The formality for permanent move, carried out through the Consular Department, applies to nationals who have been resident in BENELUX on a regular basis and who wish to return to Madagascar permanently. This is the first stage of a request for exemption from customs duties on personal effects, which is issued at the discretion of the Ministry of Finance in Madagascar.

By means of this formality, applicants certify on their honour that they have been living in BENELUX for a certain period of time, that they are only bringing their personal property with them and that the latter is not intended for sale. They must also provide proof of their identity, their Malagasy nationality, the date of their arrival in BENELUX, their usual place of residence and the proper acquisition of their personal effects for their own private use.

Timeframe: the permanent move formality must be performed 2 to 3 weeks prior to the date of departure. Applicants are advised to visit the Consular Department in person and to avoid submitting applications by post, given that additional information may be requested from them at any time.

Validity: The Permanent Move Certificate is valid for three months from the date of arrival at the new residence in Madagascar.

List of documents to be supplied:

- 1 copy of the certificate attesting that current residence permit has been returned to the municipality of residence, along with any documents proving residence since the date of arrival in BENELUX
- 1 photocopy of the aeroplane ticket or a certificate of purchase issued by a travel agency
- 1 Form No. 8 (or a change of residence certificate issued by the municipality of residence)
- full list of personal effects, accompanied, if applicable, by a photocopy of the vehicle registration, issued at least one year previously.