Move to Switzerland
Stress-free move to Switzerland
Arrive nice and relaxed - with Henk International
A high standard of living, cities with cosmopolitan flair and high salaries make Switzerland a popular corporate moving destination - second only to the USA for German companies. Whether your move is taking you to Basle, Geneva, Zurich or Berne, a move to Switzerland is a time for an exciting new beginning. This also brings its own challenges, because Switzerland is neither a member of the European Union, nor part of the European Economic Area.
We know exactly what is required. Thanks to our years of experience with moves to Switzerland, we make sure that your move takes place without customs clearance problems and with no stress for you. We are not only there for the physical move, packing boxes and transporting furniture, but are also a moving company that lets you arrive nice and relaxed in your new home. We support you through the whole process, from your first contact with us right up to our final call to check that everything is OK in your new home - in Zurich, Berne, Lucerne, or wherever you are moving to in Switzerland.
We bring you to your new home - with proactive advice and a move to Switzerland tailor-made for you:
Moving and tax considerations – get information here
10 tips for a smooth move
Lump sum for your assignment
Our services for your move to Switzerland:
Proactive advice regarding import regulations, customs documents, smaller shipments, scheduling of dates and much more
All-round service from beginning to end: door-to-door quotations which cover everything from the planning right through to the finishing touches in your new home
Professional move management solutions for the reliable relocation of employees to Switzerland
Constant monitoring of dates
Selection and coordination of reliable partners at destination
Customs clearance
Delivery, unpacking and assembly at new residence
Storage-in-transit, should delivery need to take place at a later date
Support at destination e.g. registration formalities with authorities, health insurance and schools, re-registration of your car, home search, assistance with rental contract (relocation service)
You just need to travel in your own car with your family, pets and suitcases, arriving nice and relaxed in your new home. We look after the rest.
Fair cost calculation with all cost factors included for your move to Switzerland
Although Switzerland is not in the European Union, moves with personal effects can be carried out without paying customs duties - provided that all paperwork is available and that the customs regulations are adhered to. For example, if you anticipate sending a second shipment, you can avoid expensive duties and taxes by noting this on the customs form before the first part of your move.
We are a moving company that calculates all charges fairly, right from the start. So we don't just quote for the normal transport charges for your move to Switzerland, but also include the charges for parking reservation, for example. In this way, you can not only leave us to look after all the formalities for your move to Switzerland, but also know what your move will really cost. You can be certain that with our 60 years of experience, we have thought of everything!
Contact us via this website, and we can go through all the details of your move to Switzerland.
Move to Switzerland - the most important FAQs!
Do Swiss customs need to know about the move in advance?
An application for customs clearance does not need to be made in advance. However, it is important that the moving team is given the complete paperwork so that a duty-free clearance can be made. Your car should also be noted on the form as part of the move, even if you are going to cross the border with it at a separate time.
Which papers are necessary for a move from Germany to Switzerland?
For a move to Switzerland, the most important document is the customs form 18.44, which should be filled out and signed by you. For every move abroad, we provide our customers with a list of all necessary documents, and also provide the latest version of the customs forms. You don't need to do this yourself.
What happens if the paperwork is incomplete when the move takes place?
Your move can still be imported into Switzerland. A provisional customs clearance can take place, and you need to pay a deposit to customs. As long as you supply the missing paperwork within 6 months, you will get your deposit back. In most cases, we avoid the need for you to pay a deposit because we inform you about the necessary documents in good time.
What happens if I arrive in Switzerland a few days after the move takes place? Or what happens if I need a second shipment?
Your belongings can be imported into Switzerland in several stages. Everything to be imported must be declared at the time of the first import, using separate lists. This also applies for belongings that you take with you in your car.
How long do I have to complete the import of my belongings? Is there a time limit?
To be entitled to duty-free import, the transport should take place in connection with your change of residence. Swiss customs is generous in this respect and allows you to import shipments up to two years after your change of residence. One requirement is that you need to have owned and used the items for at least six months before the first import, and are able to prove this.
How and when can I import my private car?
In most cases, private cars are imported separately to the rest of the moving goods, when you travel from Germany to Switzerland with your family. That is not a problem, and the customs clearance of the car can also take place at a different customs office (for example, at the nearest one to your new residence). The car must be noted on the customs form when the first clearance is made. Our moving team will check this for you.
What about the import of my pets?
Everything that is not classified as commercial goods can be defined as private personal and household effects, and can be imported free of duties. That also applies to dogs, cats, horses and other pets. Here the same conditions apply: for duty-free import, all items must be declared and noted on the packing list. Apart from that, you need to conform with Swiss health regulations for pets. You can obtain more information under https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/de/home.html.
If you would like a tailor-made quotation for your move to Switzerland, contact us by email or call us on +49 211 99 80 70.
We'll advise you on all aspects of your move to Switzerland.
Downloads
Safety regulations Sea freight
Safety regulations Air freight
Customs information Switzerland
