VerifiedGet matched with vetted international mover We match you with only accredited partner for your route: fewer calls, less stress, and a clearer quote.
Switzerland is one of the world's most active international relocation destinations. Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Zug attract large numbers of British finance, pharmaceutical and technology professionals on corporate assignments, as well as private individuals relocating for quality of life. Switzerland's position outside the EU creates distinct customs and residency requirements that differ significantly from all other European destinations. These are the top 10 removal companies Switzerland recognised for international routes, covering UK to Switzerland, European corridors and intercontinental moves. Each has been reviewed against FIDI FAIM and BAR Overseas accreditation standards.
International Removals Companies is a free route matching platform operated by Darren Benjamin since 2010 (DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD, company number 07425576). We match each enquiry with one suitable FIDI-certified removal company based on your origin, Swiss destination canton, timeline and volume. Your details are not passed to all 10 companies. One contact. One quote.
Prices vary by service type, origin and Swiss destination canton. These are indicative guides only. The matched FIDI-certified removal company gives the confirmed price before you book. The matching service is free.
Road freight via Channel Tunnel and France
Part Load: from approx. £900 to £1,600
Dedicated Vehicle: from approx. £2,000 to £3,800
Container sea freight then road from European port
Sea Freight: from approx. £3,200 to £5,800
Air Freight: from approx. £5,000 to £9,000
Container sea freight then road from European port
Sea Freight: from approx. £4,000 to £7,000
Air Freight: from approx. £7,000 to £12,000
Typically included: Professional packing, origin collection, Channel Tunnel or sea crossing, international transport, Swiss customs clearance (Zollabfertigung), delivery to your Swiss address and goods-in-transit insurance. Swiss customs clearance is mandatory for all UK-origin moves and is handled by the removal company. Confirm exact inclusions before booking.
All prices are indicative planning guides only. The matched FIDI-certified removal company confirms the actual price after surveying your goods, origin and Swiss delivery address.
Only 10 FIDI-accredited companies operate in Switzerland. The 10 removal companies Switzerland listed below hold FIDI FAIM certification and, for those operating UK-origin moves, BAR Overseas accreditation. The list includes Swiss-based companies, a German specialist, a Belgian corridor operator and global companies with permanent Swiss offices, alongside UK-based specialists. All operate regular Switzerland routes and specialise in Swiss customs compliance including Umzugsgut declarations to the BAZG. FIDI FAIM requires more than 200 independent quality checks and an Ernst and Young audit every three years.
Gosselin Group is a FIDI-accredited international removal company with a dedicated Switzerland office and is one of only 10 FIDI-accredited companies operating within Switzerland. Founded in 1930 with 56 offices across 34 countries, Gosselin handles the full range of Swiss relocations: corporate assignees in Zurich and Geneva, diplomatic moves, families and private individuals in all 26 cantons. Its Swiss team is multilingual in German, French and Italian and manages Swiss customs declarations (Zollanmeldung) directly through the BAZG system.
Suited to: any customer moving to Switzerland who wants a company with a permanent Swiss operational base, Swiss FIDI accreditation and direct customs expertise in all Swiss language regions.
PSS International Removals is a UK-based family company with over 40 years of experience and Switzerland among its active European routes. FIDI FAIM certified, BAR Overseas accredited and a member of Euromovers and the International Association of Movers, PSS holds FIDI Top Performer Status. The company provides door-to-door Switzerland removals with a dedicated Move Manager, Swiss customs documentation support and a partner network covering all Swiss cantons including Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Lugano.
Suited to: UK families and professionals relocating to Switzerland who want a specialist British-based company with a proven track record and dedicated account management from survey to Swiss delivery.
Crown Relocations is a global FIDI FAIM certified removal company with a dedicated Switzerland office providing settling-in services, move management and administrative support alongside the physical removal. In Switzerland, Crown specialises in corporate and diplomatic relocations and provides destination services including Swiss residence permit application guidance, school-search assistance and orientation for newly arrived families in Zurich and Geneva.
Suited to: companies relocating employees to Switzerland and corporate transferees who need full destination services in addition to the physical removal.
Santa Fe Relocation is a FIDI FAIM certified company with strong corporate relocation capabilities across Europe and a specific Switzerland presence. For Swiss moves, the company provides complete move management including Swiss customs coordination, B and C permit guidance for newly arrived assignees, school-search assistance and comprehensive settling-in support covering Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Zug, the main destinations for corporate Switzerland relocations.
Suited to: companies relocating employees on fixed Swiss contract timelines who need end-to-end move management and Swiss administrative destination support.
Robinsons Relocation has been moving families and businesses since 1895 and is a member of FIDI and OMNI. Switzerland is one of its regular European routes and it operates scheduled services from the UK to all Swiss cantons. The company's vehicles comply with Swiss regulations for heavy goods transit including the LSVA (Leistungsabhängige Schwerverkehrsabgabe) distance-based toll system. It offers both a "Special" service with a chosen delivery date and a shared-load option with an agreed delivery window.
Suited to: UK customers moving to Switzerland who want a long-established, regularly scheduled service with the choice of dedicated or shared-load options and a fixed delivery window.
Founded in 1884, John Mason International is a FIDI FAIM and BAR Overseas accredited UK removal company with a long history of European routes including Switzerland. The company assigns a dedicated Move Manager to every Switzerland enquiry and provides direct customs documentation support including the Swiss Zollanmeldung form and Umzugsgut inventory preparation. Its part-load service offers an accessible option for smaller Switzerland moves.
Suited to: UK customers of all household sizes moving to Switzerland who want a long-established company with dedicated Move Manager support and cost-effective part-load options.
Harsch is a FIDI-accredited Switzerland-based removal and relocation company founded in 1957 with offices in Geneva, Lausanne and Zurich. Its international network covers over 173 countries, giving it global reach alongside deep Swiss domestic expertise. Geneva is one of Europe's most active international relocation hubs for diplomatic, UN, NGO and corporate assignees, and Harsch has decades of experience managing these high-volume, high-specification moves. The company handles the full range of Swiss customs procedures, delivery to all Swiss cantons and relocation support for newly arrived assignees.
Suited to: customers moving to Geneva, Lausanne and western Switzerland who want a company with permanent, well-established local operations in the French-speaking Swiss region and direct access to the Geneva diplomatic and international organisation relocation market.
Donath Moving and Relocation is a FIDI-certified, OMNI and Harmony Relocation Network member based in Königstein and Munich, Germany. Founded in 1904, Donath has decades of direct Switzerland route experience. Germany shares the Swiss border and Donath crews know Swiss customs clearance (Zollanmeldung) and BAZG procedures from regular operational practice. The company provides full-service packing, customs assistance and Swiss delivery across all cantons, with ISO 14001 environmental certification and a 95% repeat-customer rate.
Suited to: customers moving to Switzerland from Germany and central Europe, and UK customers who want a Germany-based company with direct, regular Swiss border crossing expertise and permanent Swiss route operations.
AGS Worldwide Movers is a FIDI FAIM certified global removal company with offices across five continents. For Switzerland, AGS handles complex intercontinental moves from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, managing sea freight consolidation at Hamburg or Le Havre and onward road transport and Swiss customs clearance to all Swiss cantons. Its global reach and Swiss customs expertise make it a practical choice for assignees arriving in Switzerland from non-European origins.
Suited to: customers arriving in Switzerland from Asia, Africa, the Middle East or the Americas who need a globally connected company with direct Swiss delivery and customs capability.
Gmür and Co is a Switzerland-based IAM member removal company founded in 1892 with locations in Zug, Lucerne and Sursee. One of Switzerland's longest-established removal companies, it has direct operational knowledge of Swiss cantonal delivery logistics, Swiss customs (Zoll) procedures and the specific requirements for moves within, to and from the central Switzerland region. Its deep Zug and Lucerne roots give it particular expertise in moves to Switzerland's low-tax cantons, which are popular with international assignees.
Suited to: customers moving to central Switzerland, Zug, Lucerne and the surrounding cantons who want a deeply rooted Swiss company with local operational knowledge and direct access.
The standard road route from the UK to Switzerland runs via the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone, south through France and into Switzerland via the Basel border crossing for Zurich, Bern and German-speaking Switzerland; or via Geneva for western, French-speaking Switzerland. The journey is direct and well-established.
Stage 1: Collection from your UK address (Day 1)
Stage 2: Channel Tunnel to France, motorway south (Days 1 to 2)
Stage 3: Swiss border crossing with BAZG customs clearance. The removal company pre-clears the shipment. Unlike EU arrivals, Swiss customs must be formally cleared at the border. Allow 2 to 6 hours for clearance; pre-submitted documentation speeds this significantly.
Stage 4: Delivery to your Swiss address.
All 10 removal companies Switzerland cover every Swiss canton and city: Zurich, Geneva (Genève), Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Lucerne (Luzern), Zug, Lugano, St Gallen, Winterthur, Biel/Bienne, Thun, Schaffhausen, Chur, Sion, Neuchâtel and La Chaux-de-Fonds. German, French and Italian-speaking regions all covered.
Switzerland is not an EU member but aligns with EU pet travel standards. UK pets moving to Switzerland since Brexit require an Animal Health Certificate rather than an EU pet passport, as with all other European destinations in this series.
Quarantine: Switzerland does not require quarantine for dogs and cats from the UK provided all documents are in order and the AHC is valid on the date of entry.
Cantonal registration: Dogs must be registered in the cantonal animal database after arrival. Some cantons require a dog tax (Hundesteuer/taxe canine). Your Swiss vet handles the registration using your dog's existing microchip number.
Breed restrictions: Switzerland has cantonal breed-specific legislation. Some cantons (including Zurich, Geneva and others) impose restrictions on certain breeds including American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and others. Check the rules for your specific destination canton well before travel. Federal rules also apply for some species.
The AHC is valid for 10 days from issue. Book your Official Veterinarian appointment no earlier than 10 days before travel. Allow time for APHA endorsement. Pets can travel with you through the Channel Tunnel and across France in your vehicle, entering Switzerland with you at the border. Swiss customs will check the AHC at the crossing point. The road journey from the UK to Switzerland takes 8 to 12 hours depending on destination.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF), not the Euro. This makes the Switzerland page the only page in this series where the destination currency is not EUR. The GBP/CHF exchange rate applies to all Swiss property transactions, savings transfers and ongoing living costs.
Swiss property is among the most expensive in Europe. A typical Zurich apartment or Geneva house may be valued at CHF 1,000,000 to CHF 2,500,000 or more. At these price levels, even a modest GBP/CHF rate movement creates a significant sterling exposure. A 3% movement in the GBP/CHF rate on a CHF 1,000,000 property changes the sterling cost by approximately £25,000 to £30,000 at typical exchange levels.
Switzerland's Lex Koller legislation (Bundesgesetz über den Erwerb von Grundstücken durch Personen im Ausland) restricts property purchases by non-resident foreigners. The key points for British movers:
This means most British movers to Switzerland purchase property only after they hold a valid Swiss residence permit. Confirm your eligibility with a Swiss property lawyer before committing.
A currency specialist can lock in today's GBP/CHF rate for a future property transfer, protecting against the rate moving between offer acceptance and Swiss completion. Given the high absolute values of Swiss property, the potential saving from forward contract protection is proportionally larger than on comparable EUR-denominated moves.
To receive CHF in Switzerland, you need a Swiss bank account. Swiss banks typically require a valid Swiss residence permit before opening a personal current account. Private banking clients (typically with CHF 250,000 or more to deposit) may find it easier to open an account before arriving. Major Swiss banks include UBS, Credit Suisse (now integrated into UBS), PostFinance, Zürcher Kantonalbank and Migros Bank.
Currency specialists offer better exchange rates and lower transfer fees than high street banks for GBP to CHF transfers. Given the relative strength of the Swiss Franc and the high values involved in Swiss property transactions, the saving from using a specialist rather than a bank can be substantial.
Regular Swiss costs (Miete/rent, Nebenkosten/utilities, Krankenkasse/health insurance premiums, Kantons- und Gemeindesteuer/cantonal and municipal taxes) are all in CHF. Switzerland has a high cost of living, and the ongoing GBP/CHF conversion cost is a material consideration for British residents receiving income in GBP.
Switzerland requires goods imported under the Umzugsgut (transfer of residence) exemption to have been used for at least 12 months. This applies to vehicles. This is different from the EU countries in this series (Italy, France, Germany, Portugal) where the period is 6 months. A vehicle owned but not yet used for 12 months will not qualify for duty-free import and will be subject to Swiss customs duty and MWST (8.1%).
Right-hand drive UK vehicles are legal in Switzerland. No headlight beam adjustment is required under Swiss law (unlike France and Germany). The main practical challenge is operating toll booths on Swiss motorways from the right-hand seat.
UK vehicles that do not already hold EU or Swiss type approval need an individual Swiss inspection. Registration is handled through the cantonal Motorfahrzeugkontrolle (MFK) in the canton where you live. You will need your Swiss residence permit, proof of insurance from a Swiss insurer, and the UK V5C logbook. Swiss cantonal number plates replace the UK plates.
All vehicles using Swiss motorways must display a Swiss motorway tax sticker (Autobahnvignette). The annual vignette costs CHF 40 and covers all Swiss motorways for a calendar year. It is available at Swiss petrol stations, post offices and border crossings. Lorries pay LSVA tolls instead of the standard vignette.
Major Swiss cities do not operate the same low-emission zone sticker systems as France or Germany. However, Switzerland has strict federal emissions standards. Vehicles must meet Euro 4 or higher emissions standards for permanent registration. Some cantons may restrict older diesel vehicles in urban areas.
Most UK cars move to Switzerland by road transporter via the Channel Tunnel and France. Transit from the UK to Switzerland takes 2 to 3 days. Tell us at the enquiry stage if you have a vehicle so the matched removal company can confirm the best approach.
UK storage is needed when corporate accommodation in Switzerland is provided temporarily, when your Swiss property is not yet available, or when the UK property sale completes before the Swiss start date. Options include:
Indicative UK container storage cost: from approximately £80 to £150 per container equivalent per month. Confirm with your matched removal company.
Swiss storage (Einlagerung / garde-meubles) is needed when your Swiss property is not ready for delivery, when customs clearance is delayed, or when moving into furnished corporate accommodation first. Options include:
Indicative Swiss storage cost beyond free period: approximately CHF 20 to CHF 35 per cubic metre per month. Confirm with your matched removal company.
Storage charges are separate from the removal price. Confirm inclusions, free period and costs per additional week with your matched removal company before booking.
International removal companies typically offer two levels of goods-in-transit insurance:
1. Limited liability: Cover based on the weight of your goods (typically £40 to £60 per kilogram). For a 2-bedroom household at around 2,000 kg this gives approximately £80,000 to £120,000 of cover, typically below the replacement value. This is the default if you do not specify otherwise.
2. All-risks cover (full replacement value): Cover based on the declared replacement value of your goods. All-risks is the recommended level for Switzerland moves where goods cross the BAZG customs border and travel through multiple handling points. Switzerland's high cost of living means replacement values for furniture, electronics and household contents are often higher than in UK equivalents.
You declare the replacement value of your goods at the outset. Under-declaring saves on premium but means under-payment if a claim is made. Costs typically run 2% to 4% of declared replacement value. Always confirm whether cover is all-risks or limited liability before signing.
Switzerland is not an EU member. Its customs authority is the BAZG (Bundesamt für Zoll und Grenzsicherheit / Federal Office for Customs and Border Security, bazg.admin.ch). UK household goods entering Switzerland require formal customs clearance at the Swiss border, not on arrival at the delivery address. The Umzugsgut (effets de ménage / masserizie) transfer of residence exemption removes Swiss MWST (8.1%) and import duty on qualifying household goods.
Conditions to qualify for the Umzugsgut exemption:
Prohibited and restricted items:
International Removals Companies was founded by Darren Benjamin in 2010. Company number 07425576, registered in England and Wales. The 10 companies listed cover Swiss-based operators, a German specialist, a Belgian corridor operator, global companies with Swiss offices and UK-based specialists. Accreditations are verified independently on a rolling basis.
British Association of Removers Overseas membership. Independent quality checks, Furniture Ombudsman dispute resolution and adherence to published industry service standards. Mandatory for all UK-origin international moves in the network.
The international quality standard for removal companies. More than 200 independent quality checks. Audited every three years by Ernst and Young for operational excellence, financial stability and customer service. Only 10 FIDI-accredited companies operate within Switzerland itself.
Demonstrated Switzerland route operations. Expertise in BAZG customs procedures (Umzugsgut, e-dec pre-submission), the 12-month goods usage rule, cantonal delivery logistics across all 26 Swiss cantons, LSVA toll compliance and multilingual support for German, French and Italian-speaking regions.
Valid UK passport, Swiss residence permit (B, C or L), proof of prior UK residence for 12 or more months, and a detailed numbered inventory with replacement values for all items. Switzerland requires goods to have been used for at least 12 months (not 6 months as in the EU) to qualify for duty-free entry. Your matched removal company confirms the full list for your specific route.
UK to Zurich and Basel: 2 to 3 days dedicated. UK to Geneva and Lausanne: 2 to 3 days. UK to Lugano and Ticino: 3 to 4 days. Part load: 5 to 10 days. North America: 21 to 35 days sea freight via European port then road. Asia and Australia: 28 to 42 days. Air freight via Zurich or Geneva: 4 to 8 days total.
Prohibited: firearms without permits, protected wildlife (CITES), counterfeit goods, restricted knives and weapons, plants or food without certificates. Restricted: all alcohol must be declared, prescription pharmaceuticals (carry documentation), cultural artefacts, and cash over CHF 10,000. All FIDI-certified removal companies Switzerland provide item-specific guidelines before your move.
Switzerland is not in the EU. Its customs authority is the BAZG. Household goods qualify for duty-free and MWST-free entry as Umzugsgut if goods have been used for at least 12 months (Switzerland's rule, not 6 months), you are permanently moving to Switzerland and you hold a valid Swiss residence permit before goods cross the border. Without the exemption, MWST of 8.1% and import duty apply. Your matched removal company manages the e-dec pre-submission to BAZG.
Yes, subject to the 12-month usage rule. Right-hand drive is legal in Switzerland. The car must be registered at the cantonal MFK with Swiss type approval or an individual inspection. A Swiss Autobahnvignette (CHF 40 per year) is required for motorway driving. SORN the vehicle before export. Tell us at the enquiry stage if you have a vehicle to ship.
Yes. Dogs and cats need: ISO microchip, valid rabies vaccination given after microchipping, and an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an Official Veterinarian endorsed by APHA and valid for 10 days from issue. No quarantine required if documents are correct. Swiss customs will check the AHC at the border crossing. Dogs must be registered in the cantonal animal database after arrival. Some cantons have breed-specific restrictions. Mention your pets in your removal enquiry.
Switzerland uses CHF, not EUR. At high Swiss property values, even a small GBP/CHF rate movement represents a large sterling sum. Under Lex Koller, only Swiss residents (B or C permit holders) can generally purchase Swiss residential property. A forward contract with a currency specialist locks in today's GBP/CHF rate for a future transfer. A Swiss bank account requires a valid residence permit. International Removals Companies does not provide currency exchange or legal services. Seek advice from an FCA-authorised currency specialist and a Swiss property lawyer.
All 10 removal companies Switzerland cover every canton and city: Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Lucerne, Zug, Lugano, St Gallen, Winterthur, Biel/Bienne, Thun, Schaffhausen, Chur, Sion, Neuchâtel and La Chaux-de-Fonds. German, French and Italian-speaking regions all covered. See the Switzerland removals hub for individual city pages.
Comparison sites send your details to multiple companies simultaneously, generating several sales calls. International Removals Companies matches you with one suitable FIDI-certified removal company based on your route, volume and timeline. That one company contacts you, confirms the service scope and gives the confirmed quote. No spam. No multiple firms. The matching service is free.
Tell us your origin country and Swiss destination canton. We match you with one certified removal company Switzerland from our network. One contact. One confirmed quote. The matching service is free.
Get Your Free Switzerland Removals Quote📞 07551 855 064 | WhatsApp: +44 7551 855 064
International Removals Companies — DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD, company 07425576. Norman House, Abbey Street, London SE1 3DH.