Moving to Switzerland: Procedure
In order to import your personal effects as removal goods, you must meet certain requirements. On this page, we explain what you need to bear in mind.
Transfer of domicile to Switzerland is the most important requirement in order to have your household goods and any collections, animals or your car imported into Switzerland duty-free. Further the imported articles must have been used by you personally for at least 6 months and they have to be continued to be used by you after importation.
Students
Household goods, personal effects and students' educational materials can be imported duty-free. This applies even if the domicile is not transferred to Switzerland.
Procedure in the case of importation
At the time of importation, present the completed application form (18.44 household effects) to the customs office of importation.
Immigrants from the EU states (EU-27, 01.02.2020) and from the EFTA states do not have to provide assurance of a residence permit. They provide proof of the transfer of domicile using other means (employment contract, lease, confirmation of notice of departure from the country of departure).
Additional information can be found in the instructions on the application form or in the FAQ. The customs office or the District Directorate of Customs responsible will gladly provide assistance.
The customs clearance of relocation goods can be carried out at any customs office competent for commercial goods. Please note the applicable opening hours (see below).
Preliminary examination of relocation file
Preliminary examination accelerates customs clearance procedure when you actually cross the border. To this end, send your relocation file to the relevant customs office via the e-mail address given above at least two working days before you plan to cross the border. The file consists of the application form and the necessary additional documents.
- Mendrisiotto (border crossing Stabio-Confine)
email: dogana.mendrisio@bazg.admin.ch - Vedeggio
email: dogana.sopraceneri@bazg.admin.ch - Chiasso-Strada
email: dogana.chiasso@bazg.admin.ch
IMPORTANT: At the time of relocation, you must cross the border at the customs office to which you sent the relocation file for preliminary examination.