Moving To Switzerland

Planning to move to Switzerland from the USA? Here is how to.

Switzerland, a world famous country for stunning natural beauty, chocolates, avant garde watch making and also for the banking system, can offer a high quality life to the expats moving to the country.

The country is landlocked and located in Central Europe. Switzerland has been known for its picturesque landscapes, including the stunning Swiss Alps, beautiful lakes, and charming villages. However, that’s not all. The country is known for its political neutrality and has not participated in any armed conflicts for nearly two centuries. Naturally you get a peaceful home when you move to Switzerland from the USA.

It is home to several international organizations, including the Red Cross, and hosts numerous diplomatic missions. Switzerland boasts a high standard of living and is known for its strong economy and excellent infrastructure. It is famous for its high-quality education system and has some of the world’s top universities.

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

An international move especially that involves two separate continents, can be a huge challenge. The document process to make the move, the distance to move to your household goods, the cost, choosing affordable and safe containers – it’s a lot to process. But when you are engaging us to help you in your move to Switzerland from the USA you can rest easy. We guarantee a hassle-free international relocation for you.

At International Sea & Air Shipping we have been operating since quite a few years and offering end-to-end relocation solutions for our clients moving internationally. In your move to Switzerland from the USA our team of relocation experts will handle A to Z of the move, from the origin country to the destination. We provide a wide range of international relocation services including packing household goods, providing the right freight and container choices, moving the belongings, offering guidance in other aspects of the move and more.

Our team of experienced professionals are equipped with knowledge to guide you at every step. You can look forward to professional assistance in your relocation to Switzerland from the USA. Let us at International Sea & Air Shipping handle your move while you can focus on the post-move settling down in your dream island country.

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) 315-4170

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 region to 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.

Moving to Switzerland from the USA – Things you need to know.

Moving to Switzerland from the USA can prove to be a rewarding experience. If you take the visual buffet of stunning landscape alone, Switzerland is rich in that aspect with stunning mountains, glistening lakes, quaint village life and more! Moreover, the country is hailed globally for offering a high quality of life, and a great standard of living.

When moving to Switzerland, there are a few key things to consider. First, understanding the language is important. The official languages in Switzerland are German, French, Italian, and Romansh, so it may be beneficial to learn one or more of these languages before your move.

Second, be aware of the cost of living in Switzerland. While the salaries are generally higher, the expenses, such as housing, healthcare, and transportation, are also higher compared to the USA. It is essential to plan your budget accordingly.

Thirdly, get to know the document process in detail and move accordingly. Here is some help for you in the following parts of this relocation guide.

Visa process to move to Switzerland

If you want to move to Switzerland from the USA for a long term than 90 days you will definitely need a proper visa justifying your reason to stay in this Central European country. There are a few processes that you need to follow first. Let us list them here for you –

First you need to apply for a Swiss long stay visa. This will enable you to enter Switzerland once you obtain it.
Next you need to apply for the relevant residence permit to stay in the country.
After entering the country you have to register at the cantonal immigration and labor market authorities in Switzerland for your Swiss residence permit.
You can then apply for a permanent residence.

The different visas in Switzerland

Work Visa

Switzerland is a great place to work and offers good career opportunities. To obtain a work visa to work and live in this country you first have to secure a job in Switzerland.

Retirement Visa

This is granted when you want to move to Switzerland from the USA for retirement. However, you have to show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself.

Study Visa

After being accepted and enrolled in a Swizz educational institution you can apply for the student visa to move to Switzerland from the USA and live in the country for a long term.

Family Reunification Visa

This visa is granted to American citizens who want to move to Switzerland from the USA to reunify with spouse or other family members.

Top 5 reasons to move to Switzerland from the USA

Higher standard of lifestyle

It is well known that Switzerland offers a very high quality of life. Although on the costlier side, Switzerland offers a blissful and peaceful life where wages are adequate, social security is high, access to basic amenities and facilities are good and more.

Good educational opportunity

Switzerland has a very strong educational system from primary to post-secondary. If you are moving to Switzerland from the USA with your family this aspect will definitely benefit you.

Progressive healthcare system

Swiss healthcare services are of high standard. The country requires you to sign up for health insurance after you have entered Switzerland within the first three months. Even tourists in the country need to be covered by health insurance when they stay in the country for longer than 90 days.

Employment opportunities

The robust economy of Switzerland speaks volume about the work opportunities in the country. Additionally, the country is the seat to many global organizations and offers a good work-life balance.

Social safety

The crime rate in the country is low, offering a high standard of social security that the residents of Switzerland can enjoy. Life in general in this country is peaceful and devoid of sudden hazards! When you are relocating to Switzerland from the USA this aspect will definitely appeal to you.

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.”

– Lucia M, NJ

You can also check out for some of the neighboring countries of Switzerland –