Did you decide to leave Switzerland to start a new life in London? Whether it’s to set up your own business, due to a passion for English culture and history, or for several other reasons, many people are very attracted to a life in London.
Despite the Brexit announcement at the beginning of 2021, the number of Swiss citizens living in London remains relatively stable. What are the steps to take to organize your move to London? In this article, you will find all the answers to your questions to prepare your move abroad.
New life in London
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Life in London
London is undoubtedly the best capital for shopping lovers and nightlife. Oxford Street and Regent Street will cover every need and desire you may have. After shopping, have a break with friends in one of the many pubs and restaurants of London.
Plan your costs before deciding to move to London. To live comfortably in London, expect to earn around £40,000 a year as you will need to pay around £1,500 a month in rent.
Moving from switzerland to London
Moving to London with a professional moving company
Our international moving companies are used to organize moves abroad, in particular to London. 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. Feel free to contact our customer agents to answer your questions about international moves.
Price for a move from Switzerland to London
In the case of an international move, the price varies mainly according to the distance to be covered. To better estimate the average price of a move in London, it is necessary to calculate the different costs of a moving company.
The company must take into account the time required for the move. Often, it will take a minimum of 3 days for a service in London. This means paying employees (movers and drivers) during this time, fuel and tolls.
The last criterion concerns the volume to be transported. If only one vehicle is needed (i.e. less than 20m3 of volume to be transported), the removal quote will necessarily be lower than if several vehicles are needed.
Average price for a moving from Switzerland to London
| Inventory size | Average relocation costs |
| Easy and small inventory | CHF 4000 |
| 18 – 20 m3 | CHF 6000 |
| 30 m3 and more | CHF 10000 |
Do you want to organize your move to London 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 London thanks to the ferry or the eurotunnel.
Documents and information to move to London
The documents you need to move to London are the same than the ones you need for a 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 London or anywhere else in the EU within 12 months of the date of importation.
Moving your vehicle to London
To be able to import your vehicle in the London, 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 London, 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 London 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 Checklist
Are you sure you did not forget anything for your moving to London. Just in case, download for free our moving checklist and decrease the moving stress!
