Moving Abroad: 2026 Prices, Documents and Step-by-Step Guide

Moving abroad — once you have made that decision, the most stressful part of the process is getting your belongings safely to your new address. Moving to another country raises three questions above all others: "How much will it cost?", "What documents do I need?" and "How do I find a trustworthy company?" In this guide you will find 2026 current prices, customs exemption conditions, a document checklist, and a step-by-step moving process. At Gökay Transport, since 2010 we have been providing road-freight household moving services across Europe, the Balkans, and the Caucasus to 14 countries by road. International shipping overview — visit our page to explore our full service network.

2026 International Moving Prices

International household shipping prices vary according to volume, destination country, and additional services. The tables below show 2026 road-freight household moving prices. Because Gökay Transport exclusively serves countries accessible by road, our prices are far more competitive than those of overseas shipping companies.

Country-by-Country Road-Freight Moving Prices

Germany door-to-door moving prices — including all destinations — 2026 current road-freight price table:

Price Table by Volume

International household shipping prices by volume — average Europe-route prices:

Important Note: Prices may vary based on the loading point, floor access, lift availability, packaging service, and customs costs. To receive an accurate price, let us know your apartment size and destination country. For box or single-item shipments, you can save with our LTL household shipping service and add your goods to our weekly departures.

For a personalised international shipping quote tailored to your home, send us a message on WhatsApp or call us directly on +90 533 302 33 10.

What You Need to Move Abroad: Step-by-Step Guide

Moving to another country requires managing many steps at once. Follow the 10-step process below to plan your move without any hiccups:

1. Destination-country research (6 months before) — Review residence permit types, cost of living, the healthcare system, and education options.
2. Visa and residence permit application (4–6 months before) — Processing times vary by country; Germany's Blue Card takes 3–8 weeks, Greece's residence permit 4–12 weeks.
3. Budget planning (3–4 months before) — Calculate shipping costs, first-month accommodation, health insurance, and daily living expenses.
4. Choosing a moving company (2–3 months before) — Sign a contract with an L2-licensed, CMR-insured company.
5. Preparing the inventory list (2 months before) — List every item to be moved, room by room; it will be used in the customs declaration.
6. Packing and labelling (2–4 weeks before) — Fragile items must be protected with specialist packaging.
7. Preparing customs documents (1–2 weeks before) — Inventory list, passport copy, and residence certificate.
8. Loading and dispatch — A professional crew loads your belongings into the truck; GPS live tracking is activated.
9. Transit and customs clearance — Kapıkule, Ipsala, or Sarp border gate is used for the outbound crossing.
10. Delivery and settling in — Your belongings are delivered room by room to your new address.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Things to do before moving abroad — checklist:

• Obtain a certificate of residence from the civil registration office
• Set up your bank accounts for international access (SWIFT/IBAN)
• Notify the Social Security Institution (SGK) and the tax authority
• Obtain your medical records and vaccination cards
• Prepare your children's school enrolment documents
• Complete the rental contract termination or title-deed transfer
• Cancel or transfer utility subscriptions (electricity, water, gas, internet)
• Prepare your pet's documents (pet passport, rabies vaccination)
• Moving documents checklist — review it

Documents Required to Move Abroad

Requirements for moving abroad — document preparation is the most critical step. Missing documents cause delays at customs and additional costs.

Personal documents: – Passport (valid for at least 6 months) – Visa or residence permit – Civil registration certificate – Medical report and vaccination card – Language certificates (depending on the country) – Apostille-certified documents (notarised, translated)

Shipping and customs documents: – Household-goods inventory list (room by room, detailed) – Customs declaration – CMR transport document (mandatory for road transport) – Residence certificate (from the consulate of the destination country) – TIR Carnet (for international transit crossings)

Country-specific additional documents: Additional paperwork varies by destination — for example, Anmeldung (address registration) in Germany, Codice Fiscale (tax number) in Italy, and AFM (tax ID) in Greece.

Household-Goods Customs Procedures and Exemption Conditions

Household-goods customs procedures are the most confusing part of the moving process. With the right information you can exercise your exemption entitlement and save thousands of euros. For detailed information, you can review our personal-goods customs procedures guide.

Customs Exemption Conditions

Items excluded from exemption: Motor vehicles, commercially characterised goods, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco products. An inventory list demonstrating that the goods are being moved for personal use is mandatory.

We also handle your customs procedures. To share your moving plan and find out your exemption status, get a free consultation.

Road Freight for Household Goods: Why Is It the Most Economical Method?

Sending household goods abroad can be done via three main methods. Moving to Europe — a comparison that everyone planning this should know:

International door-to-door moving — road freight is by far the most advantageous method in terms of cost, speed, and security. Your belongings are loaded in a single lift, cross the border, and are delivered to your door. Because there are no intermediate transfers, the risk of damage is minimal.

For volumes that do not fill an entire truck, LTL household moving option — we add your goods to our weekly scheduled services. LTL shipping means even a 1-bedroom apartment can be moved at an economical price.

Packing and Goods Preparation Guide

Professional packing is the guarantee that your belongings will arrive undamaged. For items that need temporary storage, we also offer secure storage solutions. Room-by-room packing guide:

Living room and lounge: Sofas are wrapped in stretch film; coffee tables and TV units are covered with foam protection. LCD/LED televisions are transported in dedicated cardboard boxes.

Bedroom: Drawer units are emptied; wardrobe doors are secured. Mattresses are compressed in vacuum bags. Mirrors and glass-fronted panels are wrapped in bubble wrap.

Kitchen: Plates, glasses, and porcelain items are individually wrapped in paper and boxed. Electrical appliances are transported in their original boxes. The refrigerator is switched off and dried out 24 hours in advance.

Items that must not be shipped: Flammable materials, pressurised containers (deodorants, spray paint), perishable foodstuffs, and certain battery-powered devices are prohibited on road-freight shipments.

Labelling system: Each box must be marked with the room name, a summary of its contents, and a 'fragile' warning. The box number must match the corresponding number in the inventory list. This system also saves time during customs inspection.

Your Belongings Are Safe with CMR Insurance

Insured international door-to-door moving eliminates the biggest worry in the moving process: "What happens if something goes wrong with my belongings?"

CMR insurance protects all goods transported by road against damage, loss, and delayed delivery. The compensation limit is 8.33 SDR/kg (approximately 10 EUR/kg).

Example calculation: CMR compensation limit for 500 kg of household goods: 500 × 8.33 SDR = 4,165 SDR (approximately 5,000 EUR). This is the minimum compensation you would receive in the event of a total loss.

At Gökay Transport, all household-goods shipments are carried out under CMR insurance coverage. For high-value items (antique furniture, pianos, works of art) we also offer additional All Risks cargo insurance. For detailed information, please review our household goods shipping insurance guide.

Country-by-Country Moving Guide

Gökay Transport 14 countries — regular road-freight services. Customs regulations, residence permit processes, and moving details differ by country.

Moving to Germany

Moving from Turkey to Germany — thousands of people use this route every year. Requirements for moving to Germany include the Blue Card (Blaue Karte), a family reunification visa, or a work permit.

Istanbul–Germany door-to-door moving — our service Kapıkule border gate, reaching Germany through Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, and Austria. Transit time 5–7 working days; scheduled departures are available every Wednesday and Friday.

Germany door-to-door moving prices: 1-bedroom apartment 2,000–2,900 EUR, 3-bedroom apartment 3,500–4,900 EUR. Anmeldung (address registration) is mandatory in Germany; your belongings are delivered to your new registered address. For detailed route and pricing information, visit our moving to Germany page.

Moving to Italy

Moving to Italy is carried out by road or a combination of road and Ro-Ro (truck loaded onto a ferry). Transit time 4–6 days. Obtaining a Codice Fiscale (tax number) and registering with the civil registration authority are mandatory in Italy. Price: 1-bedroom apartment 1,800–2,700 EUR.

Moving to Greece

With the advantage of being a neighbouring country, moving to Greece is one of the fastest options. Outbound crossing via the Ipsala border gate, 1–2 days transit time. As an EU member state, customs union advantages apply. Price: 1-bedroom apartment 1,200–1,800 EUR.

Moving to Bulgaria and Romania

Moving to Bulgaria Kapıkule or Hamzabeyli border gate — 1–2 days transit. Moving to Romania by road takes 2–3 days transit through Bulgaria. Both countries are EU members and stand out for their low cost of living.

Moving to Georgia

Moving to Georgia Sarp border gate — 1–2 days. With visa-free entry for Turkish citizens, a low cost of living, and straightforward residence permit processes, it has become a popular destination in recent years.

Whatever country you are moving to, for a tailored route and pricing, send us a message on WhatsApp.

Moving Abroad as a Family with Children

Moving abroad as a family requires far more planning than moving alone. Moving abroad with children — key points to keep in mind:

School enrolment and equivalency: Prepare current school registration documents, report cards, and transcripts with notarised translations. An equivalency application must be submitted to the education ministry of the destination country. The Zeugnis system applies in Germany; the Pagella system in Italy.

Medical file: Vaccination card, dental check-up, and a general health report must be prepared. For EU countries, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or private health insurance is mandatory.

Children's psychology: Explain the move to your child in advance and share positive information about the new country. The first few months should be treated as an adjustment period; language preparation should begin at least 3 months before the move.

Moving Abroad with Pets

Moving abroad with a dog or travelling with a cat requires specific documentation:

• Pet passport (from a licensed veterinarian)
• Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
• Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days in advance)
• Health certificate (issued no more than 10 days before departure)

EU countries — EU Pet Passport is sufficient. There is no quarantine requirement in Georgia. In some countries, breeds such as Pitbull and Dogo Argentino may appear on restricted breed lists; check the destination country's rules in advance.

Employment Law When Moving Abroad: Severance Pay

Employees leaving their job due to moving abroad — the most frequently asked question concerns severance pay when moving abroad.

Under the Labour Code, moving abroad alone does not constitute justifiable termination. However, your right to severance pay may arise in the following circumstances:

• Spouse's transfer — relocation for this reason (may be accepted as justifiable)
• Medical reasons requiring treatment abroad
• With the employer: mutual agreement (ikale) contract — the most common and safest method
• Those who meet the conditions of 15 years of insurance + 3,600 days of premium payments may resign and receive severance pay

Pay attention to notice periods: for open-ended employment contracts, a 2–8 week notice period applies. Discussing the matter with your employer early and signing a mutual termination (ikale) protocol is the smoothest solution for both parties.

How to Choose a Reliable Moving Company

International door-to-door moving companies — check these 7 criteria to make the right choice. International moving companies in Istanbul and beyond — hundreds of options exist, but not all offer the same level of assurance.

1. L2 Authorisation Certificate: This is the international road-freight operating licence issued by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. It can be verified through the U.NET system. A company without this certificate cannot legally carry out international transport.
2. CMR Insurance: This is the mandatory insurance that protects your belongings against damage, loss, and delay on all shipments. Request the insurance certificate before signing the contract.
3. GPS Live Tracking: Being able to see the location of your belongings 24/7 in real time is a sign of transparency.
4. Contract terms: Services included in the price (packing, floor access, customs clearance), additional cost items, and the delivery guarantee must be set out in writing.
5. Reference check: Review testimonials from previous customers and check Google reviews.
6. Experience and fleet: Companies that own their vehicles and work with a specialist crew should be preferred. Companies using rented vehicles can create problems with liability allocation.
7. Price transparency: Prioritise companies that provide a detailed price quote with no risk of unexpected additional charges.

L2-licensed, CMR-insured, GPS-tracked moving service — request a quote now.

Why Move with Gökay Transport?

• L2 Authorisation Certificate (U.NET Registered) — We are authorised by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and registered in the U.NET system.
• CMR Insurance (All Shipments) — Your household goods are covered under CMR insurance from the moment of loading until delivery.
• GPS Live Tracking — You can track the location of your belongings 24/7 in real time.
• Serving Since 2010 — 16 years of experience — we have safely moved thousands of families to their new homes. Our on-time delivery commitment is what sets us apart in the industry.
• 14-Country Service Network — We operate regular road-freight services to 14 countries across Europe, the Balkans, and the Caucasus.
• Weekly Scheduled Departures — Scheduled services to main routes every week; plan your moving date with flexibility.
• Door-to-Door Service — Packing, loading, customs clearance, transport, and delivery — all managed from a single source.
• Own Fleet — We operate our own vehicles; zero third-party risk.

Moving abroad — share your plans with us: get a free quote via WhatsApp or +90 533 302 33 10 — call us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does moving abroad cost in 2026?

As of 2026, road-freight prices for moving abroad vary by destination country and volume of household goods. On European routes, prices range from 2,000–2,900 EUR for a 1-bedroom apartment, 2,500–3,900 EUR for a 2-bedroom, and 3,500–4,900 EUR for a 3-bedroom. For an exact price, send us your apartment size and destination country via our WhatsApp line.

Is there a customs exemption when moving abroad?

Yes. With proof of uninterrupted residence abroad for at least 24 months, your personal-use household goods can be moved free of customs duty. Commercial goods, motor vehicles, and alcohol/tobacco products are excluded from the exemption. A residence certificate issued by the consulate of the destination country and a detailed inventory list are required.

What documents are required to move abroad?

The core requirements are: passport, visa or residence permit, civil registration certificate, medical records and vaccination card, a household-goods inventory list, customs declaration, and CMR transport document. Depending on the destination country, additional paperwork such as apostille-certified documents, language certificates, or equivalency certificates may be requested.

How do I choose an international door-to-door moving company?

Check for an L2 authorisation certificate and U.NET registration. Ask whether CMR insurance is provided. Prefer companies with a GPS live-tracking system. Compare contract terms, references, and price transparency. Companies that meet all of these criteria are trustworthy choices.

How long does it take to move to Germany?

The average road-freight transit time from Istanbul to Germany is 5–7 working days. Including loading, customs procedures, and delivery, the total process is completed in 7–14 days. Thanks to our weekly scheduled departures, you can plan your moving date flexibly.

Can I receive severance pay if I leave my job to move abroad?

Under the Labour Code, moving abroad alone does not constitute justifiable termination. However, if there are additional grounds such as a spouse's transfer or medical reasons, severance pay may be claimed on the basis of justifiable termination. The most common method is a mutual agreement (ikale) contract with the employer.

How are household-goods customs procedures handled?

A detailed inventory list is prepared, a declaration is submitted through a licensed customs broker, and exemption eligibility is verified. For road transport it is submitted together with the CMR document. At Gökay Transport, we manage the entire customs clearance process on your behalf.

How do I move abroad with a pet?

A pet passport, microchip, rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days in advance), and a health certificate are required. An EU Pet Passport is sufficient for EU countries. A quarantine period may apply in some countries; restricted breed lists must also be checked.

What should I pay attention to when moving abroad with children?

School enrolment and equivalency procedures, preparing a medical file, and the child's psychological preparation are the most important steps. The destination country's education system and enrolment periods should be researched 3–6 months in advance. Language preparation also accelerates the adjustment process.

What are the conditions for bringing household goods from abroad to Turkey?

The key conditions are: having resided abroad continuously for at least 24 months, and not having resided in Turkey for more than 5 years in the last 10 years. Goods can be brought in free of customs duty with a consulate-certified residence certificate and an inventory list.

How do I update my address when moving abroad?

The civil registration office, bank, SGK, tax authority, and utility providers must be notified. Address updates can be made through the e-Government (e-Devlet) portal. Registering with the Turkish consulate in the destination country is a legal requirement.

Is moving abroad the right decision?

The moving costs, the cost of living in the destination country, professional or educational opportunities, and family circumstances should all be weighed together. With professional planning, this process becomes manageable and unforeseen costs are minimised. Road freight is the most economical method for moving to Europe.