MOVING TO SWITZERLAND

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning an international removal to Switzerland:

• Copy of Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods) with clear photo
• Copy of bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB) – We will take care of this if completing the entire international removal to Switzerland for you.
• Declaration / application for clearance of removal goods (form 18.44)
• Supplemental declaration for alcoholic products
• Detailed moving inventory list – We will complete this if you want us to undertake a full packing service for your removal
• Residence permit / work permit (non – citizens)
• Registration in Swiss town hall
• Lease agreement / purchase contract / excerpt of land Registry Office
• Attestation of arrival delivered by the Contrôle de l’Habitant of city of residence (returning citizens)
• Proof of stay more than 1 year outside of Switzerland (military booklet, attestation from Swiss Consulate, etc.) (returning citizens)
• Letter of employment (residents of European Union (EU) countries)
• Original Swiss Customs form provided by employer, duly signed, and stamped (form 14.60) (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
• Copy of “Carte de Légitimation” (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
• Removal packing list in German, French, Italian, or English

We recommend providing these as soon as possible to reduce delays with your removal to Switzerland. Late receipt of documentation can lead to missed shipments, additional charges and penalties at Swiss Customs. For your own protection, we will almost never ship your goods without the above in place.

• The importation of used household goods and personal effects into Switzerland is usually duty and tax free.
• All documents must be available at the time when the Customs formalities are affected.
• If documents are missing, Customs formalities can only arrange a temporary clearance.
• In these circumstances, Swiss Customs will levy an appropriate fee or ask for a deposit which is laid down according to the volume of the removal.
• The “Carte de Légitimation” takes approximately 2 months to obtain.
• Used household goods may be imported if it is in the owner of the goods’ possession, has been used abroad for at least 6 months, are for the continued use of the owner of the goods, and correspond to the normal requirements of an intended resident after importation.
• Personal office goods and papers belonging to the owner of the goods are considered household goods.
• Returning Swiss citizens qualify for duty-free entry if the duration of employment abroad exceeded 12 months.
• If possible, all goods should be imported in one consignment.
• Later consignments should be listed on the moving inventory of the first consignment.
• If a later shipment is to follow, it should be noted on the owner of the goods’ declaration of personal household goods under the appropriate section.
• If the owner of the goods can prove that he is unable to proceed with the clearance of a second shipment, Customs will extend a delay for clearance up to 24 months from the date of the first clearance.
• Unaccompanied hand baggage may be imported duty free, provided it consists only of used personal effects and/or books.
• The shipment should be accompanied by an moving inventory and is subject to Customs inspection.
• If a holiday home is bought or rented, import of removal goods is free of duties and taxes.

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning an international removal to Switzerland:

• List of paintings with artist names and values
• Written letter of confirmation

For all pictures and paintings, the owner of the goods must submit a letter to Customs attesting that none of the imported items are original artwork.

If you are unsure about what you need, one of our international move managers is always willing to help. Just call us on +44 20 7097 5335 , or fill out an international removal enquiry, and we’ll ease you through the process.

If you’re moving to Switzerland, it’s very likely you’ll have to exchange a large amount of currency. Many people waste thousands doing this through their bank as they think there is no alternative; but we partner with Global Reach who specialise in doing just this. Global Reach will offer all Gerson Moving Services customers preferential rates when exchanging currency and guarantee to beat other rates you’re receiving. Ask one of our move managers about this, to find out more click here or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335 .

We always advise taking out an insurance policy with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.

If you have already contracted us for your international removal to Switzerland, then you can download the insurance form and email the completed form back to your international relocation manager.