Moving to Northern Ireland
Planning a move to Northern Ireland – to Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Lisburn or Newry? Hartmann International has been organising international moves since 1856: with a permanent, trained team, FAIM-certified standards and – especially important since Brexit – complete customs handling from a single source.
Your move to Northern Ireland – everything from a single source
Whether it is a city flat in Belfast, a terraced house in Lisburn or a cottage on the coast – we plan your move to Northern Ireland from the first consultation to furniture assembly at your destination. As a member of AMÖ, FIDI and move alliance we handle transport, packing, insurance and the customs clearance required since Brexit, 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
Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and therefore outside the EU: we know the route by truck across the Channel and the Irish Sea and handle the customs declaration for you – to Belfast, Derry, Lisburn and Newry.
Your belongings in safe hands
Professional and sea-worthy packing and insured transport all the way to the destination.
Your move from Germany to Northern Ireland
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 professionally, organise the transport across the Channel and the Irish Sea 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 way your move to Northern Ireland becomes plannable and stress-free – whether to Belfast, Derry/Londonderry or a smaller community.
Transport routes to Northern Ireland
For larger households, sea freight in a container is an economical route: we pack securely for transport and load the 20- or 40-foot container, which is shipped via the North Sea and Irish Sea ports to Belfast – including customs clearance and delivery to your door.
Air freight is ideal for urgent or smaller shipments – when a few important items need to be in Belfast or Derry quickly. We handle packing, customs documents and the whole process.
The classic route to Northern Ireland runs by truck across the Channel (ferry or Eurotunnel) and then by ferry across the Irish Sea – often via Great Britain to Belfast. This is plannable and gentle; at the border we handle the customs clearance required since Brexit. A part load reduces the cost if you are flexible on timing.
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. As the United Kingdom no longer grants freedom of movement since Brexit, we support you with, among other things, your visa and residence permit, finding a home, your National Insurance Number, bank account, insurance and connecting electricity and internet. That way you arrive in Northern Ireland 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 Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and therefore outside the EU: a customs declaration is required for goods from Germany, and you need a complete inventory list of your belongings. If you are transferring your place of residence, you can usually import your household goods free of duty – via ToR relief (Transfer of Residence). For this the ToR1 application is submitted to UK customs (HMRC) in advance; only with the reference granted does the duty-free import run smoothly. We support you with the application and the supporting evidence.
Under the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland has a special status within the United Kingdom. We take the rules in force at the time into account and advise you individually on which documents and evidence are needed for a smooth import to Belfast, Derry or Lisburn, and we handle the entire customs clearance for you.
What does a move to Northern Ireland cost?
The cost of a move to Northern Ireland depends mainly on the volume, the distance and destination region (Belfast, Derry, Lisburn, Newry), the transport route (truck with ferry/Eurotunnel, sea freight, air freight) and the services you choose. The effort for customs clearance is added on top. A further lever is the part load: you share the loading space and pay only your portion.
Flat-rate guide prices are of little value for international 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 European projects.
Full-service move from Frankfurt to Vitrolles
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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
Your personal contact for international moves
International moving team · Hartmann International
From the first enquiry to your arrival in Northern Ireland you have a dedicated contact – no call centre. We advise you personally on transport route, customs handling with ToR relief 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 Northern Ireland? 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 Northern Ireland cost?
It depends on the volume, destination region (Belfast, Derry, Lisburn, Newry), the transport route and the services you choose; 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 long does a move to Northern Ireland take?
By truck across the Channel and then by ferry across the Irish Sea your goods usually arrive within a few days to about a week, depending on the departures and route. With a part load or sea freight, allow a few more days, as does customs clearance. We state the exact timeframe in your binding quote.
Are there customs duties for a move to Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and outside the EU, so a customs declaration with an inventory list is required. If you are transferring your residence, however, you can usually import your household goods free of duty via ToR relief (Transfer of Residence). We handle the whole process.
What is ToR relief and how does the ToR1 application work?
ToR (Transfer of Residence) is the UK customs relief for household goods when you transfer your place of residence. For this you submit the ToR1 application to UK customs (HMRC) in advance. Only with the reference number granted does the duty-free import run smoothly – we support you with the application and the supporting evidence.
What special status does Northern Ireland have after Brexit?
Under the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland has a special status within the United Kingdom. Which rules apply in a given case depends on your situation – we take the rules in force at the time into account and advise you individually on the documents and evidence required.
Which documents do I need for a move to Northern Ireland?
You need a complete inventory list of your belongings and, for duty-free import, the ToR1 evidence from UK customs (HMRC). For a permanent stay, a visa or residence permit may be required depending on your situation. We tell you exactly which documents are needed and when.
Can you also transport a part load to Northern Ireland?
Yes. With a part load you share the loading space with other shipments and pay only your portion – the most economical option if you are somewhat flexible on timing. We handle the customs clearance here too.
Are my belongings insured on the way to Northern Ireland?
Yes. Every transport is covered by the statutory carrier liability. For international moves we recommend extended transport insurance at replacement value, which we arrange on request.
Do I need a visa or residence permit for Northern Ireland?
Since Brexit there is no longer freedom of movement; for a permanent stay you usually need a visa or residence permit. We organise the move itself; with our relocation service we additionally support you with official matters such as your National Insurance Number and registration.
Do you move to Belfast, Derry, Lisburn and Newry?
Yes. We organise moves to Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Lisburn and Newry as well as to smaller communities throughout Northern Ireland – by truck across the Channel and the Irish Sea, and by sea or air freight where needed.
What our customers say
„Excellent guidance and support with the move to Great Britain.”
„The staff handled our household goods carefully and professionally.”
„The staff were absolutely outstanding. An absolute recommendation!”
„I can wholeheartedly recommend Hartmann International to anyone who needs a removal company.”
„Great team, excellent move! Very reliable, friendly and professional.”
„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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We move you –
regionally, across Europe and worldwide
From Paderborn we organise your move to Northern Ireland, throughout Europe and worldwide.