Moving to Switzerland from The USA

Always helping our customers to reach their destination.

If you consider moving to Switzerland from the USA, we are sure there are many things to love about the country. Although a landlocked location, it sits in the center of Europe, and you will enjoy the unique opportunity to easily visit bordering countries like Germany, Italy, and France.

However, shipping household goods to Switzerland is not so straightforward. It is a more complicated process which involves first sending your belongings to one of the European countries that has an entrance to the sea or ocean and then moving them by land to your new home.

SDC International Shipping has over a decade of experience arranging moves to Switzerland from the USA. So no matter where you want to move, we’ll be there to make your relocation worry-free.

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Getting Your Household Items to Switzerland

For the stuff you are planning to move to Switzerland, you will need customs clearance forms. Swiss customs might deny or delay entrance if you don’t fill out these forms correctly. You can do it yourself or let the international household mover handle all the packing and paperwork for you. We’ll make sure that your items get cleared from customs and meet all the import requirements.

Here are the documents to clear your shipment from customs:

• Form 18.44;
• Inventory list;
• Copy of passport;
• Copy of residence permit;
• Copy of rental or purchase agreement for a house.

The items you are moving to Switzerland from the USA must have been used for at least six months before shipping. If you comply with this rule, you won’t need to pay duties and other taxes. However, in some situations, depending on the items you send, you might be asked to provide additional documentation or pay customs taxes.

Moving Vehicles and Cars to Switzerland

Whether you are planning to ship your car or vehicle to Switzerland, you should have owned it for at least six months to be eligible for tax and duty exemption. In addition, you won’t be able to sell it within a year of your arrival. Once in the country, your auto should be registered within 365 days in Switzerland.

The car should be included in the inventory list of your personal effects. To import and register the vehicle, you will need the following set of documentation:

• 13.20A (expert report from customs);
• 18.44 form (customs authorization);
• 15.30 form for foreign employees or students;
• Technical certificate;
• Vehicle license;
• Number plates.

Many non-EU/EFTA countries require a test drive if they plan to drive on their foreign license, but this rule doesn’t apply to US citizens.

Does this make you feel too overwhelmed? Like too many things to take care of? What you can do is rid yourself of the extra work by letting SDC international car and vehicle mover complete the job for you.

Cost of Shipping a Vehicle to Switzerland

The following factors will be involved in determining the cost of shipping a car to Switzerland:

• Whether you need to pay import duties;
• Origin in the US;
• Possible modification to comply with Swiss technical specifications;
• The exchange of license plates;
• The service you choose.

When deciding on importing a car to Switzerland, you should also consider other costs during your stay in the country. These are the annual road tax, mandatory third-party liability insurance, and Swiss motorway vignette.

If you are unsure whether it is worth taking your auto with you, you can contact SDC logistics experts to get professional advice. We’ll be happy to discuss the details of your move.

Do You Need Insurance to Ship Your Items?

Technically, you can ship your possessions without any ocean transit insurance. But doing so means no compensation for damage or loss of your items. The international moving insurance proves you can get partial or full reimbursement.

At SDC International Shipping, we can navigate you through different coverage options based on the value of your items and your requirements.

Need to Move a Piano or Artwork to Switzerland?

Anything from antique furniture to the piano and fine art can be safely moved to Switzerland with SDC removal services. Our crew is trained in the careful handling of prized belongings. We guarantee quality service and professional packing, backed up by ten years of experience in home removals.

Find out more on overseas artwork shipping and piano movers.

Shipping to Switzerland Via Ocean or Air Freight

Ocean freight is by far the most popular way of shipping because of its affordability. So if you are OK with waiting several weeks before you get your things, you definitely should opt for this option. On the other hand, Airfreight works for those who need to get their stuff really fast, in a matter of 2-3 days. However, for shipments over 100 kg, be ready to pay a high sum.

Whether you send your stuff via sea or air freight, it will be shipped in the appropriate container dimension. You may choose to own a full container, also known as an FCL service, or share space in a container with other customers referred to as LCL service.

At SDC International Shipping, we are ready to work alongside you to develop a plan for containerized freight.

Moving to Switzerland from the USA with SDC International

Building a reputation on how we do what we do.

“SDC International movers handled our move to Switzerland in its entirety. It could not have been done more professionally than it was. We constantly received updates on the shipping process. The import clearing of the container was complete within two days. Items received undamaged. I have no hesitation in recommending SDC.” Pia L.

Call for your FREE international moving quote NOW! (877) 339-0267

Useful information before International Moving to Switzerland

Read information on required additional documents and permissions.