Moving to Switzerland
Planning a move to Switzerland – to Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern or central Switzerland? Hartmann International has been organising international moves since 1856: with a permanent, trained team, our own fleet and smooth border clearance into our neighbouring country.
Your move to Switzerland – everything from a single source
Whether it is a city flat in Zurich, a terraced house near Bern or a chalet in the mountains – we plan your move to Switzerland from the first consultation to furniture assembly at your destination. As a member of AMÖ, FIDI and move alliance we handle packing, transport, insurance, border clearance and, on request, the complete customs and relocation service from a single source.
- International private removals – flat, house, full service
- Company and employee relocations worldwide
- Sea, air and road freight incl. container loading
- Customs clearance & export/import documents
- Part-load shipments & storage in our own facilities
- Moving boxes, packing material & furniture dis-/assembly
- Disposal of items you no longer need
- AMÖ-, FIDI- & FAIM-certified international standards
One-stop move
From packing to customs clearance – one dedicated contact for your move abroad.
International expertise
Switzerland is one of our most frequent non-EU routes within Europe: by direct truck transport or part load across the border, with proper customs declaration and inventory list – we know the procedure.
Your belongings in safe hands
Professional and sea-worthy packing and insured transport all the way to the destination.
Your move from Germany to Switzerland
From the first consultation to setting up your new home, we take care of everything: we plan your move, supply packing material and moving boxes, pack professionally, organise transport and border clearance and reassemble your furniture at the destination.
On request we handle the transport only or the complete full service – including part-load transport, storage in our own facilities, customs clearance and relocation service. That way your move to Switzerland becomes plannable and stress-free, whether you are moving to a big city or an alpine region.
Transport routes to Switzerland
Sea freight plays no role in a move to Switzerland – the country is a landlocked state with no coastline. We handle the entire transport by road. If individual items need to come from overseas, just let us know and we will arrange that separately and consolidate it before the Swiss border.
Air freight is usually not necessary for a move to neighbouring Switzerland. It only makes sense for very urgent individual shipments – for example if a few important items need to be in Zurich or Geneva immediately. We advise you whether the extra effort is worthwhile.
Direct truck transport is the best choice for Switzerland: Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Lucerne and Zug can often be reached within one to two days depending on the departure and route – plannable, gentle and with smooth border clearance. For smaller volumes a part load reduces the cost. On the way we account for the Swiss motorway vignette and the LSVA heavy vehicle charge as well as the customs declaration at the border.
Move stress-free with Hartmann International
Since 1856 we have accompanied you at every step – from the personal consultation through the binding fixed-price quote to furniture assembly at your destination. Your goods are covered by the statutory carrier liability; on request we arrange extended transport insurance at replacement value. We work with permanent, fairly paid staff and our own fleet instead of subcontractors.
With our relocation service we take the official paperwork off your hands – for job-related moves as well as for private customers. We support you with, among other things, finding a home, registering with your Swiss municipality, the residence permit, bank account, health insurance and connecting electricity and internet. Thanks to the freedom of movement, EU citizens usually do not need a visa, but must register with the municipality. That way you arrive in Switzerland relaxed from the very start.
Your international move in 5 steps
Enquiry
Free of charge by form, e-mail or phone.
Consultation & survey
We record volume, transport route and customs requirements.
Fixed-price quote
Transparent & in writing, incl. transport and customs.
Transport
Packing, loading and shipping by sea, air or road.
Delivery & assembly
Delivery, unpacking and furniture assembly at the destination.
Customs & documents for your move to Switzerland
Switzerland is not part of the EU: a customs declaration at the border is required for your move. However, when you relocate your residence to Switzerland, your personal household effects are usually treated as duty-free removal goods – so you normally pay no import duties on your belongings, provided the supporting documents are in order.
For this the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) requires, among other things, the completed “removal goods” form (Form. 18.44), proof of residence or the registration confirmation from your new municipality and a complete inventory list. We take care of the correct declaration and advise you on which documents to prepare for a smooth import.
What does a move to Switzerland cost?
The cost of a move to Switzerland depends mainly on the volume, the distance and destination region (e.g. Basel near the border or an alpine location), the effort at the destination (floor level, carrying distances, narrow old-town lanes) and the services you choose. Added to this is the effort for border clearance and the customs declaration as well as the vignette and LSVA. A further lever is the part load: you share the loading space and pay only your portion.
Flat-rate guide prices are of little value for international moves. After a short assessment – by phone, video or on site – you therefore receive a binding fixed-price quote with no hidden costs, including transport, packing, tolls and customs clearance.
Calculate your moving costs online
Use our online moving calculator to get a non-binding first estimate for your international move in just a few minutes – volume, distance and services step by step.
Prefer a personal touch? Request a free quote ›
Good to know about your international move
Container sizes
A 20-foot container holds about 30 m³ (roughly a 2–3-room flat), a 40-foot container about 60 m³ (a whole house).
Part-loads save money
With a part-load you share the cargo space with other shipments and pay only your share – ideal for smaller volumes and some flexibility on timing.
Plan ahead
Plan your move ideally 2–3 months in advance, or 3–6 months for overseas – for customs applications and sailing/flight schedules.
Insurance
Every transport is covered by carrier liability; for international moves we recommend extended transport insurance at replacement value.
Import restrictions
Not everything may be imported – certain foods, plants, medicines or weapons are restricted. We tell you in advance what can go on the inventory list.
Pets & vehicles
Cars, motorcycles and pets can come along too – pet transport is handled by specialised partners; we tell you which documents are required.
Tip: our moving checklist helps with planning. Transit times depend on destination and transport route – mainland Europe usually a few days, overseas several weeks; we state the exact timeframe in your quote.
Our reference projects
Real international moves, real results – a selection of our international and European projects.
Full-service move from Frankfurt to Vitrolles
Mehr erfahren ›
Move from China to Herzebrock-Clarholz
Mehr erfahren ›
Your personal contact for international moves
International moving team · Hartmann International
From the first enquiry to your arrival in Switzerland you have a dedicated contact – no call centre. We advise you personally on transport route, border clearance, customs (Form. 18.44) and scheduling, and coordinate everything from a single source.
Move well prepared – with our checklist
Keep every step in view: our free moving checklist guides you from planning to move-in through all the key to-dos – deadlines, re-registration, no-parking zones and packing.
Request your free quote now
Ready for your move to Switzerland? We will get back to you promptly with a fair fixed-price quote – by phone on +49 5251 87500-0 or directly via our form.
Frequently asked questions
What does a move to Switzerland cost?
It depends on the volume, destination region, effort at the destination, border clearance and the services you choose. Added to this are the vignette and LSVA. After a short assessment you receive a binding fixed-price quote with no hidden costs – including transport, tolls and customs clearance. A part load can save you even more.
How long does a move to Switzerland take?
As a neighbouring country, Switzerland is quick to reach: Zurich, Basel, Bern or Geneva can often be reached by direct truck transport within one to two days, depending on the departure and route. We plan in the border clearance. We state the exact timeframe in your binding quote.
Are there customs duties for a move to Switzerland?
Switzerland is not part of the EU, so a customs declaration at the border is required. When you relocate your residence, however, your personal household effects are usually treated as duty-free removal goods – you normally pay no import duties on your belongings if the supporting documents are complete. We handle the clearance.
Which documents do I need for customs clearance into Switzerland?
For the duty-free import of removal goods, the BAZG requires, among other things, the completed “removal goods” form (Form. 18.44), proof of residence or the registration confirmation from your new municipality and a complete inventory list. We tell you exactly what to prepare.
What is form 18.44 and who fills it in?
Form 18.44 (“removal goods”) is the declaration to Swiss customs (BAZG) with which your household effects are registered as duty-free removal goods. We help you complete it and handle the declaration at the border so the import runs smoothly.
Do I need a visa for the move to Switzerland?
Thanks to the freedom of movement, EU/EFTA citizens usually do not need a visa to move to Switzerland. However, you must register with your new municipality within the prescribed deadline and apply for a residence permit. Our relocation service helps you with this.
Can I also transport furniture only partly (part load) to Switzerland?
Yes. With a part load you share the loading space with other shipments and pay only your portion – the most economical option if you are somewhat flexible on timing.
Are my belongings insured on the way to Switzerland?
Yes. Every transport is covered by the statutory carrier liability. For international moves we recommend extended transport insurance at replacement value, which we arrange on request.
Do you also handle the official paperwork in Switzerland?
With our relocation service we support you with finding a home, registering with your municipality, the residence permit, bank account, health insurance as well as electricity and internet – on request including on-site support.
How do I recognise a reputable company for international moves?
By certifications such as AMÖ, FIDI and FAIM, a transparent written fixed-price quote, in-house staff and adequate insurance cover. Hartmann International has been operating since 1856 and is rated 4.86 out of 5 stars from 297 reviews.
What our customers say
„Excellent guidance and support with the move to Great Britain.”
„The staff handled our household goods carefully and professionally.”
„Great team, excellent move! Very reliable, friendly and professional.”
„I can wholeheartedly recommend Hartmann International to anyone who needs a removal company.”
„The staff were absolutely outstanding. An absolute recommendation!”
„After our practice relocated a year ago and that went excellently too, I have now also moved privately with Hartmann.”
Hartmann International is rated 4.86 out of 5 stars from 297 reviews on ProvenExpert.
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regionally, across Europe and worldwide
From Paderborn we organise your move to Switzerland, throughout Europe and worldwide.