Removals to Switzerland

Imported Prohibited Goods

Switzerland has very strict importation rules. You are probably aware that there are certain prohibited items which you will not be able to import. The type and amount of goods you are bringing into the country is also important.

All goods that are being imported must have been purchased and in use for at least six months prior to despatch. If the customs authorities spot any articles they think may be recently purchased, they may request further documents as evidence for exemption of charge. Other items which are prohibited and would be of interest to customs are:

• Firearms
• Alcohol
• Meat, fruit, vegetables, plants
• wood, bricks, cement, rocks, soil
• pornographic material
• products originating from endangered species (such as ivory, crocodile leather, etc.)
• dangerous goods/chemicals (corrosive, explosive, flammable, acid) such as aerosol sprays, paint

This is not a definitive list of restricted/prohibited items. There are some very helpful websites which are worth visiting before your effects are packed and ready to despatch to Switzerland. Checking what you can and cannot import will save you hassle and money. Here are some worthwhile websites to visit:

• https://www.ch.ch/en/how-clear-personal-goods-purchased-abroad
• http://www.helloswitzerland.ch
• http://www.oecd.org/general/governmentofswitzerlandusefullinks.htm

Property

When it comes to buying property, EU nationals living in Switzerland with a valid residence permit and C Permit holders have the same rights as Swiss citizens. However, the vast majority of people choose to rent.

House prices are extremely expensive and purchasing a home is a competitive business. There is always a limited number of properties available at any one time.

Expats are encouraged to negotiate some housing provision into their employment contract if possible.

The usual type of home in Switzerland is an apartment, especially in cities like Geneva or Zurich. Here you can expect to pay approximately Fr 9,545–12,863(£7285 – £9,818) per square metre for a 1 bedroomed apartment. To rent a similar property the cost is approximately Fr 1970 (£1503) per month.

The following site has a selection of properties for sale or rent:

• https://www.home.ch/en
• https://www.engelvoelkers.com
• https://www.globalpropertyguide.com/Europe/Switzerland/Realtors

Schools

Swiss public schools generally have a good reputation, the international and private schools are excellent. Public schools are free, and children can be taught in French, German, Italian or Romansch depending on where they live.

Expats, particularly those who only intend to stay in Switzerland for the short-term, usually choose an international school, which will offer either a British curriculum or the International Baccalaureate (IB).

The following sites offer some information regarding education in Switzerland for UK expats:

• https://www.expatica.com/ch/education
• https://www.internations.org
• www.expatarrivals.com/switzerland/education-and-schools-in-switzerland

Working in Switzerland & Visa Requirements

As a rule, if you are a British citizen or British subject with right of abode in the UK, you do not require a visa to enter Switzerland. A valid British passport must be held for entry to and exit from Switzerland as a resident and visitor.

There is no minimum passport validity requirement, but you should ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your visit. You must also carry proof of identity at all times.

If you wish to apply for residency. You must register at your local town hall within 8 days of your arrival in the country.

The immigration rules for self-employed people are different to those who will be employed by a Swiss company. It is best to check that you have the correct information and requirements by visiting the following web site:

https://www.ch.ch/en/working-switzerland-eu-efta/

Travel

Public transport – Regardless of its mountainous terrain, expats living in Switzerland will benefit from excellent transport connections by road, tram and rail. The Swiss Federal Railways transport more than 350 million passengers each year.

Trains are clean, modern and almost always on time. However, they are not always cheap. You can purchase monthly passes for use on all public transport for around Fr 85 (£63).

Driving – If you choose to drive in Switzerland you will drive on the right-hand side. You can enjoy extensive and well-maintained road networks, complemented by tunnels and mountain passes.

It would be wise to purchase a vignette before entering Switzerland by car. A vignette is needed when using the motorways. It is a small sticker, which is attached to the windscreen and shows that the annual motorway toll of Fr 40 (£30) has been paid.

You will need to have a valid UK driver licence
Wear a seatbelt at all times
Wear a crash helmet if riding a motorcycle
Motor vehicles (cars, lorries and vans, coaches) and motorcycles, must have their passing-lights or daytime running lights, switched on during the day.

A warning triangle is compulsory for all motor vehicles,
Winter tyres, if you’re driving between November and March.

Before you arrive, you must familiarise yourself with Switzerland’s driving laws. Simply visit the following web sites for further information:

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/country/switzerland/
https://www.swissvistas.com/driving-in-switzerland.html

Currency Conversion

Switzerland is not part of the European Union (EU). It retains its own monetary system. The official currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF), which is divided into 100 rappen (German) or centimes (French).

All major credit cards can be used in Switzerland, with Visa and MasterCard accepted most widely.

International Currency Transfer – When you are relocating to a new country, making sure you get the best currency exchange rate possible is crucial. Moving large amounts of money, such as when you purchase a new home, could potentially increase your return substantially.

If you want to beat your banks rates and services, simply contact our trusted FX partners Frontierpay. Opening an account with them couldn’t be simpler and it is totally free of charge. You can compare their rates with your own bank and see how much you can save.

Visit Frontierpay’s web site today:
https://www.frontierpay.com/services/transfer-money-worldwide/