Moving to Switzerland from the UK?

Here’s the Complete 2025 Guide for Door-2-Door Removals

With the UK still facing rising costs, political uncertainty, and an underdeveloped and overwhelmed housing market, more families than ever before are considering moving abroad to somewhere more stable. With the potential for a calm and stable life, Switzerland offers unique opportunities for young families and entrepreneurs.

While Australia, Spain and the US may be the obvious choices, Switzerland has quietly become one of the most desirable destinations for UK expats in 2025, and it’s not hard to see why! With breathtaking scenery, a world-class healthcare system, and a dependable economy, Switzerland offers a high quality of life that’s hard to match. Whether you’re relocating to Zurich for work, moving to Geneva with family, or retiring to a lake side chalet, our moving guide will cover everything you need to know about door-to-door removals to Switzerland from the UK.

Moving to Switzerland for the Alps — The Matterhorn Mountain

moving to Switzerland Facts and Figures — Key Facts and Figures about Switzerland

Why Move to Switzerland from the UK?

If you’re looking to move to Switzerland, make sure it ticks all of your boxes! With safety, scenery and plenty of opportunities, Switzerland will tick off most of the boxes on people’s lists, but why is it ideal for young families? With it’s multilingual population (German, French, Italian, and Romansh), rich culture and low crime rate, it’s an ideal location to raise children in, especially with the exposure to so many languages and cultures.

Switzerland also has a very strong job market in finance, pharmaceuticals, engineering and IT, attracting many skilled workers from the UK. If you’re looking to retire to Switzerland, then it also offers a calmer pace of life, clean air, reliable public transport, and views that can be enjoyed even on a cloudy day.

Moving to Switzerland near the Rhine — Laufenburg, a Swiss town on the river Rhine.

What is a Door-to-Door Removal Service?

A typical door-to-door removal service includes everything you need to move from point A, to point B. For a complete packing services, we pack up your home into a shipping container, transport then deliver to your new home, and we’ll even help you unpack! Here’s a full list of what’s included in a door-to-door removal service:

Export Wrapping of Furniture
Dismantling and Reassembly
Full Customs Clearance and Documentation
Transportation by road or container
Storage Options (UK or Switzerland)
Insurance Cover

This fully comprehensive all in one approach is especially important when moving to Switzerland as their customs procedures can be very strict.

Traditional Swiss Houses in Zermatt, Switzerland

Moving to Switzerland Post-Brexit: What’s Changed?

As Switzerland is not a part of the EU, Brexit rules will fully apply. This makes the customs process slightly more complex than moving to countries in the EU like France or Spain. As such you’ll need the following documentation as a minimum:

A Detailed Inventory (Euromovers can provide this for you!)
Proof of Residency in Switzerland (rental contract or work visa)
Declaration Forms (such as the Swiss “Declaration for household goods importation”)

If you’re moving your main residence to Switzerland, and the goods are used (owned for more than 6 months), you may be exempt from VAT and duties.

Beautiful Architecture in Lucerne, Switzerland

What you Can and Can’t Bring into Switzerland

✔ Allowed:

Used Household Goods
Furniture and Personal Items
Vehicles (proper documentation required)
Pets (with Pet Passport and Vaccination Proof

✘ Restricted/Regulated:

Alcohol and Tobacco (limited quantities)
High-value Electronics (may require proof of use)
Certain Foods and Plants
Firearms and Weapons (strictly controlled)

Packing and Preparation Tips

Start Early: Allow 6-8 weeks for planning and booking. We suggest a minimum of 2 months before you move to get the ball rolling.
Declutter: Try the 3D method to declutter. Make three piles, one for Disposal, one for Donations, and the others you’re Definitely keeping.
Create a detailed inventory: This is for customs purposes, but if using our packing service, we would create a detailed inventory for you.
Use Export Wrapping: For a domestic move, blankets are sufficient, but for an export job everything needs to be protected with export wrap.
Label Everything Clearly: Very important for customs, but again, the team at Euromovers can label everything for you if required.

If you like Mountain Climbing and Skiing, you’re in for a treat by Moving to Switzerland!

Estimated Costs for Moving to Switzerland from the UK

The cost of Moving to Switzerland can vary depending on a lot of factors. However, an average move to Switzerland from the UK costs between £3000 and £7000. This cost is calculated based on the volume to be moved, the service level required, custom clearance and access conditions. For example, if moving to a remote Alpine village, then the transportation costs will be much greater than if you chose to move to one of the bigger towns or cities.

Case Study: From Glasgow to Geneva

In 2024, the McIntosh family chose Euromovers for their family relocation to Geneva in Switzerland using our Door-to-Door service. Moving purely for work, they had a valid work visa for the next 3 years, but with 2 children, a pet dog and a 3 bedroom house to move, they needed help navigating the post-Brexit paperwork and tight customs windows. We managed to do a virtual video survey to assess the volume needing to be moved, filled out the relevant paperwork, packed everything up, and created a full and detailed inventory, before shipping the goods under the channel and delivered within 5 days of departure from Glasgow. The whole move from start to finish was completed in under a month.

You don’t need to be a mountain goat to visit the Swiss Alps, there are plenty of trains to aid your climb!

How Euromovers Can Help with your Move to Switzerland

With decades of experience in European and International removals, accredited partners in Switzerland, you can put your trust in Euromovers to help and provide the following:

Free virtual or in-person home surveys
Multilingual Support
Customs Assistance
Secure Storage Options
Pet and Vehicle relocation

As members of the International Association of Movers (IAM), and part of a network of over 70 movers around the world, you can relax safe in the knowledge you’ll receive top-tier service every step of the way.

Traditional Swiss dress on the National Day of Independence (1st August)

FAQs

How long does it take to move to Switzerland?

Typically between 7-14 days door-to-door, depending on access and customs.

Can I avoid import tax?

Yes, if you’re moving residence and the items you’re bringing in are used/personal and owned for at least 6 months

Can I bring my car?

Yes, but you’ll need ownership documents and may need to register it within 12 months

Can I move my pets?

Yes, cats, dogs and rabbits are allowed in Switzerland, but they must be microchipped and have proof of a rabies vaccination along with a health certificate

How much does it cost to move to Switzerland from the UK?

Depending on the volume being moved and the location in Switzerland, expect to pay between £3,000 and £7,000 for a move to Switzerland

Looking for a remote place to move to? Switzerland has it all.

Get a Moving to Switzerland Quote

Any move abroad can be a daunting affair, especially since Brexit, however, with the right help your move to Switzerland can be utterly seamless and stress free. With Euromovers Door-to-Door removals service you can rely on them to not only be on time, but to complete the move safely and look after your goods at the same time. So if you’re planning a Swiss escape, get in touch with the team here at Euromovers today, and let us help you settle in totally stress-free!

Moving to Switzerland from the UK