Relocating from the UAE to The Netherlands – 5 things to consider

Thinking about starting a new chapter in the Netherlands?

An international move from the UAE may seem overwhelming, but with expert guidance, it can be a smooth and well-managed process. In this blog, Crown Relocations’ Corporate Sales Senior Consultant, Jessie De Ryck, answers five of the most commonly asked questions about moving to the Netherlands—from transit times and customs duties to shipping vehicles.

We’re here to help you plan with confidence.

1. Transit Times for Sea Shipments to the Netherlands

Allow around 10 to 14 weeks for your household goods to arrive in the Netherlands. For moves from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Crown offers direct sailings from Jebel Ali to Antwerp, providing faster and more reliable transit times.

The direct sailing to Rotterdam typically takes 35 days. Overall, the door-to-door transit includes:

• Sailing time from port to port
• 3 to 5 working days in the UAE and 4 to 6 working days in the Netherlands for customs clearance
• Loading, unloading, and final delivery.

2. Door-to-Door Quotations – Avoiding Surprises

Crown Relocations provides comprehensive international moving quotes, but it’s important to account for potential additional costs at your destination, especially in urban areas. These may include:

• Parking Permits: In areas with restricted parking or limited access, permits may be required for trucks or containers. Costs will vary depending on the location and duration. Your Move Manager will be able to provide more detailed information based on your final delivery address
• Outside elevator: Properties on higher floors or with limited access may require an outside elevator to safely delivery items. If needed we can arrange this to ensure a smooth delivery.
• Shuttling Service: For narrow streets or areas that restrict large trucks, smaller vans may be necessary. Alternatively, a ‘long-carry’ fee may apply if the vehicle must park far from the building.

If you have a confirmed delivery address at the time of enquiry, your Move Manager will provide tailored guidance to help you avoid unnecessary costs.

3. Customs Duties on Household Goods

You may qualify for exemption from duty and taxes on your household goods and vehicle(s) if they are for personal use, (i.e. not in commercial quantities), and the following conditions are met:

• You’ve lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months.
• The goods have been owned and used by you for at least 6
• The items are imported within 12 months of establishing residence in the Netherlands or another EU country.
• The goods will not be sold, loaned, leased or transferred within 12 months of entry.

4. Sending Smaller Quantities of Furniture and Personal Items

For smaller shipments, Crown offers a cost-effective EU Shared Container Service via Rotterdam or Antwerp. This is ideal for sending personal effects and limited furniture quantities.

Find out more about the service here.

5. Shipping Vehicles to The Netherlands

It is possible to ship your car or motorbike along with your household goods, provided the vehicle has the same owner as the personal effects.

Crown Relocations can support every step, including:

• Transportation and customs clearance
• Handover and delivery
• Coordination with inspections and local registration

You will be responsible for:

• Vehicle insurance
• Technical inspection
• Registration
• BPM (passenger vehicle tax) application

You will also need the following documents:

• Dutch municipal registration certificate
• Proof of vehicle ownership
• Your employment contract and employer’s statement
• Work permit
• Rental contract or mortgage certificate