 |
| Hamburg → Amsterdam | €1,350 | €1,750 | €2,100 |
| Hamburg → Rotterdam | €1,350 | €1,800 | €2,150 |
Starting prices for the transport of a typical household of this size, without extra services. Open the calculator →
From northern Germany, the Netherlands is one of the shortest international moves. Access matters more than distance here: canal houses with steep stairs, cycle streets outside the door and the cities’ zero-emission zones.
Permits, packing and furniture assembly are added to your offer only if they are needed or booked.
Example: a 2-bed flat from Hamburg to Amsterdam
A family moves a 2-bed flat of about 20 m³ from Hamburg to Amsterdam. The new flat is inside the S100 ring, so it lies in the zero-emission zone for delivery vehicles. This is a worked example based on our starting prices, not a completed customer move.
If the vehicle used is not allowed in, the RDW day exemption comes on top.
| Distance | about 470 km |
|---|---|
| Home size | 2-bed flat, about 20 m³ |
| Starting price | €2,100 incl. VAT |
| Zero-emission zone | transition rule or RDW day exemption for €30 |
| Time on the road | one to two days |
Your price depends on your own inventory, access and services.
Germany to the Netherlands at a glance
The Netherlands is in the EU, so there is no customs. What needs planning is registering within five days and access in the city centres.
- Distance:about 470 km from Hamburg to Amsterdam and 500 km to Rotterdam; about 660 km from Berlin and 830 km from Munich to Amsterdam.
- Collection to delivery:one to two days, depending on the start city and access.
- Low-emission zone:in Amsterdam, diesel trucks need at least Euro 6 and diesel vans Euro 5 – on top of the zero-emission zones.
- Truck rules:the Netherlands has no general weekend or public-holiday driving ban for trucks.
- Registration:if you stay longer than four months, register with the municipality within five days and receive a BSN.
- Customs:none: household goods from Germany need no customs declaration.
Zero-emission zones in Amsterdam and Rotterdam
Since 1 January 2025, Amsterdam and Rotterdam have zero-emission zones for vans and trucks. They also apply to vehicles with German plates, so before every move we check which vehicle may drive in.
Where the zones are
In Amsterdam the zone covers the area inside the S100 ring, in Rotterdam the area inside the ring road. Violations cost €130 for a van and €320 for a truck.
Transition rules
Euro 5 diesel vans may still enter until 1 January 2027, Euro 6 vans first registered before 2025 until 2028. Euro VI trucks may enter until 2028 or 2030, depending on their first registration.
RDW day exemption
Vehicles without access can get a day exemption from the RDW: €30, bookable up to 90 days ahead and at most twelve times per municipality per year.
Amsterdam: trucks over 7.5 t
In Amsterdam’s city centre, vehicles over 7.5 t need an exemption. Our moving trucks of up to 7.5 t are below this limit.
For the loading space outside your door we apply for the municipality’s permit; Amsterdam provides exemptions for moving vans.
BRP registration, BSN and your car
Register within 5 days
If you stay longer than four months, register with the municipality by appointment within five days of arriving. With the entry in the population register (BRP) you receive your BSN.
No residence permit needed
EU citizens do not need a residence permit; a valid ID card or passport is enough. Registering with the immigration service IND is normally not required.
Your car
Once you are registered in the BRP, you may no longer drive on German plates. The car is registered with the RDW; the BPM registration tax does not apply if you owned and used the car for at least six months before the move.
No customs
Household goods from another EU country need no customs declaration in the Netherlands. Quantity limits only apply to excise goods such as alcohol and tobacco.
Packing, furniture assembly and practical extras
Pack your own boxes and leave the heavy furniture to the team, or hand over the whole household while you deal with everything else. Each service is agreed and priced in your fixed-price offer.
Packing and unpacking
Full packing, or just the kitchen, books and fragile items. We protect furniture, label boxes by room and can unpack at delivery. Our packing guide helps with what you prepare yourself.
Furniture dismantling and assembly
We dismantle wardrobes, beds and tables before loading and rebuild them in the Netherlands. New IKEA furniture can be assembled at the new home too.
Large TVs and valuable pieces
Share screen sizes and photos so we can plan suitable protection. Flag paintings and antiques in advance; see our art transport service.
Temporary storage
If your new home in the Netherlands isn’t ready when you have to leave, we store your belongings and deliver later. Storage period and redelivery are agreed in your offer.
Insurance
Every Smoover move is insured through Allianz. Different levels of cover are available depending on the value of your belongings; we explain them before you book.
Leaving your old flat
Where available, add move-out painting and final cleaning for the days after collection, so you can hand back the keys without organising a second company.
How your move to the Netherlands works
- Show us what’s coming with you.Send your German and Dutch addresses, preferred dates and an inventory. For a larger home, a short video is enough and we create the list for you.
- Receive your offer by WhatsApp or email.We review transport, access and services and send a detailed fixed-price offer. Ask your questions, then book online when it works for you.
- Access and loading space.We apply for the no-parking zone in Germany, check the zero-emission zone at your destination and confirm stairs, lift and loading point at both addresses.
- Collection in Germany.The team carries out the agreed packing and dismantling, protects your furniture and loads the vehicle.
- Delivery in the Netherlands.We unload, place the furniture in the rooms you choose and reassemble what was taken apart. Someone needs to be there to let the team in.
Keep passports, keys, medication and everything for the first night with you, not in the truck.
Questions about moving from Germany to the Netherlands
How much does it cost to move from Germany to the Netherlands?
A studio starts at €1,350 from Hamburg to Amsterdam or Rotterdam and €1,550 from Berlin to Amsterdam, including VAT. From Munich, a studio to Rotterdam starts at €1,650. Your fixed price follows from your inventory, access and the services you book.
How long does a move to the Netherlands take?
Usually one to two days from collection to delivery. We confirm the delivery window in your offer.
When do I have to register in the Netherlands?
If you stay longer than four months, within five days of arriving, at the municipality. You receive your BSN when you register.
Can the moving truck enter the zero-emission zone?
That depends on its emission class and first registration: transition rules let many diesel vehicles in until 2027, 2028 or 2030. Otherwise we book an RDW day exemption for €30.
What do I have to do with my German car?
After registering in the BRP, register the car with the RDW. The BPM tax does not apply if you owned and used it for at least six months before the move; apply within twelve months.
Do I pay customs on my household goods?
No. Germany and the Netherlands are both in the EU, so household goods cross the border without customs formalities.
How are my belongings insured?
Every Smoover move is insured through Allianz. Different levels of cover are available depending on the value of your belongings; we explain the options before you book.
Useful next steps
Planning your move to the Netherlands?
Send both addresses, your dates and an inventory. We put together your fixed-price offer and check access at your destination.
Prices and rules checked: 30 September 2026. The route map is a schematic illustration, not an exact routing.