Removals from Manchester to Switzerland

Manchester to Switzerland is a regular route on our European schedule. Collection from any M1-M60 postcode; transit 5-9 days door-to-door via Eurotunnel and the French autoroute network into the Swiss plateau; delivery into Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne and beyond.

Switzerland is a non-EU move, which surprises a lot of first-time relocators — a full Swiss customs declaration is mandatory even when nothing is dutiable. We run Switzerland trips through the Geneva or Basel border and know the language quirks of each canton (Zurich German, Geneva French, Ticino Italian).

Zurich, Zug and Lucerne deliveries are handled in Swiss German and paperwork is filed in German. Geneva, Lausanne and Vaud deliveries file paperwork in French. Ticino (Lugano, Locarno) files in Italian. Getting the inventory language right the first time avoids customs re-submissions.

Zug and Zurich are the two most common corporate transferee destinations — modern apartment blocks with goods lifts and reliable street access. Geneva old town and Lausanne hillside addresses often need a shuttle vehicle for the final leg because streets are steep and narrow.

New Swiss residents can import used personal effects free of VAT and duty provided they have been UK-resident for at least 12 months prior and items have been owned and used for at least 6 months. Form 18.44 has to be stamped at the border in the presence of the vehicle — we route through the correct staffed customs post.

Anything owned less than 6 months (new furniture, new appliances) can attract 8.1% Swiss VAT and duty. We flag high-risk items at the survey and can help you decide whether to sell in the UK or import formally.

Switzerland is outside the EU customs union — a full Swiss customs declaration (form 18.44) is required on every household move, whether or not you claim relief.

Paperwork we prepare and submit as part of every Manchester to Switzerland move: swiss form 18.44 (übersiedlungsgut / effets de déménagement) declaration in duplicate; valued inventory in english plus german, french or italian depending on canton; copy of swiss residence permit (b, c, l or ci) or work contract; passport copy and proof of uk residence for at least the previous 12 months; t1 transit document for the trailer.

Indicative pricing for a Manchester to Switzerland move: £1,600 (small part-load to Basel or Zurich) up to £6,800+ (dedicated 4-bed home to Geneva or Zug). Every quote is fixed in writing after a survey — no day-of surprises.

Manchester City Council parking dispensations take 5-10 working days; we handle the paperwork end-to-end. We factor collection access into the fixed price so the loading day runs on schedule.