A long-distance move between Berlin and Switzerland requires precise planning, reliable processes and plenty of experience with cross-border transport. Lion Umzüge is based in Berlin and supports you personally from the first consultation to the handover at your destination. We value clear agreements, transparent documentation and an organisation tailored to your circumstances, so that your move goes as smoothly as possible.
Long-distance move Berlin–Switzerland: personally planned, professionally carried out
Preparation and individual advice
At the start, we have a detailed conversation to understand your expectations, preferred dates and any special requirements. We clarify which furniture and items need special handling and what the access conditions are at the pick-up and delivery addresses.
Packing and fragile goods
For delicate furniture, artworks or electronics, we choose suitable protective and packing materials. You receive recommendations on how to prepare your valuables safely; on request, we take care of the professional packing entirely.
Our process for your long-distance move
We work with a clear and transparent process that we agree with you. This way you always keep track of everything:
- Initial consultation and on-site survey in Berlin.
- Individual quote and scheduling according to your requirements.
- Careful packing, labelling and loading.
- Coordinated transport including complete documentation.
- Unloading, placing the furniture and taking back packing materials.
Transport logistics and communication
Good communication is crucial for reliable planning. We coordinate appointments, keep you informed about the current status and provide clear documentation of the process.
Lion Umzüge is based in Berlin; we operate from here and do not present ourselves as a local removal company at the destination. Where necessary, we organise the required steps in line with local conditions and keep you informed about each step and time window.
Tips for your destination in Switzerland
Preparation at the destination makes the process considerably easier. Note any special features of the approach, point out possible parking spaces and clarify access rules in advance. We support you with practical advice on preparation so that the arrival goes smoothly.
Berlin–Switzerland: moving with customs declaration
Switzerland is not a member of the European Union. For your move this means that your household goods must be declared to customs when crossing the border. Household goods that you have already used and will continue to use can generally be imported duty-free if you move your residence to Switzerland. This requires a customs declaration for removal goods with an inventory list and, as a rule, proof of your new residence, such as the tenancy agreement or confirmation of employment.
The inventory list
The inventory list is the basis for customs clearance. It should be complete and easy to read. We recommend numbering every box while packing and noting its contents roughly. During the survey, we go through the list together and tell you what to look out for. New items, alcohol or food are partly subject to special rules – check with Swiss customs in advance.
Route and driving rules
Basel is around 870 kilometres away, Zurich about 850, and Bern or Geneva considerably further. In Switzerland, lorries are subject to a night-time and Sunday driving ban as well as a performance-related heavy vehicle fee. We therefore plan such moves over several days and include the fees in the fixed price.
Your steps before the move
- Clarify your residence permit or employment contract
- Survey in Berlin and fixed-price quote
- Draw up an inventory list, number the boxes
- Deregister at the Bürgeramt (citizens’ office) in Berlin
- Register with your municipality in Switzerland within the local deadline
Living in Switzerland
Many Swiss rented flats are handed over with a fitted kitchen. You usually will not need your Berlin fitted kitchen there. Washing machines are also often located in shared laundry rooms. So check beforehand which appliances you really want to take with you. Anything that stays in Berlin we can dispose of – see house clearance Berlin.
Costs
In addition to staff, vehicle and fuel, there are the heavy vehicle fee, overnight stays and, where applicable, customs clearance services. The page moving company Berlin costs gives a general overview. You can find more information on moving abroad under international removals Berlin.
Zurich, Basel, Bern – and the mountains
In the cities, many people live in apartment buildings with a lift and a laundry room in the basement. In the mountain regions, access roads are often steep and narrow, and some places can only be reached to a limited extent by large vehicles. We check access beforehand and, if necessary, plan a transfer to a smaller vehicle.
Flat handover in Switzerland
Swiss landlords attach great importance to a thorough flat inspection. When you move in, the condition is usually recorded in a detailed report. Take your time over this and note even minor defects before the furniture arrives.
Schedule
Because of the customs formalities and the driving bans for lorries, a move to Switzerland needs more lead time than a move within the EU. Allow at least six to eight weeks.
Moving to Switzerland: customs, removal goods and registration
Switzerland is not a member of the European Union. This makes a move there more demanding than to an EU country, because your household goods must be declared to customs. With the right preparation, however, this is perfectly manageable. On this page, we explain what matters.
Importing removal goods duty-free
Anyone moving their residence to Switzerland can generally import household goods that they have already used for at least six months and will continue to use duty-free as removal goods. This requires a completed application form from Swiss customs, a detailed inventory list and proof of your new residence, such as the tenancy agreement or confirmation of employment. New items, alcohol, tobacco or certain goods are subject to special rules. Find out in advance from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security exactly which documents are required.
The inventory list
The inventory list should be as precise as possible: number the boxes, describe the contents roughly, list furniture and electrical appliances individually. We help you with this when we pack your belongings and draw up the list at the same time. On entering Switzerland, the load is cleared at the customs office. Depending on the border crossing and the time of day, this can take a while, so we plan time for it.
Route and driving time
Zurich, Basel or Bern are around 800 to 900 kilometres from Berlin. The journey usually goes via Frankfurt and Karlsruhe to Basel. In Switzerland, heavy vehicles are subject to a performance-related heavy vehicle fee as well as a night-time and Sunday driving ban for lorries. We therefore plan the move over two to three days and take customs opening hours into account.
Registering with the municipality
In Berlin, you deregister at the Bürgeramt. In Switzerland, you register with the residents’ registration office of your municipality within 14 days of arrival. There you will also receive information on the residence permit, which is usually straightforward for German nationals if they have an employment contract.
Living in Switzerland
Swiss rented flats are often let with a laundry room in the basement, and the house rules specify exactly when washing is allowed. Landlords are very thorough at the flat handover. A thorough final clean is customary and is sometimes required to be done by a specialist company. Property managers pay attention to quiet hours during moves. We respect them and agree the process in advance.
Costs
A move to Switzerland is more complex than a domestic move. Customs handling, longer driving time and possible heavy vehicle fees are reflected in the price. You can find an overview of international moves on our page international removals Berlin.
A tip for commuters: many Germans work in Basel or Zurich and initially live on the German side, for example in Lörrach or Weil am Rhein. If you later move to Switzerland, the second move is short but still requires a customs declaration.
Planning a move? We will be happy to advise you.
Free on-site survey and a binding fixed-price quote – with no hidden costs.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How are dates arranged for a long-distance move?
After the initial consultation, we suggest suitable time slots. We take into account your preferred dates and the requirements on site in Berlin, inform you about the next steps and confirm the final date in writing.
What should I pay particular attention to before the move?
Make sure access routes are clear and mark fragile or bulky items. Let us know about stairs, lifts or narrow driveways so that we can plan the right materials and equipment.
How much does a move from Berlin to Switzerland cost?
Zurich is around 850 kilometres away, Bern or Basel a similar distance. In addition to volume and floors, the Swiss heavy vehicle fee for the lorry, customs clearance at the border and overnight stays for the team are reflected in the price. After the survey, you receive a fixed price. The page moving company Berlin costs explains general cost factors.
How long does a move from Berlin to Switzerland take?
Usually two to three days: one day for loading in Berlin, the journey including the border crossing and delivery in Zurich, Basel or Bern. We factor in waiting times at customs from the outset.
How much lead time do I need for a move from Berlin to Switzerland?
For Switzerland, allow around eight weeks’ lead time. The inventory list for customs and your registration with the new municipality take time, and both should be settled before moving day.
How are my belongings insured when moving from Berlin to Switzerland?
During the journey to Switzerland, we are liable under the German Commercial Code (HGB), generally at 620 euros per cubic metre of loading space. As customs requires your inventory list anyway, it is a good basis for additional insurance for valuable items.
Do I need customs papers when moving from Berlin to Switzerland?
Yes. Switzerland is not part of the EU, so your belongings are cleared through customs at the border. Household goods that you have already been using for at least six months are generally duty-free as removal goods. For this you need the application form from Swiss customs and an inventory list – we will go through both with you.
Moving to Switzerland: request a quote
Tell us your addresses and the planned date or call us on 030 612 964 73. After the survey, you receive a binding fixed price. For moves within Berlin and Germany, Lion Umzüge as a moving company in Berlin is your point of contact as well.
If you are planning a long-distance move between Berlin and Switzerland, Lion Umzüge Berlin offers personal support from the capital. Contact us for a no-obligation initial consultation — together we will find the right solution for your move.
