International move to Switzerland

Complete organization of your move: transport, customs, storage. A single contact to coordinate everything.

Moving your personal effects to Switzerland involves complex logistics: choice of carrier, customs inventory, tax exemptions, coordination of dates. Whether you are coming from Europe, Asia or America, we coordinate the entire process and work with a network of certified international movers.

Customs clearance of your moving effects may be exempt from customs duties and VAT, provided that certain conditions are met (residence in the country of origin for more than 6 months, moving within 6 months of arrival). We make sure everything is in order.

Organizing an international move to Switzerland

An international move to Switzerland requires careful planning, ideally 2 to 3 months before the planned date. Choosing the mode of transport (road, sea or air), preparing customs documents and coordinating with the various service providers are crucial steps for a smooth transfer.

As Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, customs clearance is mandatory for all imported goods, including personal effects. Exemption from customs duties is possible under certain conditions (change of address, used goods, length of ownership).

Modes of transport and estimated times

The choice of mode of transport depends on the volume of goods to be transported, your country of origin and your budget. Road transport is most common for intra-European moves, while sea freight is preferred for intercontinental moves.

Mode of transportation	Origin	Estimated time	Indicative cost
Road (truck)	Europe	3 – 7 days	CHF 3,000 – 8,000
Maritime (20' container)	America / Asia	4 – 8 weeks	CHF 5,000 – 12,000
Maritime (40' container)	America / Asia	4 – 8 weeks	CHF 8,000 – 18,000
Sea freight (groupage)	Any country	6 – 12 weeks	CHF 2,500 – 6,000
Air (freight)	Any country	3 – 10 days	CHF 3,000 – 15,000
Combined (air + sea)	Intercontinental	Variable	According to distribution

Swiss customs formalities

To benefit from exemption from customs duties on your moving effects, you must complete form 18.44 (declaration of free circulation for moving effects) with the Federal Office of Customs and Border Security (OFDF). The goods must have been used for at least 6 months and be intended for your personal use.

Certain goods are subject to specific restrictions or taxes, including alcohol (beyond the allowances), tobacco, foodstuffs of animal origin and motor vehicles.

• Form 18.44 completed and signed (available on the OFDF website)
• Detailed list of goods transported (inventory with estimated values)
• Passport and Swiss residence permit (or confirmation of application)
• Lease contract or proof of domicile in Switzerland
• Bill of lading for maritime shipments
• The goods must arrive within 6 months of your installation (exceptionally 12 months)

Restricted goods

Some items require special permits or are prohibited for import. Weapons, phytosanitary products, counterfeits and certain medicines are strictly regulated. Live animals and plants require veterinary or phytosanitary certificates issued by the country of origin.

• Alcohol: allowance of 2 liters (up to 18°) and 1 liter (over 18°) per person
• Tobacco: 250 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco per person
• Viande et produits laitiers : restrictions strictes hors EU/EFTA
• Vehicles: form 13.20A and mandatory technical expertise

Insurance and protection of your property

Transport insurance is strongly recommended to cover your belongings during international moving. Policies generally cover damage, loss and theft during transportation, loading and unloading.

Coverage varies depending on the provider. “All risks” insurance offers the most comprehensive protection, while “special damage” insurance only covers damage caused by major events (accident, fire, shipwreck).

Type of insurance	Blanket	Indicative cost
All risks	Damage, loss, theft, breakage	2 – 4% of the declared value
Special damages	Major events only	0.5 – 1.5% of the value
Carrier liability	Limited (weight, not value)	Included in the quote

Our turnkey moving service

We coordinate your international move from start to finish: selection of the carrier, preparation of customs documents, monitoring of transport and receipt of your goods in Switzerland. Our network of certified partners (FIDI/IAM) guarantees a professional and secure service.

We also offer temporary storage solutions if your permanent accommodation is not yet available on the delivery date. Our partner warehouses are secure, air-conditioned and insured.

What's Included

Connecting with certified international movers
Obtaining comparative quotes (3 minimum)
Assistance with customs inventory (form 18.44)
Coordination of customs clearance duty exemption
Organization of temporary storage if necessary
Delivery tracking and verification of goods on arrival

Steps and Timeline

Quote and selection

We obtain several quotes from certified movers and help you compare offers (volume, insurance, deadlines, mode of transport).

Inventory and customs

We prepare the detailed inventory of your personal effects and form 18.44 for duty-free customs clearance.

Transport and tracking

We coordinate the collection, transport (road, sea or air) and inform you in real time of the progress.

Customs clearance and delivery

We manage customs clearance upon arrival in Switzerland and coordinate delivery to your new address.

Common Mistakes

Underestimating the volume to be moved and ending up with a quote that is far exceeded
Not respecting the 6 month deadline for customs-free import
Forgetting items in customs inventory — they will be taxed separately
Do not take out additional transport insurance for valuable objects
Schedule delivery before having the keys to your final home

Related Services

Customs Clearance in Switzerland

Customs clearance procedure for your moving goods in Switzerland. Form 18.44, duty exemption, required documents, and timelines.

Storage and Warehousing in Switzerland

Storage and warehousing solutions in Switzerland. Self-storage, containers, rates, and tips for your international move.

Useful Guides

Guide Importing Your Car to Switzerland Guide Daily Life in Switzerland

Frequently Asked Questions

Are my moving effects taxed at Swiss customs?

No, your moving effects can be imported free of customs duties and VAT if you have resided at least 6 months in your country of origin and you import them within 6 months of your arrival in Switzerland. A form 18.44 (inventory) is required.

What budget should I plan for an international move?

The cost depends on the volume, origin and mode of transport. For a 3-room apartment from Europe: CHF 3,000 to 8,000 by road. From Asia or America by sea container: CHF 8,000 to 20,000. Air transport is faster but significantly more expensive. We obtain detailed quotes for your situation.

How long does an international move take?

By road from Europe: 3 to 10 days. By sea from Asia: 6 to 8 weeks. From North America: 4 to 6 weeks. Air shipping takes 5-10 days but is only viable for small volumes.

Can I ship my car with my moving effects?

No, the importation of a vehicle is subject to a separate customs procedure with specific taxes (4% customs duties + 8.1% VAT). The vehicle is not included in the moving effects allowance. We handle this procedure in our dedicated service.

Ready to Start Your New Life in Switzerland?

Request a pre-assessment View all services