International moving to and from Switzerland
Whether you are a returning expatriate, a transferred professional or a binational couple, an international move involves customs formalities, specific regulations and logistics far more complex than a simple local move.
DemenagementPasCher.ch passes your request on to professional movers in your area who handle international transport, so that you can compare their free quotes.
What an international move includes
A professional international move from or to Switzerland typically includes:
- A home assessment visit to accurately estimate the volume and determine the optimal mode of transport
- Professional packing of all your belongings with materials suited to long-distance transport — see our packing and unpacking page
- Detailed inventory of all goods being transported, essential for customs formalities
- Transport by road, sea or air depending on the destination
- Customs formalities: preparation and submission of form 18.44, assistance at the border
- Customs clearance at destination, including management of any taxes and duties
- Unloading and unpacking in your new home
- International transport insurance covering the entire journey
- Temporary storage if needed between properties
Neighbouring countries: the most frequent destinations
Switzerland shares borders with five countries, which are among the most frequent destinations for international moves.
France
The Switzerland-France move is the most common, facilitated by the shared language in French-speaking Switzerland.
- Average distance: 200-800 km depending on region
- Customs: simplified procedure for household effects (EU customs franchise)
- Average transit time: 1-3 days
- Particularity: many cross-border workers moving in both directions
- VAT: used goods are exempt from VAT when transferring residence
- Common destinations: Haute-Savoie (Annemasse, Thonon), Ain (Pays de Gex), Lyon, Paris, Mediterranean coast
Germany
The second most frequent destination, particularly from German-speaking Switzerland.
- Average distance: 150-700 km
- Customs: German customs franchise form (Zollinhaltserklarung)
- Average transit time: 1-2 days
- Particularity: large volumes linked to expatriates of multinational companies
- Registration: Anmeldung mandatory within the deadline set by the authorities
- Common destinations: Munich, Stuttgart, Freiburg im Breisgau, Berlin, Frankfurt
Italy
Common from Ticino and for retirees seeking sunshine.
- Average distance: 200-1,000 km
- Customs: declaration to the Agenzia delle Dogane
- Average transit time: 1-3 days
- Particularity: mountain roads (passes, tunnels) may limit vehicle size
- Codice fiscale: must be obtained before the move
Austria
Mainly from Eastern Switzerland (St. Gallen, Graubunden).
- Average distance: 100-500 km
- Customs: Austrian residence transfer form
- Average transit time: 1-2 days
- Particularity: motorway vignette mandatory for the transport vehicle
Liechtenstein
The simplest of “international” moves.
- Distance: generally under 100 km
- Customs: customs union with Switzerland, simplified formalities
- Transit time: a few hours to one day
Intercontinental moving
Europe (beyond neighbouring countries)
- Spain, Portugal: popular with Swiss retirees. Road transport in 3-5 days
- United Kingdom: post-Brexit, full customs formalities are mandatory
- Nordic countries: road transport in 4-7 days, ferry included
- Eastern Europe: roads sometimes difficult
North America
- Sea freight by container: 4-6 weeks
- Air freight for urgent shipments: 5-10 days
- Minimum volume often required for sea freight: 5-10 m3
- US/Canadian customs: detailed declaration, restrictions on certain food products
Asia and Oceania
- Sea freight: 6-10 weeks
- Air freight: 7-14 days
- Climate: packing adapted to humidity for certain destinations
- Restrictions: prohibition on importing untreated wood in Australia/NZ (ISPM 15 standard)
Middle East and Africa
- Sea freight: 3-8 weeks depending on destination
- Cultural and religious restrictions: some countries prohibit the import of alcohol, pork or unauthorised religious material
- Enhanced insurance recommended for high-risk areas
What affects the price of an international move
The price depends on your situation. The movers who receive your request provide a free, no-obligation quote.
What influences the international price
- Volume and weight: the main factor
- Distance and transport mode (road, sea, air)
- Origin/destination country: customs complexity, accessibility
- Included services: packing, unpacking, furniture assembly
- Insurance: value of goods transported
- Time of year: summer = peak season for international moves
- Destination port: variable port charges
- Container type: full container load (FCL) vs groupage (LCL)
Swiss customs formalities
Form 18.44 (household effects)
The central document for any move from or to Switzerland is form 18.44 from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS).
Leaving Switzerland:
- Complete form 18.44 in duplicate
- Attach a detailed inventory of all goods being transported
- Present the documents at the exit customs office
- Keep the stamped form as proof of export
Entering Switzerland:
- Duty-free conditions: household effects are exempt from customs duties and VAT if:
- You are transferring your main residence to Switzerland
- The goods are intended for your personal use
- They have been used for at least 6 months before the move
- You undertake not to sell them for 12 months
- Deadline: goods must be imported within 12 months of the residence transfer
- Inventory: complete list with description and estimated value of each item
Required documents
- Valid passport or identity card
- Completed and signed form 18.44
- Detailed inventory of goods (in French, German, Italian or English)
- Lease agreement or deed of ownership for the new property
- Certificate of residence (departure notice from the Swiss municipality or country of origin)
- Swiss residence permit (for immigration: B, C, L, G)
- Vehicle registration certificate (if importing a vehicle)
Goods subject to restrictions
Certain goods require special authorisations:
- Weapons: authorisation from the cantonal weapons service
- Vehicles: homologation, technical inspection, customs duties if used for less than 6 months
- Animals: veterinary certificate, up-to-date vaccinations, microchip
- Medication: prescription and limited quantity (maximum 3 months)
- Plants: phytosanitary certificate depending on species
- Alcohol and tobacco: reasonable personal quantities
- Foodstuffs: variable restrictions depending on type
- Works of art and cultural property: export certificate if value exceeds 5,000 CHF and over 100 years old (LTBC). See also our art transport page
Step-by-step process
16 weeks before
- Sort through your belongings: an international move is the ideal opportunity to declutter. Every extra cubic metre costs money. Use a house clearance service if needed.
- Request a free quote via DemenagementPasCher.ch to receive a personalised quote from international specialists.
- Research the formalities of the destination country (visa, residence permit, recognition of qualifications).
12 weeks before
- Choose the mover and agree on the transport mode.
- Begin formalities: departure notice, cancellation of insurance and subscriptions.
- Transfer or close bank accounts.
- Take out international transport insurance.
8 weeks before
- Prepare the detailed inventory for customs.
- Have valuable items appraised (for insurance).
- Arrange temporary storage if needed.
- Vaccinate and microchip pets.
4 weeks before
- Pack or have items packed by a professional service — professional packing is strongly recommended for international moves.
- Confirm loading and delivery dates.
- Arrange your arrival at destination (temporary accommodation, car hire).
Loading day
- Check the inventory with the team leader.
- Photograph valuable items before packing.
- Keep important documents and precious items with you (not in the truck).
- Sign the loading slip after verification.
International moving insurance
Why specific insurance?
International transport insurance is essential because:
- Longer distances increase the risk of damage
- Multiple handling (loading, customs, transshipment, unloading)
- Variable weather conditions during sea transport
- The cumulative value of goods is often underestimated
Types of coverage
| Insurance type | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Basic insurance (mover’s liability) | Proven damage, with excess |
| All-risks insurance | All damage, theft, loss |
| New-for-old insurance | New replacement of damaged items |
Recommendation: for an international move, always opt for all-risks insurance. Its cost is small compared to the risks. Ask the movers about it when you request your free quote.
Tips and tricks for saving money
- Reduce the volume: sell or give away items that can be repurchased at your destination. Every cubic metre less is money saved.
- Groupage: share a container with other moves
- Sea vs road: sea freight is often cheaper for long distances
- Off-season: avoid summer (June-August), opt for autumn or winter
- Pack your own boxes (but leave fragile items to the professionals)
- Request a free quote via our platform
- Shared container (LCL): often cheaper than a full container if your volume is small
- Tax deduction: moving costs related to a job transfer may be deductible in some cases
When to use this service
An international move is needed in the following cases:
- Job transfer abroad: your employer is sending you to a branch or office overseas
- Voluntary expatriation: life project abroad, retirement in the sun
- Return to Switzerland: after a period of expatriation, repatriating your belongings
- Marriage or civil union with a partner living abroad
- Studies: settling in for a long-term university course
- Inheritance: repatriation of a deceased relative’s belongings from abroad
- Commercial move: transferring a company or its equipment internationally
Returning to Switzerland
For Swiss citizens abroad returning home:
- Customs franchise applicable under the same conditions (form 18.44)
- Re-registration at the residents’ office of your new municipality
- Reactivation of mandatory health insurance (KVG): mandatory within 3 months of return
- Recovery of 2nd pillar assets (if exported upon departure)
- Military service: mandatory notification for men under 34
- Taxes: you become liable again upon return; contact the cantonal tax authority
- Vehicle registration: if bringing your car, it must pass the Swiss technical inspection
Request your free quote for an international move
Frequently asked questions
Questions fréquentes
The price depends on the volume, the distance, access at both addresses, packing and any added services. A move to Paris or Lyon differs from a transfer to neighbouring Haute-Savoie. Request a free, no-obligation quote to know the price for your situation.
You must complete form 18.44 from the FOCBS with a detailed inventory of your goods. Used personal household effects (over 6 months of use) are generally exempt from customs duties. Present the documents at the exit customs office on transport day. A professional mover specialising in international moves can usually handle these formalities for you.
Yes, if you are transferring your residence to Switzerland and the vehicle has been owned and used by you for at least 6 months. You must declare it on form 18.44. Otherwise, customs duties and VAT (8.1%) apply. The vehicle must also pass the Swiss technical inspection and be homologated.
Sea transport takes several weeks, and longer for Asia and Oceania than for North America. Customs clearance and final delivery add further time. Air freight is a faster alternative but considerably more expensive. The movers will give you a timeline with your quote.
The mover's liability insurance covers basic damage, but all-risks insurance is strongly recommended for an international move. It covers breakage, theft, loss and damage from weather conditions or multiple handling.
KVG health insurance must be cancelled if you leave Switzerland permanently (unless you still work in Switzerland as a cross-border worker). AHV can be maintained voluntarily under certain conditions. 2nd pillar assets can be transferred or withdrawn depending on the destination. Private insurance (household, liability) must be cancelled. Check with each insurer at least 3 months before departure.
Yes, specialist international movers routinely offer a customs clearance service. They complete form 18.44, prepare the inventory in the required format and accompany the shipment through customs. Ask whether this service is included in the quote.
A Full Container Load (FCL) is reserved exclusively for your move: faster and more secure, but more expensive if you do not fill the entire space. Less than Container Load (LCL) shares a container with other shipments: cheaper, but with a longer transit time and extra handling. Groupage is worth considering for small volumes.