Moving to Iceland
Planning a move to Iceland – to Reykjavík, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður or Akureyri? Hartmann International has been organising international moves since 1856: with a permanent, trained team, FAIM-certified standards and a worldwide partner network for the island in the North Atlantic.
Your move to Iceland – everything from a single source
Whether it is a city flat in Reykjavík or a whole house in the surrounding area – we plan your move to Iceland from the first consultation to furniture assembly at your destination. As a member of AMÖ, FIDI and move alliance we handle sea freight, air freight and the necessary customs clearance from a single source, including packing and insurance.
- 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
We reach Iceland mainly by sea freight in a container – shipped from the major North Sea ports to Reykjavík. We handle the road leg to the port of departure with our own staff.
Your belongings in safe hands
Professional and sea-worthy packing and insured transport all the way to the destination.
Your move from Germany to Iceland
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 shipment and reassemble your furniture at the destination.
On request we handle the transport only or the complete full service – including part-load shipping, storage in our own facilities and relocation service. That way your move to Iceland becomes plannable and stress-free, even across the sea.
Transport routes to Iceland
Sea freight in a container is the main route to Iceland. We pack your goods securely for the sea, load the 20- or 40-foot container and organise the shipment from the major North Sea ports (e.g. Rotterdam, Hamburg or Denmark) to Reykjavík – including delivery to your door. For smaller volumes a part load in a groupage container is also possible.
We carry urgent or smaller shipments by air freight to Keflavík – ideal if only important items need to be on the island quickly. We handle packing, documents and customs clearance for you.
Pure road transport to Iceland is not possible – the island lies in the North Atlantic. We bring your goods by truck to the port of departure; from there the sea freight takes over. This keeps the whole chain in one hand, with no unnecessary reloading.
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 local partners.
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, finding a home, registering with Þjóðskrá (Registers Iceland), obtaining your kennitala (ID number), a bank account, insurance and connecting electricity and internet. That way you arrive in Iceland 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 Iceland
Iceland belongs to the European Economic Area (EEA) but not to the EU customs union. A customs declaration is therefore required for your move. We handle the clearance and prepare the necessary documents – in particular a complete inventory list of your belongings.
When you genuinely relocate your residence, household removal goods are usually admitted free of duty, provided you supply the required proof. We clarify in advance which documents and deadlines apply in your case and what role the kennitala plays – so that the import runs smoothly.
What does a move to Iceland cost?
The cost of a move to Iceland depends mainly on the volume, the chosen transport route (sea-freight container or air freight), the container size (20 or 40 foot) and the services you choose. An effective lever is the part load in a groupage container: you share the loading space and pay only your portion.
Flat-rate guide prices are of little value for international moves by sea. 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 clearance.
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 overseas projects.
Move from New York to Mainz – full service with a Harley-Davidson
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Move from New York to Mainz – full service with a Harley-Davidson
Move from China to Herzebrock-Clarholz
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Your personal contact for international moves
International moving team · Hartmann International
From the first enquiry to your arrival in Iceland you have a dedicated contact – no call centre. We advise you personally on sea freight, customs 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 Iceland? We will get back to you promptly with a fair fixed-price quote – by phone on +49 5251 87500-0 or directly via our form.
Frequently asked questions
What does a move to Iceland cost?
It depends on the volume, the transport route (sea or air freight), the container size and the services you choose. After a short assessment you receive a binding fixed-price quote with no hidden costs. A part load in a groupage container can save you considerably.
How long does a move to Iceland take?
As Iceland lies in the North Atlantic, transport is mainly by sea freight. Depending on the port of departure, route and shipping schedule, you should usually allow several weeks – from collection in Germany to delivery in Reykjavík. We state the exact timeframe in your binding quote.
How does the transport to Iceland work?
The main route is sea freight in a container. We pack securely for the sea, carry your goods by truck to the port of departure (e.g. Rotterdam, Hamburg or in Denmark) and organise the shipment to Reykjavík including delivery to your door. Urgent shipments go by air freight to Keflavík.
Are there customs duties for a move to Iceland?
Iceland belongs to the EEA but not to the EU customs union, so a customs declaration is required. When you genuinely relocate your residence, household removal goods are usually admitted free of duty, provided the required proof is supplied. We handle the entire clearance for you.
What documents do I need for a move to Iceland?
For the customs import we mainly need a complete inventory list of your belongings and proof of your change of residence. For registration in Iceland you need a kennitala (ID number) and to register with Þjóðskrá (Registers Iceland). We advise you individually.
Do you also move to Akureyri or to rural areas?
Yes. We reliably reach Reykjavík, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Akureyri and other places. After the shipment to Reykjavík we handle onward distribution and delivery with local partners – to your door and with furniture assembly on request.
Can I also transport furniture only partly (part load) to Iceland?
Yes. With a part load in a groupage container you share the loading space with other shipments and pay only your portion – the most economical option for smaller volumes if you are flexible on timing.
Are my belongings insured on the sea route to Iceland?
Yes. Every transport is covered by the statutory carrier liability. Especially for sea freight we recommend extended transport insurance at replacement value, which we arrange on request – so your household goods are covered along the entire route.
Do you also handle the official paperwork in Iceland?
With our relocation service we support you with finding a home, registering with Þjóðskrá, obtaining the kennitala, a bank account, insurance as well as electricity and internet – on request including on-site support.
How do I recognise a reputable company for international moves?
By certifications such as AMÖ, FIDI and FAIM, a transparent written fixed-price quote, in-house staff and adequate insurance cover. Hartmann International has been operating since 1856 and is rated 4.86 out of 5 stars from 297 reviews.
What our customers say
„The staff handled our household goods carefully and professionally.”
„Excellent guidance and support with the move to Great Britain.”
„Great team, excellent move! Very reliable, friendly and professional.”
„I can wholeheartedly recommend Hartmann International to anyone who needs a removal company.”
„The staff were absolutely outstanding. An absolute recommendation!”
„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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