Moving Guide
– Switzerland
Your Move, Delivered Perfectly
Removals to Switzerland
Moving to or from Switzerland is made effortless with Britannia Alan Cook. Our commitment goes beyond mere relocation – we take pride in offering a suite of removal services tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re in need of storage solutions or expert packing assistance, our goal is to ensure your move to or from Switzerland is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
At Britannia Alan Cook, we’re your trusted solution for relocation to Switzerland, irrespective of the size or destination. Whether you’re navigating local landscapes, exploring picturesque regions, or making the leap to the Swiss Alps, our seamless service is supported by the extensive network of Britannia Movers International. Your journey to Switzerland begins with us.
For more details on our European Removal services, click here. Alternatively, contact us to arrange a free quotation, or if you have any further questions.
Country Facts: Switzerland
Time Zone: UTC + 2
(1 hour in front of the UK)
Currency: Swiss Franc
Calling Code: +41
Languages spoken
German, French and Italian and Romansh
Importing Personal Effects
The below documents are required to import effects into Switzerland from the UK.
- A completed 18.44 form
- Copy of the photo page of passport
- Attestation of arrival from Swiss town hall or Swiss residency permit
- House lease/title of property
Please note, this list is a guide only and may not be an exhaustive list. We will present all papers once returned to our customs agents, who will then advise if everything is in place to clear customs or if customs in Switzerland would require any further information and documentation. If you are unable to provide any of the requested documents, we can check with our agents and ask if any alternative documents/information can be provided instead.
Importing Vehicles
In addition to the documents required to ship personal effects, these documents will be required to import a car to Switzerland from the UK:
- Purchase contract/receipt
- Original title or registration card- needs to show you have owned the vehicle for at least 6 months
- Customs may ask for proof of the first registration/official use of the vehicle.
Please note this is also a guide only and we will need to have approval from our customs agent before moving. Further documents can be requested by Swiss customs
Moving Pets
We would recommend contacting a specialist in moving pets. As a guide some of the information that you would need to provide are a 15 digit ISO microchip, a rabies vaccination and an ID card.
Prohibitions and Restrictions:
Items such as alcohol, food & drinks are either restricted or prohibited from being moved from the UK to Switzerland. Please check with us and we can advise up to date information and on any other items which may be banned or restricted/subject to import duties and taxes.
Importing plants do you need a Phytosanitary certificate: In the event plants are permitted to be moved, then a Phytosanitary certificate will need to be applied for. More information can be supplied upon request.
General information about the country and what it is known for
Switzerland has quite the reputation for producing luxury watches. It is said that half the amount of luxury watches in the world are produced in Switzerland. TAG Heuer, Longines, Rolex are just three Swiss brands that manufacture luxury watches.
There are a number of quiet times in Switzerland, which are often law. You cannot make too much noise during the week between 22:00 and 06:00. You cannot mow your lawn or carry out any noisy DIY tasks on a Sunday. Hanging your washing outside on a Sunday is also not allowed.
Switzerland is one of the only countries in the world to have a square flag.
Whether you need a permit to work or live there
A British citizen can work in Switzerland for up to 90 days, within a 180- day period without having to apply for a visa.
To work in for more than 90 days within a 180- day period or to live in Switzerland, then you will need to apply for a residence permit. More information on who will be considered for a residence permit can be found on the Swiss government website: UK nationals coming to Switzerland to work from 1 January 2021 (admin.ch)
International money transfers
If transferring currency from or to Switzerland, IFX can use their expertise to save you money with competitive rates that are better than the high street bank. Please contact them to see how much you can save.