Moving To Switzerland From The UK

Moving to Switzerland

Whether you are planning to move to Zurich, Geneva, or to the mountainous southern part of the country, Britannia Movers International has the expertise and the international resources to suit the move to your individual needs.

	Importing Personal Effects to Switzerland The importation of used goods and personal effects to Switzerland is usually duty and tax free. As Switzerland is not part of the EU, entry requirements are slightly more stringent. You will need proof of identity, an employment contract or work permit, and a Swiss Customs Declaration. Britannia can provide the necessary customs forms and other information on importing household effects.
	Prohibitions and Restrictions In general it is in your interest not to import the following items: Firearms & ammunition Inflammable goods & substances Plants & plant material Foodstuffs, perishables or otherwise Narcotics and dangerous goods Offensive materials Alcohol & Tobacco
	Transit Times Transit times can vary subject to the method of transport chosen, size of your consignment and the final destination. Britannia will advise you once this information is established.
	Bar Coding All shared load consignments will be bar coded before they are loaded into the vehicle. This will ensure that no items are left at origin.
	Domestic Pets Britannia can recommend a specialised shipper of animals to assist you in sending your family pet(s) from home to home. They will coordinate all documentation and necessary veterinary procedures. Find out more about pet transport.
	Moving Motor Vehicles to Switzerland Importation of cars to Switzerland will be subject to compliance, and duty tax may apply. Any car sold in the European Community is normally automatically in accordance with Swiss law, you will however need to register your car and request license plates once you arrive in Switzerland.
	International FX When you are making international payments for individuals you can benefit from IFX expertise in seeking the best possible rate, whether you are sending or receiving foreign currency. IFX can help to protect you from exchange rate fluctuations and save you time and money on international payments. IFX offers : International payments Regular Overseas Transfers Prepaid Currency Card Forward Contracts More info on the IFX website.

Moving to Switzerland with Britannia

• Your Move to Switzerland with Britannia – Britannia Movers has been providing removal services to Switzerland for many years. We can transport your household effects by our removal vans, sea containers or by air. We can also provide computer tracking and bar coding which will ensure the safety of your consignment.
• Custom Clearance  – As Switzerland is not a member of the EU, it will be necessary to clear your goods upon arrival. You will also need appropriate documentation and will have to prove that you have the necessary status to move to Switzerland.
• Additional Removal Services – Britannia can provide a variety of additional removal services when moving to Switzerland. We can arrange international insurance, and storage, and can also take care of your pet transport and money transfer.

If you want to find out more about moving to Switzerland, read more about our European removals, additional moving services, and get an online removals quote.

Living in Switzerland

Switzerland has always been a popular European destination, especially for the lovers of mountainous landscapes, and for those conducting business, or looking for employment. However, as Switzerland is not part of the EU, moving to the country is not as hassle-free as moving to Germany for example, and for those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Switzerland is not the most attractive destination. This prosperous and economically strong country with stunning landscapes, however is an ideal location for many, and offers a wide range of employment opportunities, especially in the financial and business sectors.

Switzerland is a landlocked country located in Western Europe, divided between the mountains of the Alps and the Central Plateau, and bordered by Germany, France, and Italy among other countries. Switzerland has a history of political neutrality, and is not part of the European Union or the European Economic Area. It is one of the most prosperous countries in the world, is ranked as the most innovative country in Europe, and has a highly competitive economy. The strong economy ensures a high standard of living and Zurich and Geneva are both ranked very high for quality of life. This also means a very low crime rate and a lack of widespread social problems.

While winters can be cold, especially the mountainous regions, and the society is said to be less open to expats and immigrants than some other countries, Switzerland is generally a safe and politically stable place to live, which makes it an ideal destination for many. The diversity of stunning landscapes and climates are perfect not only for the lovers of skiing, but also for those who enjoy hiking, and want to see some beautiful sceneries. Whether you enjoy the nature and rural areas or prefer modern cities, Switzerland can be a perfect location.

Interesting Facts About Switzerland

• Switzerland has four official languages, German, French, Italian and Romansh.
• 20% of the population of 7.5 million are foreigners.
• Switzerland has the second highest life expectancy in Europe.
• The headquarters of many European and international organisations are located in Geneva, such as the United Nations, World Health Organization or the World Trade Organization.
• The Swiss are famous for their watchmaking, and are leaders in luxury watches, with brands such as Rolex or Rado.

Tips About Moving to and Living in Switzerland

• If you want to work and settle down in Switzerland permanently, you will need some form of work and residence permit. An agreement between the EU and Switzerland facilitates the entry, residence and employment of EU citizens in Switzerland.
• The unemployment rate is low in Switzerland and the job market is rather flexible. While you might find it harder to find a job as an expat, there are a range of opportunities, especially in the financial and other specialised sectors.
• If you are moving to Switzerland with your children, you will also have to consider education options. Switzerland has a number of international schools, or you can also choose a local school, however this will also depend on where you are moving in Switzerland and the predominant language in that area.
• Living costs in Switzerland are higher than in the UK, and it is usually considered as an expensive country, however these additional costs are offset by high salaries.