Moving from London to Switzerland is a popular choice among professionals, finance workers and families seeking a high quality of life, political stability and stunning natural surroundings. Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern consistently rank among the world’s most liveable cities — and with direct rail and flight connections from London, Switzerland remains remarkably accessible.
That said, moving to Switzerland involves some specific considerations that differ from moves to EU countries. This guide covers everything you need to know: Swiss customs, visa requirements, costs and how to plan your removal from London step by step.
Why London Professionals Move to Switzerland
Switzerland attracts some of the highest concentrations of international professionals in Europe, drawn by:
- Exceptional salaries — Swiss wages are among the highest in the world, particularly in finance, pharma, tech and engineering
- Political stability and neutrality — Switzerland is one of the most stable countries in the world
- Quality of life — excellent public transport, clean cities, world-class healthcare and education
- Location — central Europe, with easy access to France, Germany, Italy and Austria
- Language diversity — German, French and Italian are all official languages, with English widely spoken in international business environments
Geneva is the hub for international organisations and finance. Zurich is Switzerland’s economic capital. Basel attracts pharma and biotech professionals. Bern, the federal capital, is home to many government and diplomatic roles.
Switzerland Is Not in the EU — What This Means for Your Move
This is the most important thing to understand when planning a removal from the UK to Switzerland: Switzerland is not a member of the European Union. It operates its own customs system independently.
This means:
- Your household goods are subject to Swiss customs clearance, not EU customs procedures
- Switzerland has its own Transfer of Residence relief process (Übersiedlungsgut)
- UK-to-Switzerland moves require a Swiss customs declaration (Zollanmeldung)
- VAT (MWST) may apply to items that do not qualify for ToR relief
For UK nationals, this actually means both the UK and Switzerland are non-EU countries — so the customs process is a bilateral UK–Switzerland arrangement. The paperwork is manageable, but it requires a removal company that has established Swiss customs expertise. Easy Move handles Swiss customs documentation as part of our standard removals to Switzerland service.
Visa and Residency Requirements
Since Brexit, UK nationals are treated as non-EU/EFTA citizens for Swiss immigration purposes. Key points:
- You can visit Switzerland for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa
- For stays longer than 90 days (including working and living), you need a Swiss residence permit
- The most common permit for UK nationals is the L permit (short-term, up to 12 months) or the B permit (longer-term residence tied to employment)
- You must register with your local Einwohnerkontrolle (residents’ registration office) within 14 days of arrival
Most permit applications require a confirmed job offer or proof of self-sufficiency. Your employer will often assist with the permit process if relocating for work.
Planning Your Move from London to Switzerland: Timeline
12 weeks before
- Research removal companies with Swiss customs experience; request quotes
- Begin decluttering and assessing what to take
- Check visa and permit requirements for your specific situation
- Notify HMRC of your planned departure
8 weeks before
- Confirm your removal booking
- Begin gathering documents: proof of UK residency, Swiss address, passport
- Arrange health insurance — compulsory in Switzerland within 3 months of arrival
4 weeks before
- Begin packing non-essential items
- Confirm your Swiss address with your removal company (required for customs documentation)
- Arrange a Swiss bank account if possible — many Swiss landlords require local payment
Moving week
- Label all boxes clearly with room and contents
- Keep passports, insurance documents and valuables with you — not in the van
- Ensure someone is available at your Swiss address for delivery
Cost of Moving from London to Switzerland
| Service type | Estimated cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Part-load (shared) | £600 – £1,200 | Studios, 1-bed flats, small shipments |
| Full-load (dedicated van) | £1,500 – £2,800 | 2-bed+ homes, full households |
| Professional packing add-on | £250 – £700 | Full household packing by our team |
Note: Swiss customs handling is included in Easy Move’s standard price — there are no surprise charges at the border. For a fixed, itemised quote, request a free estimate for your removals to Switzerland.
London to Switzerland: Transit Times
| Destination | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|
| Geneva | 3–4 working days |
| Zurich | 3–4 working days |
| Basel | 2–3 working days |
| Bern | 3–4 working days |
| Lausanne | 3–4 working days |
Tips for a Smooth London to Switzerland Removal
Use a company with Swiss customs expertise. Switzerland’s independent customs system means errors in documentation cause delays and potential storage charges at the Swiss border. Choose a removal company that handles Swiss customs regularly, not occasionally.
Arrange health insurance before you arrive. Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland and you must take it out within three months of registering as a resident. Costs are significant — typically CHF 300–500 per adult per month — so factor this into your budget.
Be prepared for a high cost of living. Switzerland is among the most expensive countries in the world. Groceries, eating out, childcare and housing costs are substantially higher than in London — even for Londoners accustomed to high prices.
Learn at least the basics of the local language. While English is widely spoken in Zurich and Geneva’s international business communities, German, French or Italian will be essential for everyday life, local bureaucracy and social integration.
Ready to Move? Get a Free Quote Today
Easy Move provides fully insured, door-to-door removals to Switzerland with weekly departures from London, full Swiss customs handling and professional packing available at your UK address.
👉 Get your free, no-obligation quote for removals to Switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving from London to Switzerland
Do I need a visa to move from London to Switzerland?
For stays of up to 90 days, no visa is required. For longer stays — including working and living in Switzerland — you need a Swiss residence permit. The most common types are the L permit (short-term) and B permit (longer-term). Most applications require a confirmed job offer or proof of self-sufficiency.
Why is Switzerland customs different from EU countries?
Switzerland is not an EU member and operates its own customs system. All shipments from the UK to Switzerland require a Swiss customs declaration (Zollanmeldung) rather than the EU Transfer of Residence process. Easy Move handles Swiss customs documentation as standard for all removals to Switzerland.
How much does it cost to move from London to Switzerland?
Part-load services for a one-bedroom flat start from around £600. Full-load moves for larger properties typically range from £1,500 to £2,800+. Swiss customs handling is included in Easy Move’s fixed prices — no additional border fees.
Is Switzerland expensive to live in compared to London?
Switzerland is generally more expensive than London in most categories — particularly housing, healthcare and dining out. However, Swiss salaries are typically significantly higher than UK equivalents, which for working residents means the net financial position is often comparable or better.
What should I do first after arriving in Switzerland?
Register your address at the local Einwohnerkontrolle within 14 days of arrival. Then apply for your residence permit at the cantonal migration office. Arrange compulsory health insurance as soon as possible — you must have cover within three months of registering as a resident.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.