You may be extremely excited about your upcoming international move to Poland, but don’t let that get the best of you when it comes to making the proper moving arrangements.
Overseas relocations require a lot of meticulous planning, not to mention proper documentation to ensure a stress-free experience. No matter what your reason is for moving to Poland,you’ll need to be prepared.
Read on for more information on what to expect when clearing customs, so you can callPoland home in no time!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When relocating overseas to Poland, you will need to collect the correct documentation to clear customs and begin living abroad.
These
important documents should be received well in advance of the arrival of your shipment to avoid any additional charges of demurrage. Talk to your international moving company and/or Destination Agent for more details.
When moving to Poland, you will need:
- Passport (original or notarized copy)
- Most recent entry stamp for: clearance of personal effects as unaccompanied luggage by air
- Work permit (original)
- Needed for clearance of household goods by air or surface
- Work certificate (in Polish) from your employer in Poland, stating the position and including the start and end date of employment, and the legal status of the shipper
- Company registration documents (copies - updated and notarized)
- Detailed inventory (three copies - PBO “Packed By Owner” not acceptable):
- Numbered and valued inventory in Polish that should be submitted in advance
- Electrical items listed must include brand name and serial number
- Artwork and other items made prior to 1945 must be clearly marked on inventory, and must include duplicate photos for customs processing
- Letter signed by you (the customer) indicating all items on the inventory are your property and that they have been used abroad prior to moving to Poland
- Customs clearance power of attorney
- Original or notarized copy of Polish home address (Zameldowanie)
- A bank guarantee as security for duty and VAT (as calculated on the declared value of possessions) - excludes returning citizens and diplomats
- For diplomats:
- Letter from Embassy and certificate from the ministry of Foreign Affairs at destination, requesting clearance of shipment and confirming legal status of the customer
- Household shipments are duty free
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
Upon moving to Poland, you must abide by some general regulations if you wish for your goods to clear customs successfully.
Things to keep in mind:
- Shipments are subject to inspection
- Customs clearance must be carried out within 20 days of shipment’s arrival (27 days maximum)
- If you are a returning Polish citizen, your shipment is tax and duty free if you have a certificate from the Polish Consulate at origin. You are not to sell any of these articles for at least two years from the date of customs clearance
- Household goods may be imported free of tax and duty, provided:
- You will be residing in Poland for more than six months (foreigner)
- You have lived abroad for at least 12 months (returning Polish citizen)
- Items are re-exported (foreigners)
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Most countries have a list of items that are not allowed in the country no matter the circumstance. In Poland, some of these items include, but may not be limited to:
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Explosives
- Firearms and ammunition
- Pornographic material
- Toxic materials
- Radioactive materials
RESTRICTED ITEMS
When shipping your household goods and personal effects to Poland, you should also be aware of the numerous items that are subject to duty fees, need special permission, or have limits on quantity. Some of these items include, but may not be limited to:
- Goods that are large in quantity (commercial quantity)
- Duplicate items (generally only one of each item permitted duty free)
- Foodstuff (must be a reasonable quantity for personal consumption)
- Alcohol (limit 2 liters)
- Tobacco (limit 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of loose tobacco)
- Plants (Phytosanitary Certificate required)
- Prescription medication (must be in reasonable amount for personal use and owner must be able to produce current prescription from doctor at origin)
It is advised to load all dutiable and restricted items towards the doors of the shipping container to allow easy access.
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you’re moving to Poland for work, you may be considering shipping your auto. First, you have to ensure you have the proper documents, and pay any duties or taxes that apply. If youplan on shipping your vehicle to Poland, you will need:
- Certificate of origin
- Original sales invoice for new vehicles, or value declaration signed by owner for used
- Original title or registration (must be registered under the name of current owner)
- Driver’s license
- International insurance policy
- Car model, make, year registration and chassis number should be noted on inventory
If you are a Polish citizen returning to Poland, you may only import a used vehicle (at least one month old), and it must be registered in the U.S. before customs receives a certificate from the Polish Consulate.
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
If you own a pet, you probably want to take your small companion with you when you move to Poland. Be advised that all pets must undergo required quarantine, and after that time, the pet must be under the owner’s supervision on his/her premises for six months.
To be sure your pet makes it through customs without any trouble, you will need:
- Import permit
- Health certificate issued by a veterinarian at origin 10 days prior to arrival (in English)
- Rabies vaccination certificate at least 30 days prior to departure (no more than nine months old)
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moves can be exhausting, as they come with numerous expenses and plenty of paperwork. The most important part of your move will be finding full-service international movers and freight forwarders that have proper licensure and insurance, so you can relocate stress-free.
Need help finding international moving companies in your area for your move to Poland? You can get startedhere atMovers.com by submitting our free quote form, which will connect you with up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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