If you’re planning to move to the United Kingdom from another country, you might be worried about the costs involved in bringing your belongings with you. However, there’s good news – the UK offers a helpful scheme called Transfer of Residence (TOR) Relief. This scheme is designed to ease the financial burden of moving by providing relief on import duties and taxes for your personal belongings and vehicles. Let’s take a closer look at how this scheme works and how you can benefit from it.

To qualify for Transfer of Residence Relief in the UK, there are a few criteria you need to meet:

1. You’re Moving to the UK: You must be relocating your residence to the UK from a place outside the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA).

2. Your Belongings are Personal: You must have used and owned the items you’re bringing for at least six months before your move.

3. You’re Settling in the UK: You must have the intention of making the UK your permanent home, either for work or personal reasons.

4. Declare Your Goods: You’ll need to provide a detailed list of the items you’re bringing, along with a declaration that they’re for personal use, not for resale.

5. Apply on Time: Make sure to claim TOR Relief within 12 months of arriving in the UK or 12 months before your arrival.

Getting TOR Relief is a straightforward process:

1. Get the Form: You can find the TOR01 form on the UK government website.

2. Fill it Out: Provide all the necessary information about yourself, your residency status, and the goods you’re bringing. Learn how to fill it out here.

3. Gather Documents: Collect supporting documents like proof of residency, ownership, and invoices for your belongings.

4. Submit Your Application: Send the completed form and documents to the UK customs authority online or by mail.

5. Wait for Approval: Once submitted, your application will be reviewed. If everything checks out, you’ll receive a TOR Relief reference number.

6. Clear Customs: When your belongings arrive in the UK, present your TOR Relief reference number to customs officials to avoid paying import duties and taxes.

Transfer of Residence Relief offers several advantages:

1. Save Money: By exempting you from import duties and taxes, TOR Relief can save you a significant amount of money.

2. Simplify Your Move: Moving is stressful enough without worrying about extra costs. TOR Relief makes the process smoother and more affordable.

3. Enjoy Your Belongings: You can start your new life in the UK with your familiar belongings by your side, without breaking the bank.

If you’re moving to the UK, Transfer of Residence Relief can be a lifesaver. By following the simple application process and meeting the eligibility criteria, you can enjoy significant savings on import taxes and make your transition to the UK a little bit easier. So, before you pack your bags, make sure to take advantage of this valuable scheme.


Once you have obtained the ToR Relief and you are still charged import fees, click here to submit a claim to Duty Refunds and we will help you reclaim the import duty and VAT charges.