Moving & Logistics:
Crossing the Swiss Border.
Switzerland is not in the EU Customs Union. Importing household goods, vehicles, and pets requires professional Form 18.44 clearance to avoid heavy VAT penalties.
The Swiss Border is Not a Mere Formality.
Unlike moving within the EU, entering Switzerland is a **formal import event**. Every item in your truck must be inventoried and declared.
The 6-Month Rule
Goods owned for less than 6 months are considered "new" and are subject to 8.1% VAT plus customs duties at the border.
Border Risk Mitigation
Without a signed Swiss lease and a stamped 18.44 form, customs officers may hold your truck at the border, incurring thousands in storage fees.
Specialized Logistic Streams
International Movers
"Door-to-door execution."
- White-glove packing
- Global shipping networks
- Crating for fragile assets
Vehicle Technical Import
"Plate changes & compliance."
- Form 13.20A preparation
- MFK technical inspections
- Swiss emissions compliance
Pet Relocation
"Living assets coordination."
- IATA kennel compliance
- Vaccination audit
- Amicus database registration
The Logic Gate
"No Swiss Lease? No Customs Clearance."
You cannot legally import a container of goods without a target address in Switzerland.
The Housing Dependency.
Customs requires a **signed Swiss lease** to prove your change of residence. Many expats fail at the border because they haven't secured a home yet.
"Our partners use Offlist.ch to helps clients secure a Swiss lease *before* the truck leaves, ensuring the border crossing is a non-event."
Security in Transit.
Standard moving liability is calculated by weight, not value. For high-value art, wine, and heirloom furniture, specialized transit insurance is mandatory.
"Secure comprehensive **Household Goods In-Transit Insurance** and setup your permanent Swiss Household Insurance before the first box is opened."
Recommended Partner: Expat-Savvy.ch
The 5-Step Move Protocol
Pre-Move Audit
The 6-month ownership check. We identify assets that will trigger VAT and advise on specialized packing for high-value items.
Housing Lock
Secure your Swiss lease via Offlist. Without the signed 'Mietvertrag', customs agent can't begin Form 18.44 preparation.
Customs Preparation
Finalizing the inventory list (packing list). Our agents translate and format your contents to Swiss customs standards.
The High-Risk Bridge
The physical border crossing. Our partners handle the officers, duties, and temporary admissions for vehicles.
White-Glove Delivery
Unpacking, furniture assembly, and disposal of materials at your new Swiss residence. Full insurance closure.
Move Management Options
The DIY Route
- You drive the truck through customs
- Individual Form 18.44 filing at border
- High risk of VAT audits and delays
- Standard carrier liability (minimal)
- Self-packing risk (insurance voids)
Relofinder Managed Elite Standard
- Pre-cleared customs documentation
- Single point of move management
- Zero-VAT strategy implementation
- White-glove origin to destination
- High-value transit insurance closure
Customs & Logistics Briefs
Secure Your Move Strategy.
Connect with accredited Swiss move managers and customs agents. Our partners currently support moves into 26 Swiss cantons.