Moving to Switzerland: What you need to know

Will the confederation of 26 cantons be your next place of residence? Find out all you need to know for a hassle-free move from Belgium to Switzerland.

What documents do you need in order to move your belongings to Switzerland?

To obtain authorisation to move your belongings to the Swiss Confederation, you will need to produce the following paperwork:

• Your identity documents.
• The original inventory list, which we will draw up.
• The total value of the goods to be declared at customs: we will provide you with information and assistance for this process.
• The original customs declaration supplied by the agent responsible for moving the import goods from the European Union: we will provide you with this document.
• Proof of residence (rental lease or proof of purchase of a property), proof of deregistration (original document) from the Belgian municipality where you were living, together with proof of registration with the Swiss municipality where you will be residing.

These formalities apply to standard-type moves, but if you want to move an old piano with ivory keys, for example, you will need to obtain additional certification. All plants are also subject to phytosanitary authorisation.

For a hassle-free move, bear in mind the opening hours of the customs offices

Want your moving van to travel from Brussels to Zurich without difficulty or delay? Maison Genné will arrange the journey schedule according to the opening times of the customs services.

Grouped transportation of inherited assets: a one-year deadline for moving goods tax-free

In the case of an inheritance, the cut-off date for moving inherited goods to Switzerland tax-free is one year after a death. From then on, you will be obliged to pay import duty. This is why we recommend you initiate the process well in advance if you’re planning the grouped importation of your goods. With grouped transportation, clients are unable to select the precise departure date. Moreover, the removal lorries leave for Switzerland on an irregular basis only, according to requirements. To be on the safe side, it’s wise to get the ball rolling as soon as possible after a death.

Furthermore, this scenario requires additional documentation for a standard move, on top of the ones mentioned above. The client also has to present a specific form for the removal of inherited assets, a notarised document stipulating the assets bequeathed to the heirs, a death certificate and confirmation of the place of residence of the deceased (unless it is stated on the death certificate).

Importing new goods into Switzerland 

Importing new goods into the Swiss Confederation presents a different scenario altogether, which also requires additional documentation. The importer has to pay import duty and must produce a detailed list of the new goods, specifying the price, the material of manufacture and the precise origin of each object, together with its weight. Each item will then have duty applied to it separately. For import authorisation to be granted, the supplier in Belgium also needs to have an EORI number.

Are you planning to move to the Swiss Confederation?

Then trust Maison Genné to transport your belongings. Contact us by phone or by using our online contact form.