Moving to Switzerland

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Switzerland

Are you moving to Switzerland? Atlas International Movers is here to assist you!

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Are you moving to Switzerland? At Atlas International Movers, we pride ourselves on our local presence in Switzerland in both Zurich and Basel. This allows us to make use of our local knowledge and to provide personalized support throughout your move. Switzerland is known for its chocolate, watches, cows, breathtaking landscapes, charming cities and high quality of life. From the vibrant culture of Zurich to the historic beauty of Lucerne and the dynamic atmosphere of Basel, Switzerland offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication.

With our extensive experience and dedicated local teams, we ensure that your belongings are transported safely, swiftly and stress-free to where they need to be. Whether you are moving in or out of Switzerland, let us handle the logistics, so you can focus on embracing your new adventure.

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Moving to Switzerland: What are the next steps?

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At Atlas International Movers, we provide tailor-made solutions to ensure your move to Switzerland is smooth and worry-free. Getting started is as simple as 1-2-3:

Decide What to Take

Start by deciding which items you want to relocate. Consider all the items you want to take with you, for example your car and other personal belongings.

Schedule a Survey

Once you know what you are taking, arrange a survey with your dedicated Atlas International Movers consultant. With the survey we will determine the volume of your shipment.

Get Your Personalized Quote

Following the survey, we will provide a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your specific needs.

Tailor-made solutions

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With years of experience in international removals, Atlas International Movers handles every aspect of your move to ensure your belongings are transported safely from door to door. From fragile items and artwork to musical instruments, we offer specialized crating and packing services. Additionally, we can arrange for extra services like outside elevators, parking permits, or shuttle services as needed. If you are bringing a vehicle to Switzerland, we can assist with customs clearance for your car.

General scope of our service for your move to Switzerland

  • Designated move manager: One experienced and dedicated local expert will assist you throughout your entire move.
  • Door-to-door transport: We handle every aspect of transporting your belongings, from your current home to your new residence in Switzerland or abroad.
  • Professional packing: Our local teams use high-quality removal boxes and packing materials to ensure your belongings are packed safely and securely.
  • Expert packing and loading: Your household items are professionally packed, wrapped and loaded into specialized trucks designed for secure transport.
  • Storage options: Short- or long-term storage is available at both your origin and destination, if needed.
  • International transport: We offer various transport options to fit your timeline and preferences.
  • Careful delivery: Our experienced and local Swiss teams will ensure that your belongings are delivered safely and placed exactly where you need them in your new home.

What are the transport options Atlas International Movers provides for moving to Switzerland?

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As a moving company based in The Netherlands and Switzerland, we handle any kind of international move in and out of Switzerland. Our skilled Swiss crews will pack and load your belongings into whichever options suits your shipment and destination best.

Sea container

A private Sea container is ideal for moving an entire household. You can choose between a 20-foot or a 40-foot container, depending on the volume of your move. Our professional crew will pack and load your belongings directly into the container at your residence. The container will be sealed on-site and transported to your new destination. Upon arrival, the container will be delivered and unloaded at your new home.

Road Transport

Our road transport service allows us to load your belongings into our specialized trucks for transport to your new destination. Our experienced local crews and drivers will ensure professional packing, loading and delivery of your belongings at your new home.

Groupage

The groupage option involves consolidating several smaller shipments into a shared container, making it a cost-effective solution for shipping smaller volumes. Your goods will be packed at your residence by our team and transported to our warehouse. From there, they will be loaded into a container with other shipments for transport to your new destination.

Air freight

Air shipments are suitable for smaller volumes since the shipping costs are based on weight. Our team will pack and load your belongings into Airfreight boxes at your residence. These will be booked on the first available flight from the nearest international airport to Australia. After arrival at the airport, your items will be delivered and unpacked at your new residence.

Why choose Atlas International Movers as your partner for moving to Switzerland?

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A dedicated move manager

You will have a single point of contact, a highly experienced Move Manager who will guide you through every step of your move.

Decades of experience

With years of experience in international moves, we ensure a smooth, efficient, and stress-free relocation process.

Local and international expertise

Benefit from our deep local knowledge and global reach, with offices in The Netherlands and Switzerland.

Top industry accreditations

Atlas International Movers is accredited by FIDI Faim Plus, ISO 9001 and Ecovadis, guaranteeing that our services meet the highest international standards

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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Switzerland

When relocating to Switzerland, good preparation is essential. The Atlas Moving Checklist helps you stay on top of all tasks. In addition to the usual moving matters, don’t forget documents required for Swiss customs formalities, such as passport copies and an inventory list of your household goods.

English checklist Dutch checklist

Valuables like jewelry, cash, and personal documents (such as birth certificates, medical records, and marriage papers) are best carried with you. We advise against including them in your shipment to Switzerland, so you maintain full control over these essential belongings.

Your presence is not mandatory but highly recommended. Being there allows you to answer questions and clarify choices right away, making the process of your international move to Switzerland much smoother.

Swiss customs has clear rules on importing food and alcohol. Small quantities for personal use are often allowed, but exceeding certain limits means you’ll have to pay duties or import taxes. Your move manager will advise you in advance on what can and cannot be included in your move to Switzerland.

You are allowed to pack items yourself, but for insurance and customs purposes, it is safer to let our professional movers handle this. If you do start packing beforehand, please leave the boxes open so our team can check the contents and seal them. This is especially important given Switzerland’s strict customs procedures.

The time required depends on the size of your household and the additional services you choose. For a move to Switzerland, packing usually takes one day for smaller shipments and up to several days for a full family home.

After receiving your quote, you don’t need to book right away. However, for an international move, it’s advisable to confirm your preferred dates at least 1–2 months in advance. Especially during the busy season (May through September), booking early ensures a smoother move to Switzerland.

Decide in advance which belongings you want to take and which require special care, such as artwork, antiques, or fragile items. Also share practical details, such as limited access to your home. By gathering this information early, we can plan your move to Switzerland more efficiently.

A survey typically takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour. During this meeting or visit, the volume of your household goods is assessed, and you receive personal advice regarding your upcoming move to Switzerland.

English checklist Dutch checklist

We recommend scheduling a survey at least 1 month before your desired moving date. If you plan to move during the summer months, it’s wise to book your appointment 2 to 4 months earlier due to the high demand at that time.

A survey is not mandatory but strongly recommended. With an inspection, we can accurately estimate the volume of goods you wish to ship and note any logistical considerations. Alternatively, you can opt for a virtual survey or provide an inventory list. Based on this, we can create a reliable quote for your move to Switzerland.

As a Dutch citizen, you do not need a visa for a stay of up to three months in Switzerland, since the country is part of the Schengen area. If you wish to stay longer, you will need a residence permit. The main requirement for obtaining a residence permit is proving that you are financially self-sufficient.

During an international move to Switzerland, your household goods will go through customs. Although Switzerland has a trade agreement with the EU, specific import rules apply. Alcohol, tobacco, meat, and fuel are subject to restrictions, and some items may incur import duties. With Atlas Movers, your personal coordinator takes care of the customs formalities to ensure a smooth relocation.

Every Swiss resident pays income tax and wealth tax. The rates vary by canton and municipality. Generally, the higher your income, the higher your tax burden. Your exact tax rate will therefore depend greatly on the region where you settle.

Working in Switzerland is attractive due to high salaries and a stable job market. The biggest opportunities are in finance, pharmaceuticals, and engineering. Speaking German or French gives you a clear advantage. Seasonal jobs in winter sports resorts are also popular and often easy to arrange without a visa.

Switzerland is known for its high-quality education and international universities. The University of Zurich ranks among Europe’s best, and the country’s hospitality schools enjoy an excellent reputation. For international students, tuition fees are often more affordable than in the Netherlands, while the quality of education remains very high.

Many expats choose Bern or Zurich. Bern is renowned for its green surroundings, clean mountain air, and vibrant international community. Zurich is economically strong, offers abundant career opportunities, and has a very high standard of living, though it is also one of the most expensive cities in the world. Your choice will depend on your personal preferences and financial situation.

Buying property in Switzerland can be very expensive, especially in major cities and tourist areas. In rural regions, housing is generally more affordable. Many expats prefer renting; rental prices typically range from CHF 1,000 to CHF 4,000 per month, depending on the location and size of the property.

Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Most regions speak either German or French. When relocating to Switzerland, it is helpful to learn the local language of your new area. In many cases, free language courses are offered by the government once you have obtained your residence permit.

The cost of living in Switzerland is significantly higher than in the Netherlands. On average, monthly expenses excluding rent are 60–70% higher. The strong Swiss franc (CHF) also contributes to this difference. It is wise to make a realistic estimate of your fixed costs before moving to Switzerland.

Yes, it is possible to store your belongings safely during or after your move to Switzerland. Atlas Movers offers both short- and long-term storage options, so your goods remain secure at all times. This is especially useful if you don’t yet have a permanent home or temporarily lack space.