Which districts are by the lake and which are higher up?

Ouchy, Vidy and Cour are on the lakeshore, the historic districts of La Cité, Le Bourg, La Palud, Saint-Laurent and Le Pont are in the centre, La Blécherette and Bellevaux are on the plateau to the north, and Chailly is to the east. Which area suits your family depends on the way to school, metro connections and budget. We set out the exact process during the survey. Enquire early, especially at the end of the month when many tenancies end.

How long does the moving lorry take from Berlin to Lausanne?

From our base on Stromstraße it is around 1,062 km via Basel and Bern. By lorry we allow about 16.5 hours including breaks, i.e. two driving days. Because customs generally only clears removal goods Monday to Friday, and a night and Sunday driving ban for heavy vehicles applies in Switzerland, we plan three to four days in total.

Which employers are particularly relevant in Lausanne?

Lausanne is the seat of the Swiss Federal Supreme Court, the International Olympic Committee and many sports federations; the University of Lausanne and the EPFL are on the edge of the city. There is also administration as the cantonal capital, hospitals and service providers. If you are moving for a job, we coordinate the date with your start date and the registration deadline. If you have questions, you can reach us on 01625978461.

Do I have to register my new address after moving to Lausanne?

Yes. As an EU citizen you register at the Contrôle des habitants within 14 days of arrival and before starting work; according to the city, you first book an appointment online. You should bring your ID, tenancy agreement and, if applicable, your employment contract. The residence permit follows after registration.

How does public transport work in Lausanne?

Lausanne has buses, metro lines and rail connections; the M2 overcomes the large differences in height between the lake and the upper town. For the moving lorry, what matters most is how close it can get to your front door – in steep and narrow streets we plan longer carrying distances. All services appear in the fixed price as separate items.

Is Lausanne a good city for students?

With the University of Lausanne and the EPFL on the western edge of the city, Lausanne is a major university location. Demand for rooms and studios is high, so search early. For a small move, a part load is often cheaper than a dedicated lorry; you still need the inventory list for customs.

What language is spoken in Lausanne?

The official language in Lausanne is French; English is often spoken at universities and in international companies too. Official forms, tenancy agreements and conversations with the caretaker are mostly in French. We agree the date, access and process of the move with you in writing beforehand.

Are there parking rules I need to observe for the move?

In the old town and in narrow streets, space for the lorry is tight. According to the city, the Office de la circulation et du stationnement is responsible for parking and stopping places; the city does not name a dedicated page for removal vans. We therefore clarify the parking space with the office early and, if necessary, plan longer carrying distances.

How far in advance should I plan my move?

Allow six to eight weeks: giving notice in Berlin, the survey, the inventory list, form 18.44 and a border crossing on a working day. Dates at the end of the month and at the start of term are in demand. Call us early on 01625978461 so that the journey and the registration deadline fit together.

What makes the quality of life in Lausanne special?

Lausanne combines the lake, the old town and its hillside setting with views over Lake Geneva; there is also culture, international sports federations and universities. Around 43 per cent of residents do not hold a Swiss passport. For your everyday life, however, location, commute and budget matter most.

Do you also offer long-distance moves and part loads to Lausanne?

Yes. Alongside the complete move from Berlin, for small quantities we offer a part load in which several consignments share the load space; more under Long-distance moves . Our liability for your belongings is under § 451e HGB, and additional insurance is available. You need the inventory list for customs in any case.

Do I have to notify customs in advance before importing my household goods to Lausanne?

According to the BAZG FAQ, no advance notification is needed. The declaration is made at the border at a customs office for commercial goods during opening hours, via the lorry lane. Removal goods are generally only cleared Monday to Friday.

Which documents does Swiss customs require for household goods?

The BAZG names the signed form 18.44 and proof of the change of residence, for example deregistration in the country of origin and employment and tenancy contracts. An inventory list is also required. The customs office decides whether the documents are sufficient.

What happens if I am missing documents on import?

According to the BAZG, the customs office can provisionally clear the household goods against a security deposit. Missing documents must be submitted within six months. The deposit is then refunded minus a processing fee.

Do I need an appointment at the residents' registration office in Lausanne?

For requests at the counter of the Service du contrôle des habitants, the city of Lausanne requires a prior appointment. Alternatively, requests can be made online or by post using the form. You will find the deadlines for your nationality on the city's registration pages.

How do I register for electricity and waste in Lausanne?

The city refers you to the Services industriels de Lausanne, which offer an online arrival notification. For waste there is a collection calendar and the option of ordering an access card for the collection points. You will find both on lausanne.ch.

STRESS-FREE MOVING

Moving to Lausanne: costs process & districts

Moving to Lausanne: districts from Ouchy to Chailly, Contrôle des habitants, customs – fixed price after a survey.

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FROM BERLIN-MOABIT

Lausanne guide

Moving to Lausanne: from the lakeshore to the upper town

Living on Lake Geneva

Unsere Firma comes from Berlin-Moabit (Stromstraße 21) and plans your move to Lake Geneva with an inventory list and a fixed price.

Lausanne is the capital of the canton of Vaud and, after Zurich, Geneva and Basel, the fourth-largest city in Switzerland. It lies on the northern shore of Lake Geneva and rises steeply from the lake: at the bottom Ouchy, Vidy and Cour, in the middle the historic centre with La Cité, Le Bourg, La Palud, Saint-Laurent and Le Pont, and at the top districts such as La Blécherette, Bellevaux and Chailly. The official language is French. For your home move we clarify access and carrying distances in advance, because the slopes and narrow streets determine the effort involved.

We come from Berlin (Stromstraße 21) and drive around 1,062 km via Basel and Bern to Lausanne – by lorry about 16.5 hours including breaks, i.e. two driving days. Your household goods are declared at the border as removal goods with form 18.44, and clearance takes place on weekdays. After arrival you register within 14 days at the Contrôle des habitants (residents' registration office). We state the fixed price after a survey. More on the route in the long-distance moving guide for Lausanne.

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LIMITED OFFER

PERSONAL ADVICE

Request a fixed price for your move to Lausanne

Survey, fixed price, fixed date

Whether a flat in Ouchy, an older building in the Cité or a studio near the campus: after a survey or a video appointment we state a fixed price for your move to Lausanne, covering floors, access, customs clearance, the LSVA heavy vehicle charge and two driving days. Call us on 01625978461.

Offers available individually, depending on effort, scheduling and the scope of services required.

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FROM BERLIN

What we handle for your move to Lausanne

From Berlin to Lake Geneva

We have no branch in Switzerland; we come by lorry from Berlin-Moabit. That is why we clarify in advance how close the vehicle can get to your front door – no minor matter in Lausanne with its steep streets and the narrow lanes of the old town. According to the city, the Office de la circulation et du stationnement is responsible for parking and stopping places. We pack, carry, transport and reassemble; we draw up the inventory list for customs with you. Our liability for your household goods is €620 per cubic metre under § 451e HGB, and additional insurance is available.

Packing service

We pack crockery, books and electronics securely for the around 1,062 km and label every box by destination room in Lausanne with our packing service.

Office move

Offices and practices move to plan: dismantling and reassembly according to a fixed schedule, so that business in Lausanne carries on on Monday – with an office move.

Senior moves

If parents are moving to Lausanne to be near their children, we plan calm packing days and reassemble the furniture on arrival day in Lausanne – with a senior move.

Furniture transport

A piano, display cabinet or antique travels padded and strapped down over the whole route and arrives safely in Lausanne – with furniture transport.

ARRIVING IN VAUD

Well prepared for Lausanne

Before the lorry sets off from Berlin, the inventory list, form 18.44 and proof of your change of residence should be ready. After arrival come registration, the residence permit and health insurance – the points below show the order. If the new flat is not yet free, we store your belongings in Berlin in the meantime and deliver on the agreed date.

Health insurer within three months

Anyone living in Switzerland takes out basic health insurance within three months – if taken out in time, it applies from the date of arrival.

Registration within 14 days

In Lausanne, as an EU citizen you register within 14 days of arrival and before starting work at the Contrôle des habitants.

Deregistering in Berlin

You deregister at the Bürgeramt (registration office) no earlier than one week before moving out; the confirmation also serves as proof for customs.

Customs on weekdays only

Removal goods are generally cleared at a customs office for commercial goods from Monday to Friday – we set the schedule accordingly.

Six months of use

Household goods that you have used yourself for at least six months and will continue to use are duty-free; new goods go separately on the list.

Form 18.44

The signed form 18.44 and proof of your change of residence are the basis for duty-free import to Lausanne.

FOR SMALL LOADS

Part load: move affordably

Combine cleverly, move for less

For smaller volumes or single items, a part load to Lausanne can be cheaper: your belongings share the load space with other consignments on the long route via Basel to Lake Geneva. In return, a time window applies instead of a fixed date; we clarify whether a trip fits when you enquire.

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LIVING ON LAKE GENEVA

All
about moving to Lausanne

Stress-free from A to B

This guide shows how Lausanne is laid out, how customs and registration fit together and what to look out for regarding access and a parking space in this hillside city. The customs information comes from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG), and the registration information from the city of Lausanne and the State Secretariat for Migration. We do not quote rents, because they depend heavily on location and condition. We answer frequently asked questions briefly and specifically below. We plan the return journey to Berlin in the same way. Additional services such as assembly, packing or storage are listed separately.

The order of things after arrival

The border on a working day, unloading, then within 14 days the appointment at the Contrôle des habitants and within three months health insurance – this keeps your home move, senior move or student move to Lausanne manageable.

Slopes and carrying distances

With a packing service, numbered boxes and careful furniture transport, furniture reaches steep streets and older buildings in Lausanne too – whether by the lake in Ouchy or up in Chailly.

Costs across the border

Costs are determined by volume, floors, the slope and around 1,062 km including the LSVA and customs clearance. For small loads, a part load to Lausanne lowers the price; you still need the inventory list.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about moving to Lausanne

Costs, districts, registration, customs, transport and liability – answered briefly.

The costs depend on the size of the flat, floors, the slope and additional services, plus around 1,062 km from Berlin, the LSVA, customs clearance and a second driving day. You will find our guide prices by number of rooms above. After a survey we state a fixed price; you can get an individual quote by phone on 01625978461.

Lausanne's districts at a glance

Lausanne's historic centre comprises the districts of La Cité with the cathedral, Le Bourg, La Palud, Saint-Laurent and Le Pont; until the middle of the 19th century this was the city proper. After that, surrounding villages and hamlets were added and became residential districts: Ouchy, Vidy and Cour near the lakeshore, Malley to the west, La Blécherette and Bellevaux on the plateau to the north, and Chailly to the east. The municipal area climbs steeply up the slope from the lake. For the move this means that access, gradient and carrying distances differ greatly between the lakeshore, the old town and the upper town. Which area suits you depends on your commute, schools and budget; we plan the transport to match the address. We come from Berlin-Moabit (Stromstraße 21); the route is already included in the fixed price. Dates at the end of the month are in demand, so it pays to enquire early.

Work, study and everyday life in Lausanne

Lausanne is the economic, cultural and educational centre of French-speaking Switzerland: it is home to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court, the Court of Arbitration for Sport and the International Olympic Committee, and the city has held the title “Olympic Capital” since 1994. The University of Lausanne and the EPFL are on the western edge of the city. Around 43 per cent of residents do not hold a Swiss passport. The housing market is considered tight; we do not quote specific rents. In everyday life the metro lines help, above all the M2 between the lake and the upper town. For electricity and water, the city offers an arrival notification with the Services industriels, and for waste a collection calendar – both are best done in the first week. It is best to plan giving notice in Berlin, crossing the border on a working day, registering within 14 days and health insurance within three months backwards from moving-in day. Get in touch – by phone on 01625978461 or via the contact form.

Moving costs made transparent

1-room flat: prices start at €369
2-room flat: prices start at €605
3-room flat: prices start at €915
4-room flat: prices start at €1,329
House/villa: always an individual quote
Long-distance move: price per kilometre from €4.20/km

Arrange a free survey for your personal quote.

Calculating the moving price: these criteria count

The price calculation is always based on volume and distance – the latter from €4.20/km. On top of this come structural factors such as the floor without a lift and a possible parking restriction zone. Furniture assembly and a part load can also be added.

Our offer for your stress-free move

A move does not have to be a burden – we take care of everything important.

Part load: cleverly combined and transported at low cost.
Move with assembly: furniture is professionally dismantled and reassembled.
Furniture transport: your furniture in safe hands.
Clearance: we create space, quickly and reliably.
Home move: your way into a new home, with professional support.
Company relocation: discreet, fast and reliable for businesses.

More routes from Berlin

We plan moves from Berlin (Stromstraße 21), including to Switzerland. The locations overview shows places with their own pages, and you will find information on long routes under Long-distance moves. We plan the return journey to Berlin in the same way.

Moving to Lausanne: customs, household goods and import into Switzerland

Switzerland is not part of the EU, so customs clearance of household goods is an integral part of a move from Germany to Lausanne. The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) describes the process in its FAQ on household goods: no advance notification is needed; the declaration is made at the border at a customs office responsible for commercial goods during opening hours, with the lorry using the lorry lane. Clearance of removal goods (Übersiedlungsgut) is generally only possible from Monday to Friday.

Form 18.44: For the duty-free import of removal goods, the signed form 18.44 must be presented; it can be filled in online.
Proof of change of residence: This includes, among other things, deregistration in the country of origin and employment and tenancy contracts. The customs office decides whether the documents are sufficient.
Inventory list: A list on plain paper is enough. Furniture, valuables, larger appliances, alcohol and weapons must be listed individually.
Vehicles: Anyone bringing a car must declare it on import. Registration is handled by the cantonal road traffic office (Strassenverkehrsamt).

If papers are missing, according to the BAZG the customs office can carry out provisional clearance against a security deposit; the documents must then be submitted within six months. For lorries over 3.5 tonnes, the BAZG names a night driving ban from 10 pm to 5 am and a Sunday and public holiday driving ban. This affects scheduling. You will find more on our service abroad on the international move page.

Lausanne: residents' registration, waste and utilities after the move

After arriving in Lausanne, the city's residents' office, the Service du contrôle des habitants, is your first point of contact. According to the city of Lausanne, it is located at Rue du Port-Franc 18. For registration, the city has separate pages for Swiss nationals, for EU and EFTA nationals and for non-EU nationals; check there for the deadlines that apply to you. Requests for certificates of residence can be made online, by post with the downloadable form or at the counter; for the counter you must book an appointment beforehand. For yourself, your ID is sufficient; for a spouse or minor children you need their ID as well as your own, and for other people a signed power of attorney in addition.

On its welcome page for newcomers, the city also points to several practical steps:

Electricity and water: The Services industriels de Lausanne (SiL) offer online registration and deregistration.
Waste: The city provides a collection calendar and issues an access card for the waste collection points (déchèteries).
Health insurance: The city lists compulsory health insurance among the steps to take after arrival.

Plan these steps for the first few days, ideally with appointments before the removal van arrives. You will find practical tips on everyday life in our guide Living in Lausanne, and the route and process of a long-distance move are covered in the long-distance moving guide for Lausanne.

City Guides

Beste Umzug Redaktion

October 18, 2026

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