Ana-Marija leads Crown’s destination service delivery throughout the Middle East. She oversees both in-house and external destination service consultants, driven by a passion to ensure an unparalleled customer experience.
Are you planning an international relocation from the UAE to the UK?
Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming. Careful planning and preparations are essential for a smooth transition. In this article, Ana-Marija Brcic, Crown Relocations' Senior Residential Consultant, shares valuable insights to answer four commonly asked questions about relocating to the UK.
1. Transit Times for Sea Shipments to the UK
Understanding the transit times for sea shipments is crucial for effective planning when relocating from the UAE to the UK. You should plan for a 6 to 8-week timeframe for your shipment to reach your new home. For moves from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Crown offers sailing from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to main UK ports, London Gateway, Felixstowe, Southampton and Grangemouth.
Door-to-door transit times:
· Approximately 32-36 days for sailing to London Gateway, Southampton, and Felixstowe.
· Approximately 43-45 days for sailing to Grangemouth.
· An additional 5-7 days in both the UAE and UK for customs clearance.
· Loading, unloading and final delivery.
2. Door-to-Door Quotations – Avoiding Surprises
At Crown Relocations, we aim to provide comprehensive quotations for international moves. It’s essential to consider potential additional costs at the destination, which could add hundreds of pounds to the final door-to-door bill. Some common examples include:
· Parking Suspension: A parking suspension is mainly required for deliveries in cities with controlled parking zones. You will need to apply to your local council to suspend parking controls and reserve a space for the waiting, parking, and unloading of your shipment. Approval can take 7-10 days, depending on your council.
· Shuttling Service: Shuttling by smaller vans is recommended in residential areas that prohibit and restrict the entry of large trucks and containers and also for narrow streets and driveways inaccessible to large trucks. Shuttling may also be required if you do not have sufficient time to obtain a parking suspension. Alternatively, extra charges for 'long-carry' could be added if the delivery truck needs to park far away from your building.
· Stair Carry: Deliveries to houses and apartments on the first floor will be included in the cost. However, if you live above the first floor there may be additional charges.
· Heavy Lift Items: Additional charges will apply for any items that require more than two crew members to carry. Examples include pianos, Pool or billiard tables, marble or stone sculptures, large safes, and large furniture items such as bars.
If you have a final delivery address at the time of your enquiry, we will be able to check if any additional costs will affect your delivery.
3. Customs Duties on Household Goods
When moving or returning to the UK, you will qualify for a duty and VAT-free personal effects shipment, providing that you meet specific criteria that include:
- You have lived outside the UK for over 12 months but intend to take up permanent residence for at least 185 days in 12 months.
- You have owned and used the household goods for more than six months before the date of departure and are bringing them to the UK for personal use.
Before shipping, you must submit an application for Transfer of Residence relief (ToR1) to HMRC. If accepted, HMRC will send you a unique reference number, which you must share with your Crown Relocations’ Move Manager before your shipment arrives in the UK. The link below provides practical advice on completing the TOR application; Click here.
As part of the application, you’ll need to provide a list of all the items you plan to ship. Most Crown Relocations’ customers share the survey list prepared by their consultant for this purpose, to which you can also add details of any pets or vehicles you plan to relocate to the UK.
In you cannot obtain a TOR, you’ll need to pay duties/taxes, which are around 38% of the shipment value. However, if your TOR application is still being processed at time of shipment and you will be able provide the reference number in the future, your Crown Relocations’ Move Manager can advise on temporary bonded storage options in the UK.
4. Shipping Vehicles to the UK
When moving or returning to the UK, you will qualify for Transfer of Residence relief on motor vehicles, including cars, motorbikes and scooters, providing that you meet specific criteria that include:
- You have lived outside the UK for over 12 months but intend to take up permanent residence for at least 185 days in 12 months.
- You have owned and used the vehicle(s) for more than six months before the date of departure and are bringing them to the UK for personal use.
The vehicle needs to be included in the relevant section of the TOR application, and importantly, the TOR application must be made in the same name as the proof of ownership of the vehicle.
Crown Relocations can help you complete all the documentation both in the UAE and the United Kingdom for successful customs clearance and delivery.
Important note: Before deciding to ship your vehicle, you should check the requirements for vehicle registration and the estimated costs of any required modifications.
Ready to move?
Relocating your household goods from the UAE to the UK may seem daunting, but the process can be smooth and hassle-free with proper planning and the assistance of Crown Relocations.
With our Move Managers’ expertise and support, your move from the UAE to the UK can be seamlessly executed. Contact us today to begin your journey to a new home in the UK with confidence.
Call us on +971 4 230 5300