Moving To Switzerland

We’ll Empower You to Enjoy a Smooth and Successful International Relocation.

Customs Regulations for Switzerland

*NOTE: ENTRY REQUIREMENTS DEPEND ON THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN.

Passport (copy of first three pages)
Residence Permit or “Zusicherung Aufenthaltsbewilligung”
Lease or Property Title of Residence in Switzerland
Detailed Inventory (three copies) in English, German, French, or Italian, dated and signed by the customer, including:Full contents of this shipment and any other shipments planned
Appliances, providing make and serial number
Customs Import Form 18.44 (in duplicate and signed by customer) and a list of alcoholic beverages needs to be completed upon arrival in Switzerland
Returning Nationals require an Attestation of Residence issued by the local authorities
Foreigners require a Work and Residence Permit issued by the local authorities
“Schriftenempfangsschein” (receipt for depositing papers at the Town Hall)
Form “Erklarung/Abfertigungsantrag fur libersiedlungsgur” (owner’s declaration of personal household goods)

CUSTOMER MUST BE IN SWITZERLAND AND TAKE UP RESIDENCE PRIOR TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE TO BE ELIGIBLE TO IMPORT USED HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS DUTY-FREE (REGISTRATION WITH THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES IS REQUIRED FOR CLEARANCE)
Used household goods and personal effects must be owned and used for a minimum of six months and remain in customer’s possession for at least one year
Items must be imported during the period of transfer of residence (maximum of three years)
Wedding Presents:
- Goods must be shipped within three months following the date of wedding for free entry
Inheritance:
- Admitted free of duty provided they are used and the declared owner lived abroad
- Legal heirs must have their residence in Switzerland
- A declaration (“Declaration personnelle d’effects de succession” form 18.46) must be completed and given to the local Swiss Customs Direction before importation
- Used household goods given by a living person to an heir as inheritance advancement (“Avance d’hoirie”) are considered inheritance goods

Due to Switzerland’s landlocked location, all surface freight shipments will arrive via a European port such as Antwerp, Belgium or Rotterdam, Netherlands. The Swiss destination agent will move the shipment in bond to Switzerland for customs clearance.
Swiss customs officials are very strict about descriptive inventories. Under no circumstances is the description of “Packed By Owner” allowed.

Drugs and narcotics
Ammunition
Anti-radar equipment
Animal products from protected/endangered species (ivory, skins, etc.)
Cleaning fluids

New items (less than six months old) require an invoice, and must be listed separately on the inventory
Foodstuffs in quantity
Alcoholic beverages (must be declared under penalty of heavy fines)
Appliances and restricted items should be loaded last in the container for easy access by Customs
Weapons (sporting and hunting guns may be imported with a permit)

Vehicles may be imported duty-free if owned and used over six months and if owner states it will not be re-sold within 12 months of import
All cars must comply with Swiss Government regulations
Permission to import is granted on a case-by-case basis
Documents required:
- Passport
- Work Permit
- Title
- Purchase invoice
- Form 18.44
- Proof of Residence
- Valid Driver’s license
- Foreign Registration Card
- Car license from previous country
- Household goods inventory
- Swiss Insurance Receipt

Dogs, cats and birds permitted
Proof of inoculation, veterinary attestation and anti-rabies shot required
Quarantine may be required

Cats and dogs will require four months quarantine.

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International Sea & Air Shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 788-1090

How International Sea & Air Shipping can help for moving to Switzerland

At International Sea & Air Shipping, we have trained moving specialists to aid you with each and every aspect of your move to Switzerland. We offer a variety of shipping services to meet your needs:

Your moving timeline. When do you need to be in Switzerland? Should you ship your goods via air or sea freight?
Your real estate plans. Will you be renting or buying a home?
Your fragile items. Do you require packing or custom crating services?
Your family/household size. Are you moving alone or with family? For business or personal reasons?
Your cubic feet estimate. How large is your shipment?

How Much Does a Move to Switzerland Cost?

While cost is a major concern for most customers moving overseas, it will vary greatly depending on a number of factors. To receive an estimate for your move to Switzerland, schedule a home survey with one of our trained moving specialists. He or she will visit your home to assess your belongings in person and accurately determine the cubic footage of your shipment. You will then receive a free quote to ship your goods and provide the services you require.

The cost of your move to Switzerland is calculated on your shipment’s cubic footage, your shipment method (air vs. sea freight) your required services (packing and custom crating), and many other factors.

About Switzerland

Switzerland’s exquisite natural beauty is comprised of the breathtaking, snow-covered Alpine mountains, vast lakes, rivers, glaciers and valleys that are irresistible to tourists worldwide. The country is perfect for anyone with a passion for cross-country skiing or snow-shoe trekking. The climate is varied but temperate-frigidly cold in the mountain tops but pleasant and Mediterranean near the southern tip.

The country enjoys a high-tech and prosperous economy, ranked as the wealthiest country in the world per capita in 2001, with the highest wealth per adult in the world in 2013. Switzerland has one of the world’s largest account balances as a percentage of GDP, and ranks eighth in the world in terms of GDP per capita.

Surrounded by Germany, France and Italy, Switzerland is made up of three cultural and linguistic regioto the three neighboring nations. It is also a center of major international organizations such as FIFA, World Trade Organization, Red Cross, International Labor Organization, International Olympic Committee and the second largest UN Office.

ns that connect

Moving to Switzerland from the U.S.

Moving overseas is an adventure, but it also requires research, planning and preparation, so make sure you are ready! The most important part of the international relocation process is hiring professional and trustworthy overseas movers to ship your goods, so they arrive safely at your destination country. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to planning your move across the globe to Switzerland, let International Sea & Air Shipping assist you to ensure your overseas relocation is successful and stress-free.

We offer a variety of packing, loading and shipping services, in addition to help with your customs clearance, so you can be confident you will get relocated to Switzerland in a timely and efficient manner.

Excellent service, I would definitely recommend this company.

“From the moment I have contacted International Sea & Air Shipping for the first time in the States until the shipment was delivered in Switzerland, we have received nothing but professional service. The agent answered questions quickly and made international moving as pleasant as possible. I recommend this company to anyone looking for a fast and highly organized process thankful to educated and very positive employees.”