Muuttopalvelu M. Kähäri has extensive experience and expertise in moves to Switzerland. Moving to Switzerland is considerably more complex than moving to other parts of Europe.
Since Switzerland is not an EU country, moving there requires several specific documents from the mover.
All moving goods must go through customs, which is a two-step process. When leaving Finland, the shipment is given a customs clearance, which is then finalized at Swiss customs.
Switzerland and the EU have a mobility agreement. EU/EEA citizens can stay in Switzerland for up to three months without a residence permit. During this period, you must apply for a residence permit from the cantonal authorities. If you work in Switzerland for less than three months, you must register with the Swiss authorities.
Important: Do not include live plants in your shipment, as this will automatically place your cargo in quarantine for an indefinite period. Also, avoid including tobacco products, alcohol, or other excise goods in the shipment.
Documents Required for Customs Clearance
These documents should be sent to us by email, but it is especially important to provide them with the driver on moving day.
INVENTORY LIST (in German and Finnish, or English only)
Total numbers of items and estimated value of the shipment must be indicated.
Each item should be numbered, and inventory must list the item number, contents, and estimated weight.
A template for the inventory list is available on our website.
SWISS CUSTOM FORM 18.44
The form should indicate the date when the shipment is picked up by our truck.
The original form with your signature must be gven to the driver (photocopies are not accepted).
On the form, there are two fields labeled “ort und datum” – both must include the original signature, even if there is no vehicle involved in the removal.
COPY OF IDENTITY DOCUMENT
Required from all movers.
COPY OF RENTAL AGREEMENT OR DEED OF SALE
This proves to Swiss customs that you have a residence in Switzerland.
COPY OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
Or another document showing that you are moving to live in Switzerland, not just furnishing a vacation home..
Useful links
Submit a moving notification to the Finnish Digital and Population Data Services Agency:
https://dvv.fi/muutto-ulkomaille
Information about moving, residence permits, and bringing goods to Switzerland (English):
https://www.ch.ch/en/customs/moving-to-switzerland/
Information about residence permits in Switzerland:
LADATTAVIA TIEDOSTOJA
Swiss customs form 18.44 (.pdf / Finnish)
Inventory list template (.pdf / Finnish)
Volume calculator (.xls / Finnish)
