Guidance and Help
JUMPING BUREAUCRATIC HURDLES TO NEW EUROPE
When moving abroad, unlike moving in one country, overseas home owners are presented with the additional burden of various bureaucratic rules coming into play. Preparation in advance of your move is the key. An International Federation of International Movers (FIDI) accredited company or FIDI Accredited International Mover (FAIM), will be aware of the relevant rules operating for each country and accordingly help you plan ahead well in advance of your move.
In theory, documentation is not required for a move to EU countries, however, this is not always the case, particularly with new entrant countries where often there is a period of transition before harmonisation of the relevant legislation. This may mean for some of countries which have recently joined the EU additional duties and taxes, requiring supporting documentation. For example, Cyprus charges taxes on electrical items, effectively an import duty, called a Wharfage Charge.
Many overseas home buyers have been attracted to Romania and Bulgaria with their stunning scenery and relatively low property prices, and the expected boost to their economies and property prices after the two countries joined the European Union in January this year. If you do intend to move to Romania and Bulgaria – the removal service is now subject to VAT, costing an extra 17.5%, which goes to the UK government.
If your dream property is not within the EU, the bureaucratic paperwork becomes more complex. Depending on the circumstances of your move abroad, there is a plethora of documentation and other personal administrative matters to consider, such as copies of the lease/purchase agreement, residence visa/permit and work permit for you and or other members of your family, proof of income and medical insurance. However, help is at hand with respect to each country’s different set of rules, with most professional international removals companies being able to provide the relevant information and guidance, together with an experienced representative to visit and discuss your moving requirements.
The representative will be able to offer guidance on a wide range of matters. First, it is important to understand what items or goods are prohibited from being taken into the country in addition to import duties. Concerning tax, useful savings can be made by taking advantage of the fact that the VAT on any new furniture delivered by the supplier direct to the removals company for shipment outside the EU can be reclaimed.
For conducting the move at the destination country, it may be necessary to grant power of attorney to an overseas agent acting on your behalf, often requiring a letter granting power of attorney to be notarised within the UK at the relevant foreign embassy or consulate. Additionally, it may be required to lodge a bond or have a guarantor to cover initial living expenses and costs.
It is essential to have a detailed inventory drawn up and finalised in time to allow for customs documentation to be completed prior to the move. This should include the nominal or actual value of goods and not just the insured value, as well as the make and serial numbers of electrical items. It is also strongly advised to take photographs of all antiques should in future you decide to re-export them from your foreign country home to another country or back to the UK.
Some countries have a time limit in which to import your belongings from the moment the purchase of your overseas home is completed and there may be a restriction on the number of consignments you can make.
It is important to make sure all the import forms are completed and photocopies of you and your family’s principle passport pages are obtained prior to shipment.
Generally, it is advisable not to take your car abroad, particularly in countries which drive on the other side of the road to the UK, while importing the car will attract higher taxes and duties. Furthermore, safety and environmental standards may restrict the importation and use of certain vehicles, as for example the USA which in any case has a market offering cars at considerably lower cost than in the UK.
All these bureaucratic hurdles may sound daunting, however, a professional international agent guiding you step by step and planning are the key to success of a move to your dream home overseas.
