Emigrating to Switzerland: Moving Checklist
Moving to Switzerland
Across the customs border: your move to Switzerland
With form 18.44
When emigrating to Switzerland, you cross a real customs border, because Switzerland is not part of the EU. Your household goods still remain duty-free if you have used them yourself for at least six months and continue to use them – they are declared with form 18.44 and an inventory list. The easiest way to create this list is while packing: we label boxes by content so that your details match the load. Who handles clearance at the border is something we already set out in the quote for your long-distance move.
We are based in Berlin (Stromstraße 21) and handle moves to all of Switzerland – from Basel and Zurich to Bern or Geneva. We offer packing, transport and assembly from a single source; for private households, our private move is the right framework. After the survey we give you a fixed price that also takes into account border clearance and the Swiss heavy vehicle charge for the lorry. By the way, new furniture that you buy shortly before the move does not count as removal goods.
Request a quote for your move to Switzerland now
Fixed price after a survey, border clearance arranged in the quote.
Request your individual quote for your move to Switzerland: after a survey you receive a fixed price that itemises packing, transport, assembly and clearance at the border. We advise you on the process and on which items count as removal goods. Simply call us on 01625978461 or use our contact form.
Quotes available individually based on workload, scheduling and the desired scope of services.
What we pay attention to when moving to Switzerland
Packing with a plan
A move to Switzerland differs from a move within the EU mainly at the border: the load and the inventory list must match. We therefore pack room by room, label by content and keep newly bought items separate, because they do not count as removal goods. We give you the fixed price after the survey; your household goods are covered under the statutory rules (HGB), and additional insurance for valuables is available on request. You take care of registering with the municipality, health insurance and the driving licence yourself – we tell you in advance which deadlines run from your arrival.
Inventory list
Furniture assembly
Predictable arrival
Furniture Transport
How we support you
With a move to Switzerland, the order matters: first the inventory list, then loading, then the border. That way there are no queries at customs, and after arrival there is time for the municipality.
Reliable moving service
Safe handling
Clear communication
Structured move planning
Flexible support
Neatly completed
Part loads for small volumes
For smaller loads we offer a shared load to Switzerland: your household goods travel together with other consignments. Here too, form 18.44 applies to your own removal goods, so the boxes must be clearly labelled and traceable to your inventory list. Ideal for students or weekly residents.
Your
move – fully organised
A move to Switzerland involves far more than just transport: the customs border, the residence permit and cantonal differences in authorities and fees are all part of it. This guide explains the import of household goods as removal goods, importing your car, registering with the municipality and the obligation to take out Swiss health insurance within three months. If possible, sort out your flat search before you leave. That way you are well prepared and avoid surprises on your long-distance move.
Planning safe and relaxed
Furniture, boxes, transport routes
Costs, timing and special cases
Frequently asked questions about moving to Switzerland
Customs and import rules when relocating
As Switzerland is not a member of the EU, a customs declaration is required when importing household goods. Your removal goods remain duty-free if you have used them yourself for at least six months, continue to use them and actually move your residence to Switzerland. They are declared with form 18.44 and an inventory list, together with proof such as a tenancy agreement, employment contract or registration confirmation. Who handles clearance with the Swiss customs authorities is set out in the quote before the move.
Motor vehicles, newly bought items and alcohol and tobacco require particular attention, as special rules apply to them. Pets from the EU need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and the pet passport. Keep all documents ready in your hand luggage so that your move abroad goes through the border without delays.
Formalities, costs and the moving process
After entering Switzerland, you usually have to register with the responsible municipality within 14 days and, depending on your nationality, need a residence permit for this. The costs of a move to Switzerland vary according to the moving volume, the distance and any additional services you want, such as a packing service or furniture assembly. After a free survey we prepare a transparent fixed-price quote that clearly itemises all services. That way you keep full control of the costs of your move from the outset.
The typical process includes preparing the quote, signing the contract, professional packing, transport across the border including customs handling, and delivery and assembly in your new flat. Depending on the distance and region, we plan realistic time windows to avoid delays. For international moves we set out in writing who prepares which documents for the border.
Cost overview for your move
Our pricing structure is clearly defined: 1 room from €344, 2 rooms from €594, 3 rooms from €899, 4 rooms from €1,329. We calculate larger properties such as houses or villas individually. If you move over longer distances, you pay from €3.90/km for the long-distance move. The quickest way is a free survey.
Cost factors in the move
The most important criteria for calculating the price are the volume of your household goods and the distance, which is charged at €3.90/km. The floor and lift also play a role, as does a possible parking restriction zone. Furniture assembly and a shared load can be booked as options.
What we can do for you
From the small part load to the complete company move – discover our versatile offer.
- Company move: Minimal downtimes in your business move.
- Home move: A complete service for your move into the new flat.
- Clearance: We clear out fast and reliably.
- Furniture transport: Whether sofa or wardrobe – we transport safely.
- Move with assembly: We expertly disassemble and set up your furniture.
- Part load: A cost-saving alternative to the complete move.
From Berlin to your Swiss address
Whether it is a local or long-distance move: we start in Berlin and drive right to your new address in Switzerland. What we take on for moves abroad is described under international move; the route to Zurich is described in Moving Berlin – Zurich, and further routes on the long-distance moves page.
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