Are you about to leave Switzerland to start a new life in England, Wales or Scotland? Whether it’s to set up your own business, due to a passion for British culture and history, or for several other reasons, many people are still attracted to a life in the UK.
Despite the Brexit announcement at the beginning of 2021, the number of Swiss citizens living in the UK remains relatively stable (around 37,000). What are the steps to take to organize your move to the United Kingdom? In this article, you will find all the answers to your questions to prepare your international move.
Moving to UK from Switzerland
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MOVING FROM SWITZERLAND TO UK: ORGANIZE YOUR MOVE
Moving to UK with a professional company
Our moving companies can help you with the organization of your move to the UK. Start a request and receive 5 free quotes from professional moving companies within 24 hours. We will arrange a free home visit with your favourite company to make sure that you have the exact list of items you are moving to hand to the customs. Our custom agents and our removal companies are used to international moving services. They will be able to assist you and answer your questions regarding the documents you will have to fill out in order to cross the Swiss border.
Moving from Switzerland to UK on your own
If you are organized and can gather all the necessary documents, you will be able to prepare an international moving service on your own. You can rent a vehicle (or take your own) and be on your way to the UK thanks to the ferry or the eurotunnel.
DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION TO MOVE TO THE UK
Documents for customs clearance
It is mandatory to hold a valid passport to go through customs. A simple identity card is no longer sufficient. You will also need a detailed list of the inventory you are importing into the country, in duplicate, quantified, dated and signed.
If you are moving by sea, you will need a copy of the bill of lading.
Regarding the VISA, you will be able to find the information on the government website where they explain what type of VISA is needed.
The customs clearance form also needs to be filled out if you want to be exempted from the customs tax on your goods.
If you are using an international moving company, make a copy of all the documents mentioned above and also keep a file with you in case of inspection. For specific documents such as the bill of lading, you can discuss it directly with your moving company.
Exemption from customs tax
Personal belongings or private vehicle can be imported duty free as long as:
- your are moving out of your primary residence
- you have been living in Switzerland for at least 12 months. If this is not the case, you can prove that you intended to live in Switzerland for more than 12 months (for example: by showing a copy of your employment contract)
- you have possessed and used your personal belongings for at least 6 months.
- you intend to use your belongings for personal use
- you will not sell, lend, hire out or otherwise dispose of your personal belongings in the UK or anywhere else in the EU within 12 months of the date of importation.
Moving your vehicle to the UK
To be able to import your vehicle in the UK, you have to present the following documents:
- Form C104A
- Copy of registration documents proving ownership
- OBL (if shipped) / AWB (by plane)
- Insurance policy documentation (copies from country of origin proving use)
- Declaration Form C384 (if less than 6 months old)
Once you will be settled in the UK, you will need a new insurance policy for your vehicle if you wish to stay longer than two years. If you are moving for a short period of time, find out locally if you can keep your current insurance.
Moving to the UK with your pet
In addition to filling out the C5 form, your pet must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies and have a current vaccination record. Dogs must be treated against tapeworms.
If you do not follow the above rules, your pet may be quarantined. We remind you that animals are not allowed to board the Eurostar.
Find out everything you need to know about moving with pets in our article.
We strongly recommend you to discuss the move details with a British representation in Switzerland before your move.
Moving to London? Get an idea of the prices for a moving from Switzerland to London
