Moving to Switzerland won't just call for a new pair of skis,international moving is a complicated process and requires careful attention to detail. As if making the choice to move thousands of miles away from your current home wasn't overwhelming enough, you still have to plan logistics accordingly. Relocating overseas to Switzerland may be life changing and exciting,it will also require a lot of meticulous planning and proper documentation to ensure a stress-free experience with your international shipment.
Read on for more information on what to expect when clearing customs and moving to Switzerland.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
No foreign country will allow you clearance without the proper documentation - so you'll want to make sure everything is in order ahead of time. These
important documents should be received a minimum of 20 to 30 days in advance of the arrival of your shipment to avoid any additional charges of demurrage.It is best to hire a customs brokering service for assistance in preparing these documents by their particular deadline.
When moving to Switzerland, you will need:
- Passport
- Residence visa/work visa
- Lease or Property Title of Residence in Switzerland
- Detailed inventory in English, French, German or Italian, signed and dated by the customer (three copies)
- All appliances need make and serial number
- Declaration of personal household goods (Form 18.44)
- Bill of Lading/ Air Waybill (copy)
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
When moving to Switzerland, you will be faced with various regulations you must abide by to successfully clear customs with your shipment.
Things to keep in mind:
- All shipments must have detailed inventory submitted with first shipment.
- All shipments are subject to possible inspection
- In order for your household goods to be imported duty free, you must have already arrived in Switzerland and obtained residency
- Wedding presents must be shipped three months after wedding date to receive duty free entry
- Your personal office goods and papers are considered household goods
- Bonded Customs clearance is available for additional fees on a provisional basis if all paperwork is not present at Customs at the arrival of shipment
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Most countries have a list of items that are not allowed in the country whatsoever. In Switzerland, you cannot import the following items under any circumstance:
- Drugs or illegal narcotics of any kind
- Ammunition
- Anti-radar equipment
- Animal products from protected or endangered species (e.g. ivory)
- Cleaning fluids
RESTRICTED ITEMS
When shipping your household goods and personal effects to Switzerland, you should also be aware of the numerous items that are subject to duty fees, need special permission, or have limits on quantity. Some of these items include, but may not be limited to:
- Food products
- Tobacco
- New items and consumer goods (extra fees may apply)
- Alcohol
- May be imported duty free is it is under 12.5 percent, depending on the size of the move
- Swiss Customs will assess quantity of alcohol and how it corresponds to the size of the move
- Maximum allowance for wine is 200 liters (duty free)
- Maximum allowance for alcohol exceeding 12.5 percent is 12 liters (duty free)
- Firearms and other weapons (permit required)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are considering taking your vehicle with you to Switzerland, you must be in possession of that vehicle for at least six months prior to importation.Company cars may be imported duty free if the company provides a written confirmation that you have used the automobile exclusively since any given date. The letter must state that you are relocating to Switzerland, and it must be sent to Swiss Customs six months prior to your shipment. New cars are subject to VAT and duty taxes.
If you plan on shipping your vehicle,you will need:
- Certificate of Title
- Official foreign driver's license
- Purchase invoice/Bill of sale
- Valid Swiss insurance certificate
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
If you own a pet, you wouldn't think of leaving him or her behind on your move to Switzerland.To be sure your animal companion makes it through customs without any trouble, first check with your destination agent about any restrictions.
To import your pet, you will need:
- Certificate of vaccination (no less than 30 days prior to import but no more than 12 months after entering Switzerland)
- Health certificate in German, French, Italian or English, must include:
- Name and address of owner
- Description of animal (breed, sex, color, age)
- Proof the animal was examined by a veterinarian prior to vaccination (and found healthy)
- Date of rabies vaccine (serial number, type of vaccine and name of producer should be included)
- Signature of examining veterinarian
- Blood analysis (needed for countries with urban rabies)
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moves are complex and come with numerous expenses and plenty of paperwork. The most important part of your move will be finding full-service international movers and freight forwarders that have proper licensure and insurance.
Need help finding international moving companies in your areafor your move to Switzerland? You can get startedhere at Movers.com by submitting our free quote form, which will connect you with up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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