Your international move to Venezuela is undoubtedly exciting,but it is also a big transition that will entail a lot of meticulous planning and proper documentation to ensure a stress-free experience. Above all else, you want to be sure you follow proper procedure when it comes to clearing customs and moving to Venezuela.
Read on for more information on what to expect for your overseas relocation to Venezuela, including documents, restricted and prohibited items, and much more.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
No foreign country will allow you to visit, much less live there without the proper documentation. You will also need additional documents when clearing customs in Venezuela. These
important documents should be received a minimum of 20 to 30 days in advance of the arrival of your shipment to avoid any additional charges of demurrage.It is best to hire a customs brokering service for assistance in preparing these documents by their particular deadline.
When moving to Venezuela, you will need:
- Passport (original, proving you have been abroad for at least six months continuously)
- Resident visa (stamped)
- Work permit
- 'Certificado de Uso'/Certificate of Use in Spanish, obtained from the Venezuelan Consulate
- Inventory (in English or Spanish)
- Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
- RIF certificate (for tax purposes)
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
When you arrive in Venezuela after your relocation, you will be faced with various regulations you must abide by to successfully clear customs with your household goods (HHG) shipment.
Things to keep in mind:
- Household goods must arrive within six months of your arrival to Venezuela
- Used household goods (owner must be in possession of them for more than six months) can be imported duty free
- Theft is not uncommon for airfreight, so it is suggested goods are shipped in secure wood crates
- Your destination agent should receive a copy of your bill of lading at least three working days prior to the vessel's arrival to transfer your goods from the docks to a warehouse for inspection
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Most countries have a list of items that are not allowed in the country whatsoever. In Venezuela, you cannot import the following items under any circumstance:
- Explosives and ammunition
- Narcotics and any other drugs
- Pornographic material
- New furniture
- Tobacco products
- Chemical products, fungicides, fertilizers, etc.
RESTRICTED ITEMS
You should also be aware of the numerous items that are subject to duty fees, need special permission, or have limits on quantity when shipping your household goods and personal effects to Venezuela. Some of these items include, but may not be limited to:
- New items (subject to duties and taxes)
- Only one of each electrical appliance is allowed (more than one will be subject to duties)
- Alcohol (Import License required)
- Paper products (paper towels, bathroom and kitchen supplies)
- Firearms (require a special license)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
Though you may be traveling to Venezuela for work, you will want to carefully consider shipping your vehicle to this country, as only Venezuelans or returning residents can bring used automobiles into the country (used vehicles are duty free).
If youplan on shipping your vehicle, you will need:
- Residence visa of owner
- Passport
- Certificate of ownership
- Original invoice and registration stamped by Venezuelan Consulate in country of origin
- Certificate of use (legalized by Venezuelan Consulate stating the owner has been in possession of the vehicle for at least 11 months)
To ship your vehicle, you must meet the following conditions:
- You must have stayed abroad for at least one year prior to shipping your vehicle
- The vehicle must have been owned by you (the customer) for at least 11 months in your origin country
- The vehicle must be the used personal property of the owner, and must be registered in the owner's name by the authorities in the country of origin
- Only one vehicle may be imported per customer, and it must be valued under $20,000 (US currency)
- If the vehicle exceeds the $20,000 value, duties will be assessed – approximately 35 percent of the CIF value
- New vehicles must be imported the same year as manufactured, and are subject to duties
- Owners of new vehicles must be Venezuelan or must hold a visa to live in Venezuela
- Owner must be at least 18 years old
- You (owner/customer) must be present at the port with a current driver's license to have the vehicle released
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
You wouldn't want to leave your animal companion behind in your move to Venezuela. Please be aware that all animals are subject to quarantine and non-domestic pets require a government license and permit from the Department of Agriculture.
To be sure he or she makes it through customs without any trouble, you will need:
- Proof of inoculation
- Health certificate
- Owner's passport
- Customs form
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moves are much more complex than a local or long distance move, and 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.
Need help finding international moving companies in your area for your move to Venezuela? You can get started here at Movers.com by submitting our free quote form, which will connect you with up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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