Living in Switzerland means being close to the border with Germany. Sometimes, professional reasons necessitate a change of residence. Initially, this poses no problem because Germany is part of the EU, and Swiss citizens are allowed to enter the country without special formalities. But what about immigrating to Germany? Are there any particularities when moving from Switzerland? And how can household goods safely pass through customs and reach the new home?

Well-planned move Switzerland/Germany – who is actually allowed to immigrate?

In principle, all citizens of the EEA, Switzerland, and the EU are allowed to enter Germany and live there, provided they are employed there, seeking work or vocational training, or studying. A planned return to Switzerland does not necessarily have to be proven. The same applies to family members who accompany or follow. Individuals without employment in Germany must demonstrate that they can cover their cost of living from their own means and ensure health insurance coverage.

Is a visa required to move from Switzerland to Germany?

In principle, a visa for Germany is required for third-country nationals moving from abroad, but there is a special regulation for citizens of Switzerland. You have the opportunity to apply for and obtain a residence permit for Switzerland at the immigration office.

Bureaucracy – these formalities must be completed

If a citizen from an EU country such as France or Austria moves to Germany, the household goods do not need to be cleared through customs. However, this regulation only applies among EU member states. It is different if you move from Switzerland to Germany. In this case, you must declare your household goods to customs using a form. You can do this personally or have it done by a professional moving company like us. The crucial form is form 0350 from customs, which handles the declaration process for household goods.
As part of the registration process, you must prove the change of residence. Documents such as the deregistration confirmation from your old apartment or the rental and purchase agreement for the new residence are suitable for this. Remember to register with the residents’ registration office within seven days of moving into your new home.

Among the requirements for proper customs clearance when moving from Switzerland to Germany is also a list of all items being moved. This list should be as detailed as possible to facilitate the work of customs officials.

Value limits, duty-free allowances, and other rules:

Unlike a regular vacation in Germany, certain rules must be observed for permanent residence and relocation. As an experienced moving company, we are happy to clarify all the details with you and provide you with an offer for a smooth move. Here are the most important facts you need to know about moving and transporting your goods:
One of the import regulations is that you may only bring items that you have been using for at least six months and that you will continue to use. There is no customs duty on these items. It is different with items that you purchased less than six months ago. Here is a potential trap, as you may have to pay import taxes for new goods to the authorities.

Another regulation concerns your car. If you have been using your vehicle in your home country (Switzerland) for six months, you do not have to pay customs duty. However, in Germany, there is an immediate obligation to register and pay vehicle taxes.

Note: When importing goods such as alcohol and cigarettes into your new home country, they usually have to be taxed upon import. Certain quantities per person are exempt; we are happy to inform you about the requirements before your move and entry. Consume tobacco and luxury goods as much as possible and avoid unnecessary customs duties. If you have any questions about this, we can provide you with the necessary answers during the initial consultation and planning of your move.

Living in Germany – what formalities and paths await you?

Once you have arrived in Germany, your first steps will take you to the immigration office and the residents’ registration office. You will not receive a classic ID card, but an electronic residence permit. Your passport from Switzerland or your ID card is sufficient for entry.
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. If you are not insured through your new employer, you must voluntarily register with a statutory or private health insurance company. Within the European Union, your driver’s license is recognized. If you plan to stay in Germany longer or permanently, you should apply for a German driver’s license.

Checklist before the move – check step by step

Limmat Zürich Umzug GmbH will take care of your move. We not only help with customs but also handle all the necessary steps for you. One of our specialties is that we create an individual package for all moves. This way, we can tailor our services to your situation and needs perfectly. However, some steps also need to be taken care of by you. The following checklist will help you make sure you don’t forget anything:

  • Cancel all contracts concluded and still ongoing in Switzerland.
  • Make sure your passport or Swiss ID card is still valid.
  • Check all documents and make copies (including employment contract, rental contract, or purchase contract in Germany).
  • Create an inventory list while packing moving boxes. We are happy to take over this step for you so that you can look forward to your move relaxed.
  • Go to the municipality and inform the authorities of the changes. Deregister shortly before your move.
  • Gather the vehicle papers and keep them handy.
  • Buy adapters for the sockets, as Germany has different standards than Switzerland.

Moving between two countries – Limmat Zürich Umzug GmbH is your partner

While other travelers enjoy their flight as tourists, you move to a member state of the EU. Nervousness is perfectly normal because, despite all the information, you will soon be living in a new country with completely unfamiliar people. We want to provide you with some security by assisting you with everything related to your move.
As a long-established and experienced company, we accompany you from the first steps to the completed move.

Especially with international moves, individual needs, peculiarities, and sensitivities must be considered. For many years, we have been working with individuals exercising their right to stay in Germany. We know which goods may be challenging to import and what customs requires upon entry into the country. Therefore, we are happy to take over these formalities and challenges for you completely. Discover now our services that we offer among other things:

Services offered by Limmat Zürich Umzug GmbH:

  • Planning and consultation: From the very beginning, you can rely on our team to plan the entire moving process optimally. There is hardly a problem that we cannot solve in advance. Together with you, we discuss how the move should proceed and especially which of our services you would like to use.
  • Packing service: Your belongings are a piece of home that you take with you to your new home. Accordingly, it is important that everything is well packed. Our experienced team knows how to pack bulky, delicate, and classic moving goods. Save yourself the trouble and rely on us.
  • Transport services: We have a generously equipped fleet with which we can transport your belongings from Switzerland to Germany without any problems. After we have settled the specifics with customs and possibly registered new goods for import, we will bring your belongings directly to your new home. You decide how you want to travel to your new home. Directly by car or rather comfortably by plane?
  • Arriving home: Once we have arrived in Germany, we will assist you with unloading and unpacking your belongings. After all, we want you to arrive in your new home as quickly as possible and feel truly comfortable.

Don’t be afraid of moving to Germany – we are here to help you

Leaving your own home and moving across the border to a neighboring country often comes with fears and concerns but also with joy. Our company has been handling international moves for many years. Based on the expertise we have built up, we can answer all your questions and make your move easier. Don’t be afraid of entering Germany, but trust in an experienced company that will accompany you on this journey in your life.

Plan your move now – Limmat Zürich Umzug GmbH looks forward to your project

When can we start? If you are planning a move from Switzerland to Germany, we are the ideal partner for you. As a team, we know exactly what requirements are necessary for entry and the transport of your goods. However, our work does not only begin at the border and at customs. Of course, we accompany you from start to finish, starting with the planning. Let us provide you with a non-binding offer to start your new life in Germany as quickly and smoothly as possible. With us, moving is as easy as a journey because we keep your back and mind free. Call us or write to us, Limmat Zürich Umzug GmbH is looking forward to hearing from you.