Shipping and Removals in Switzerland

Moving to Switzerland? Whether you’re heading there for work, lifestyle, or a fresh start, sorting out your household shipments will be one of the biggest tasks on your to-do list. Swiss customs are strict but predictable if you get the paperwork right. Since furniture and electronics can be pricey, many people prefer to bring their belongings rather than start from scratch.

A good international moving company can help you avoid delays and unexpected costs. Having an experienced shipping service on your side makes the process significantly easier.

Relocation Companies in Switzerland

Shipping household goods to Switzerland

When moving your household goods to Switzerland, you’ll need to decide between air or sea freight. Air freight is the fastest option, with shipments arriving in one or two weeks, but it’s also the most expensive. Sea freight takes longer – typically six to eight weeks – but costs much less if you’re moving a full household.

You can import household goods duty-free if you’ve owned and used them for at least six months. But be careful – customs may charge VAT or import duties if you bring new items or fail to provide the right paperwork. While Switzerland recently scrapped industrial tariffs on some products, customs officers now pay closer attention to shipments, especially electronics and high-value goods. 

Many people assume that all household items are tax-free, but some categories – like new electronics, expensive jewellery, and alcohol – come with extra charges. Submitting incomplete documentation or declaring items incorrectly can also cause delays. 

To qualify for duty-free import, you’ll need to provide an itemised inventory of everything you’re bringing, plus a copy of your passport, proof of your last residence, and your Swiss rental agreement or residence permit. Customs officers may also ask for extra documents, such as an employment contract, so it’s best to have everything ready in advance.

If you’d rather not deal with the hassle of shipping, renting furniture in Switzerland is a practical option. Many new arrivals choose to rent or buy locally instead of transporting bulky items overseas.

Useful links

• Swiss Customs: Moving to Switzerland
• Swiss Post Customs

Shipping pets to Switzerland

If you’re bringing a pet to Switzerland, be sure to check the latest import rules. Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before arrival, and have an official health certificate. If you’re travelling from outside the EU, additional paperwork or quarantine measures may apply.

Pets are treated as imports under Swiss customs law, meaning you may need to pay VAT based on their estimated value. You’ll also need to register your pet with the Swiss Animal Identification Service (ANIS) within 10 days of arrival. Some breeds require special permits, and exotic pets face even stricter entry requirements.

Most pet owners find the customs process straightforward if they have the right documents, but some are caught off guard by VAT charges at the border. Consider using a professional pet relocation service to handle customs and transport arrangements to avoid last-minute surprises.

Useful links

• Swiss Pet Import Rules
• Swiss Animal Identification Service (ANIS)