Moving to China
Planning a move to China – to Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou or Shenzhen? Hartmann International has been organising overseas moves since 1856: with a permanent, trained team, FAIM-certified standards, a worldwide partner network and complete customs handling from a single source.
Your move to China – everything from a single source
Whether it is an apartment in Shanghai, an assignment to Beijing or a fresh start in Hong Kong – we plan your move to China from the first consultation to furniture assembly at your destination. As a member of AMÖ, FIDI and move alliance we handle sea and air freight, packing, insurance and the Chinese customs clearance, all from a single source.
- International private removals – flat, house, full service
- Company and employee relocations worldwide
- Sea, air and road freight incl. container loading
- Customs clearance & export/import documents
- Part-load shipments & storage in our own facilities
- Moving boxes, packing material & furniture dis-/assembly
- Disposal of items you no longer need
- AMÖ-, FIDI- & FAIM-certified international standards
One-stop move
From packing to customs clearance – one dedicated contact for your move abroad.
International expertise
China is one of our more demanding overseas destinations: we ship your household goods in our own container via the major Chinese ports such as Shanghai and Shenzhen – and guide you through the strict Chinese customs process.
Your belongings in safe hands
Professional and sea-worthy packing and insured transport all the way to the destination.
Your move from Germany to China
From the first consultation to setting up your new home, we take care of everything: we plan your move, supply packing material and moving boxes, pack securely for sea transport, organise the shipping to East Asia and reassemble your furniture at the destination.
On request we handle the transport only or the complete full service – including part-load transport, storage in our own facilities and relocation service. That makes your move to China plannable and stress-free, despite the long distance and the special customs requirements.
Transport routes to China
The main route to China is sea freight in a container: for a complete household, your own 20- or 40-foot container is the most economical solution. We pack securely for sea transport, load and organise the shipping via the major Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou – including delivery to your door.
Air freight is ideal for urgent or smaller shipments – when important items need to be in China quickly, for example at the start of an assignment in Beijing or Shanghai. We handle packing, documents and the whole process.
There is no pure overland route for a move to East Asia – within China our partner network handles the onward transport from the port of arrival to your new address, whether to Shanghai, Beijing or Guangzhou. That way your goods reach the interior of the country safely too.
Move stress-free with Hartmann International
Since 1856 we have accompanied you at every step – from the personal consultation through the binding fixed-price quote to furniture assembly at your destination. Your goods are covered by the statutory carrier liability; on request we arrange extended transport insurance at replacement value. We work with permanent, fairly paid staff and vetted partners on site.
With our relocation service we take the official paperwork off your hands – for job-related moves as well as for private customers. We support you with, among other things, your visa and work/residence permit, finding a home, bank account, insurance and connecting electricity and internet. That way you arrive in China relaxed from the very start.
Your international move in 5 steps
Enquiry
Free of charge by form, e-mail or phone.
Consultation & survey
We record volume, transport route and customs requirements.
Fixed-price quote
Transparent & in writing, incl. transport and customs.
Transport
Packing, loading and shipping by sea, air or road.
Delivery & assembly
Delivery, unpacking and furniture assembly at the destination.
Customs & documents for your move to China
China is not part of the EU, and Chinese customs are considered particularly strict: a customs declaration with a complete, detailed packing list of your goods is required for every move. For entry and customs clearance you need, among other things, a valid passport, an appropriate visa and a residence or work permit. We handle the process and tell you exactly which documents are needed and when.
Importing used goods into China is only possible under certain conditions, and individual items are subject to restrictions. We clarify which items these are in your specific case together with you in advance, so there are no surprises at import. We support you with the customs documents and the detailed packing list so that clearance runs as smoothly as possible.
What does a move to China cost?
The cost of a move to China depends mainly on the volume, the destination region (e.g. Shanghai, Beijing or Hong Kong), the transport route (sea freight in your own container, part load or air freight) and the services you choose. The effort for Chinese customs clearance is added on top. A further lever is the part load: you share the container and pay only your portion.
Flat-rate guide prices are of little value for overseas moves. After a short assessment – by phone, video or on site – you therefore receive a binding fixed-price quote with no hidden costs, including transport, packing and customs handling.
Calculate your moving costs online
Use our online moving calculator to get a non-binding first estimate for your international move in just a few minutes – volume, distance and services step by step.
Prefer a personal touch? Request a free quote ›
Good to know about your international move
Container sizes
A 20-foot container holds about 30 m³ (roughly a 2–3-room flat), a 40-foot container about 60 m³ (a whole house).
Part-loads save money
With a part-load you share the cargo space with other shipments and pay only your share – ideal for smaller volumes and some flexibility on timing.
Plan ahead
Plan your move ideally 2–3 months in advance, or 3–6 months for overseas – for customs applications and sailing/flight schedules.
Insurance
Every transport is covered by carrier liability; for international moves we recommend extended transport insurance at replacement value.
Import restrictions
Not everything may be imported – certain foods, plants, medicines or weapons are restricted. We tell you in advance what can go on the inventory list.
Pets & vehicles
Cars, motorcycles and pets can come along too – pet transport is handled by specialised partners; we tell you which documents are required.
Tip: our moving checklist helps with planning. Transit times depend on destination and transport route – mainland Europe usually a few days, overseas several weeks; we state the exact timeframe in your quote.
Our reference projects
Real international moves, real results – a selection of our international and overseas projects.
Move from China to Herzebrock-Clarholz
Mehr erfahren ›
Move from New York to Mainz – full service with a Harley-Davidson
Mehr erfahren ›
Move from New York to Mainz – full service with a Harley-Davidson
Full-service move from Frankfurt to Vitrolles
Mehr erfahren ›
Your personal contact for international moves
International moving team · Hartmann International
From the first enquiry to your arrival in China you have a dedicated contact – no call centre. We advise you personally on sea freight, the strict Chinese customs, visa and scheduling, and coordinate everything from a single source.
Move well prepared – with our checklist
Keep every step in view: our free moving checklist guides you from planning to move-in through all the key to-dos – deadlines, re-registration, no-parking zones and packing.
Request your free quote now
Ready for your move to China? We will get back to you promptly with a fair fixed-price quote including customs handling – by phone on +49 5251 87500-0 or directly via our form.
Frequently asked questions
What does a move to China cost?
It depends on the volume, destination region (e.g. Shanghai, Beijing or Hong Kong), the transport route (sea-freight container, part load or air freight) and the services you choose; Chinese customs clearance is added on top. After a short assessment you receive a binding fixed-price quote with no hidden costs. A part load can save you even more.
How does transport to China work – sea or air freight?
The main route is sea freight in a container: for a complete household your own 20- or 40-foot container is the most economical solution, shipped via the major Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Urgent or smaller shipments go by air freight. We pack securely for sea transport and deliver to your door.
How long does a move to China take?
For sea freight, allow several weeks as a rule, depending on the departure port, destination port and route, plus Chinese customs clearance and the onward transport to your address. Air freight is considerably faster. We state the exact timeframe in your binding quote.
Are there customs duties for a move to China?
China is not part of the EU, so a customs declaration with a detailed packing list is required. Chinese customs are considered strict, and importing used goods is only possible under certain conditions. We handle the whole process and advise you on the requirements.
What documents do I need for a move to China?
For customs clearance you generally need a valid passport, an appropriate visa as well as a residence or work permit, and a complete, detailed packing list of your goods. We clarify in advance which documents are required in your specific case and support you with all customs paperwork.
Are there goods I am not allowed to import into China?
Yes. Chinese customs are strict, and certain goods are subject to restrictions or may not be imported. What is possible in your specific case and what you should leave behind is something we discuss in detail before the move – that way you avoid problems at import.
Can I also transport my household goods to China as a part load?
Yes. With a part load you share the container with other shipments and pay only your portion – the most economical option if you are flexible on timing. We handle the Chinese customs clearance here too.
Are my belongings insured on the way to China?
Yes. Every transport is covered by the statutory carrier liability. For overseas moves to China in particular we recommend extended transport insurance at replacement value, which we arrange on request.
Which cities in China do you move to?
We organise moves to Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen as well as to all other regions. From the port of arrival our partner network handles the onward transport to your new address – including to the interior of the country.
Can you also transport bulky items such as a piano or furniture to China?
Yes. We ship bulky items such as pianos, large furniture or delicate pieces with suitable special packing and load securing. Just mention it when you make your enquiry and we will plan the transport accordingly.
What our customers say
„The staff handled our household goods carefully and professionally.”
„Excellent guidance and support with the move to Great Britain.”
„The staff were absolutely outstanding. An absolute recommendation!”
„Great team, excellent move! Very reliable, friendly and professional.”
„I can wholeheartedly recommend Hartmann International to anyone who needs a removal company.”
„After our practice relocated a year ago and that went excellently too, I have now also moved privately with Hartmann.”
Hartmann International is rated 4.86 out of 5 stars from 297 reviews on ProvenExpert.
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regionally, across Europe and worldwide
From Paderborn we organise your move to China, throughout Europe and worldwide.