Moving to Switzerland from Singapore
What to Prepare Before Your International Move
Planning a move from Singapore to Switzerland?
Relocating your household internationally means preparing more than just your belongings. From your customs paperwork and residence documents to requirements for vehicles, alcohol, pets and other special items, getting everything organised before shipping can help make the process smoother.
Here’s what you need to know before your household goods make their way to Switzerland.
Here’s what you need to know before your household goods make their way to Switzerland.
Before You Ship: What You Need to Know
Your Essential Documents
- Original signed Swiss Customs Form 18.44
- Passport copies for all people moving with you
- Inventory of your belongings translated into French, German, Italian or English
- Copy of your Swiss apartment lease or property title, countersigned
- Copy of your registration certificate from the local town hall
Important
The original signed Form 18.44 is required. Copies or PDFs are not accepted, and the original signature is mandatory. Your destination agent will provide the form.
Swiss Customs may also request additional documentation during clearance, such as an employment contract, proof of deregistration from your previous residence or information about the cost of your removal.
Moving to Switzerland?
CM Relocation provides door-to-door international moving services from Singapore to destinations throughout Switzerland, including Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Bern, Lucerne and surrounding areas.
Used household belongings may qualify for duty-free entry when the applicable conditions are met.
Your belongings must:
- Have been in your possession and use for at least 6 months before shipping.
- Be imported within 24 months of your change of residence.
If you plan to send your belongings in more than one shipment, additional consignments must be declared when the main household shipment is imported and must also arrive within the 24-month period.
Returning to Switzerland?
If you’re a Swiss citizen returning to Switzerland, you’ll need additional proof showing that you lived outside Switzerland for at least 12 months.
This may include:
- A letter from your employer
- Rental contract
- Utility bills
- Other proof of residence in your country of origin
Moving to Switzerland for Work?
Foreign nationals may need additional immigration and employment documentation.
For non-EU immigrants
You’ll need:
- Countersigned employment contract
- Residence permit or approval letter from the local immigration department, such as a “Zusicherung der Aufenthaltsbewilligung” or “Ermächtigung zur Visumerteilung”
For immigrants from the listed EU countries
You may provide:
- Residence permit or approval letter from the local immigration department, or
- Countersigned employment contract
New Furniture & Household Items
New furniture and household goods are treated differently from used household belongings.
- Purchase invoice
- EUR 1 certificate of origin, where applicable
New items are subject to duties and taxes. Duty is charged by weight, while VAT is charged at 7.7%. New items must also be declared separately according to the relevant customs tariff headings.
Including individual weights on your invoice or packing list can be helpful.
Art & Antiques
If you're bringing artwork as part of your household removal, prepare an inventory showing:
- Name of the artwork
- Year of production
- Author or artist
- Value, where possible
Artwork can enter duty-free without special documentation when it forms part of a removal. If it is not part of a household removal, different requirements apply.
Antiques can be imported duty-free but may be subject to VAT.
If they're not part of a household removal, an invoice confirming that the items are more than 100 years old is required.
Bringing Your Vehicle to Switzerland?
If you’re planning to ship a car, boat, aircraft or another vehicle, additional documentation is required.
You may need:
- The documents required for your household removal
- Purchase contract or receipt
- Original title or registration card
A vehicle may qualify for duty-free entry when it has been in your possession and use for at least 6 months before shipping.
Before driving in Switzerland
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for registering and using a vehicle on Swiss roads.
A vehicle cannot be used without a valid number plate, whether foreign or Swiss. Swiss Customs may also request proof of the vehicle’s first registration or official use.
Alcohol has specific customs requirements and should be identified separately from your other household belongings.
Alcoholic beverages up to 25% proof should be:
- Declared on a separate inventory
- Loaded so they can be easily accessed for customs inspection
They may qualify for duty-free entry when included as part of a household removal and when the quantity is reasonable in relation to the size of the shipment.
For wine, the maximum quantity listed is 200 litres.
If the alcohol was purchased specifically for export and was not already in your possession before the move, it may be subject to duties and import quotas.
Strong liquor over 25% proof must also be declared separately. Duty-free entry is available for up to 12 litres. Additional quantities may be subject to significant duties and taxes.
Firearms require careful preparation before they can be shipped. Your inventory must include an exact description, including details such as:
- Make
- Model
- Calibre
Depending on the type of firearm, an import permit from the Federal Authorities in Bern may be required.
Firearms should also be packed so they can be easily accessed for customs inspection.
Plants can be included in a household removal in reasonable quantities without additional documentation, although a plant health certificate is helpful.
If plants are being imported separately from the household removal or in large quantities, a health certificate is required.
Moving to Switzerland With Your Pet?
Pet relocation requires advance preparation and the correct identification and vaccination records.
Dogs, Cats & Ferrets
Your pet will need:
- 15-digit ISO microchip
- Identity card, passport or EU veterinary certificate where no pet ID card is available in the country of origin
- Rabies vaccination
The rabies vaccination becomes effective 21 days after vaccination and remains valid for the period specified by the vaccine manufacturer.
Additional requirements for certain countries
If your pet is coming from a country where urban rabies is known, additional requirements include:
- Blood test taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination
- At least 4 months between the last rabies vaccination and entry into Switzerland
- Import permit
If you’re relocating with a dog that has a docked tail or ears, additional customs documentation is required
What About Birds?
Birds have separate import requirements from dogs, cats and ferrets.
If you’re moving with a bird, additional requirements apply and should be confirmed before shipping.
Wooden packing materials entering Switzerland are subject to ISPM-15 standards.
Wooden packaging imported from outside Europe and from Portugal must undergo the required heat treatment and carry the appropriate ISPM mark.
The mark should be placed in a visible location on each item where possible, including on two opposite sides of the package.
Random inspections may take place at the Swiss customs border in Basel.
Special Types of Relocation
Certain circumstances have their own customs procedures.
Wedding Trousseaux
Wedding trousseaux may qualify for duty-free entry.
- Swiss Customs Form 18.45
- Inventory of the goods
- Marriage certificate
- Residence permits for both partners, where they are not Swiss citizens
- The items must be used for another 12 months
- The shipment must take place within 6 months of the civil marriage
Inherited Household Goods
Inherited household goods may qualify for duty-free entry when the applicable conditions are met.
- Swiss Customs Form 18.46
- Inventory of the goods
- Supporting legal declaration or will confirming that the goods belong to the inheritor
- Death certificate or equivalent document confirming the deceased's last residence
- Passport copy of the inheritor
- The inheritor must have residence in Switzerland at the time of death and at the time of import
- Only used household goods and effects qualify as inheritance goods
Diplomatic Relocations
Diplomatic removals follow a separate process.
An application for free entry must be made using Form 14.60 by the relevant Embassy or Diplomatic Representation.
You'll also need a copy of the Legitimation Card.
The application is forwarded to the relevant customs office, where the duty-free import formalities are completed.
Alcohol may be imported by diplomats within an annual quota agreed between the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the relevant embassy.
Your Switzerland Moving Checklist
Before your shipment leaves Singapore, make sure you've prepared:
Household Documents
- Original signed Customs Form 18.44
- Passport copies for everyone moving with you
- Inventory in French, German, Italian or English
- Countersigned Swiss lease or property title
- Local town hall registration certificate
- Proof of residence abroad, if returning to Switzerland
- Employment contract or residence permit, where applicable
Household Items
- Purchase invoices for new furniture and household goods
- Artwork details included in the inventory
- Alcohol listed separately
- Firearm documentation confirmed, if applicable
- Plant health certificate arranged, if applicable
- Wooden packing meets ISPM-15 requirements
Vehicle
- Purchase contract or receipt
- Original title or registration card
- Proof of previous use and possession
- Third-party liability insurance arranged
Pet
- 15-digit ISO microchip
- Pet passport, identity card or veterinary certificate
- Rabies vaccination
- Blood test and import permit, where applicable
An international relocation involves plenty of details to coordinate, from preparing your belongings and paperwork in Singapore to arranging transportation and delivery in Switzerland. CM Relocation can help coordinate the different stages of your move and provide support throughout the relocation process.
Careful preparation of your household belongings for international transportation.
Shipping solutions based on your household size and moving requirements.
Support with the documentation and customs clearance process.
Coordinated collection, transportation and delivery to your new home.
A dedicated team to assist you throughout your international move.
More Questions About Moving to Switzerland?
We will be happy to answer them.
Please email us at [email protected], and our relocation specialists will be happy to assist with your move from Singapore to Switzerland.
General FAQ for Moving to Switzerland
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, used household goods may qualify for duty-free entry if they have been in your possession and use for at least 6 months before shipping and are imported within 24 months of your change of residence.
You need the original signed Swiss Customs Form 18.44. Copies or PDFs are not accepted.
Yes. Wine and beer up to 25% proof may qualify for duty-free entry when included in a household removal in a reasonable quantity, with wine limited to 200 litres. Strong liquor over 25% proof is duty-free up to 12 litres.
Dogs, cats and ferrets require a 15-digit ISO microchip, appropriate identification and a valid rabies vaccination. Additional requirements may apply depending on the country of origin.