Moving to Switzerland from Sweden – The Complete 2025 Guide

Moving to Switzerland from Sweden can be fast, safe, and predictable with the right plan. Because Switzerland is non‑EU (but Schengen), your move needs clean customs paperwork and quick local registrations once you arrive. With VANonsite you get trained crews, live GPS tracking on every load, specialist Packing Service and White Glove Delivery, and right‑size vans from 5 m³ to 90 m³. We design calm, winter‑aware routes, manage permits and parking at both ends, and keep communications clear so the move feels simple.

Removals to Sweden • How to Relocate to Sweden • Moving to Ireland from Sweden • Moving to Sweden from Germany • Moving to Sweden from Netherlands • Moving to Sweden with a Disability

TL;DR;

• Start early with a clean, numbered inventory and share access details (lifts, long carries, bay distances, height limits) so we right‑size van and crew.
• Switzerland is non‑EU: plan household‑goods customs at the border, optional vehicle import, and fast residence/health‑insurance registrations after arrival.
• Your price depends on volume, route, access, season, service mix — check live capacity bands via Removals to Sweden and request a tailored quote.
• Pick capacity that fits access: 5, 10, 15, 30, or 90 m³. Every shipment is GPS‑tracked with proactive ETAs and weather re‑routing.
• Choose the route that matches your timing: Øresund + DE motorways for control, or SE→DE overnight ferries for rest, then drive to Basel/Chiasso border posts.
• Pack like a pro (double‑walled boxes, corner guards, colour labels) or book Packing Service; premium/fragile pieces benefit from White Glove Delivery. Prepare Open‑First boxes for Day 1.
• In the first 72 hours: register locally, select health insurance, set up utilities/internet, and arrange parking/waste — this locks in a smooth start.

Why Switzerland? Pros & cons at a glance

Switzerland blends high incomes, spotless cities, and weekend‑ready nature. Administration is methodical but straightforward if you follow the steps. From Sweden the culture shift is gentle; however, housing and everyday costs need planning.

Pros

• High quality of life; safe cities and tidy public spaces.
• Strong job markets in finance, pharma, engineering, hospitality.
• Transport precision and punctual services; widespread English in business hubs.
• Lakes, Alps, and trails close to cities — micro‑breaks are easy year‑round.

Cons (plan around them)

• Higher living costs in major hubs; secure housing early and budget realistically.
• Non‑EU customs/admin steps for people, pets, and vehicles at entry.
• Insurance‑first culture (health insurance selection is time‑bound post‑arrival).
• Multilingual paperwork (DE/FR/IT): expect local language for some forms and offices.

City snapshots (pick your fit)

Support link for opposite‑direction context: How to Relocate to Sweden.

Step‑by‑step plan & timeline (Sweden → Switzerland)

8–10 weeks (scope & shortlist)

• Define your move window and shortlist Swiss cantons/cities.
• Build a room‑by‑room inventory; measure sofas/wardrobes/appliances.
• Request a quote; choose DIY pack or Packing Service.
• Flag specials (piano/art/IT) for White Glove planning.

6–8 weeks (route & documents)

• Choose route: Øresund → DE motorways → CH or SE→DE overnight ferries → CH.
• Prepare customs paperwork for household goods (relocation import) and pet/vehicle docs.
• Pre‑book permits/elevators/parking bays in Sweden and Switzerland.
• Decide insurance level; target collection slot + ETA; share access notes.

4 weeks (declutter & materials)

• Declutter (−10–20% volume); sell/donate bulky items.
• Confirm ferry/bridge timings; note winter buffers if applicable.
• Order materials or confirm pro‑pack date.

1–2 weeks (labelling & final checks)

• Label Room + Category + Number + Priority (1–3); prep Open‑First boxes.
• Separate a Do‑Not‑Ship pouch (passports, IDs, insurance, meds, chargers).
• Final access check both ends; print colour‑coded floor plans.

Move week (handover & tracking)

• Protect floors/doors; walkthrough with crew lead; confirm load order.
• Switch on GPS alerts; track ferries/bridges/border ETA.

Arrival (Day 1 — fast comfort)

• Room‑by‑room placement via labels; assemble beds; connect essentials.
• Start admin: commune registration, health insurance selection, utilities.

Owner split (who does what)

Documents, registrations & customs (non‑EU move)

Switzerland is outside the EU customs union. Personal household goods can typically be imported duty‑free as part of a permanent move when documented correctly. Keep the guidance practical and avoid guesswork; link to official resources in the live article if needed.

Before you leave Sweden (admin prep)

• Deregister/forward mail where relevant; keep Swedish e‑ID active if you need it for tax/admin.
• Civil docs: passports/IDs, birth/marriage certificates, employment/study letters.
• Housing: Swiss lease/host letter or proof of accommodation.
• Health: insurance certificates; vaccination cards.
• Driving & car (if importing): registration, proof of ownership, conformity certificates.
• Pets: EU Pet Passport, microchip, vaccinations; check carrier rules.

Customs for household goods (at the border)

• Prepare a signed inventory (numbered, used goods, not for resale).
• Arrive with your goods or ensure your representative can present documents.
• Be ready to show ID and proof of relocation (work contract, tenancy, entry registration).
• Keep high‑value serials/photos handy; declare any restricted items.

Residence registration & health insurance

• Register with your commune/canton soon after arrival (deadlines vary by canton).
• Health insurance selection/enrolment is typically time‑bound after moving in; gather quotes early.
• Bank account setup follows once local ID/address is confirmed.

Vehicles (optional)

• If importing a car, plan for vehicle inspection/registration, local road taxes, and motorway vignette.
• Winter tyres are recommended/required by conditions; carry chains where appropriate.

Children & schools

• Contact your commune/school authority with birth certificates, immunisation records, and previous school reports.

 Printable “Docs Pack” — who carries what

 Model inventory template (copy & adapt)

Mark items as used personal effects; do not list “for resale”. Photos help.

Border‑day flow (simple timeline)

• T‑72 → T‑24 h: confirm border post and opening hours; print inventory and letters.
• T‑12 h: prepare a quick‑reach folder (IDs, tenancy, work letter, pet docs).
• Border hour 0: present documents; answer simple questions; obtain any stamps/notes.
• +1 h: file scans/photos of stamped pages to cloud; continue to destination.

Common red flags (avoid delays)

• “New in box” goods with retail packaging and no signs of use.
• Mismatched names between tenancy/contract and traveller.
• No address proof in Switzerland.
• Restricted items undeclared (see Section 4).

 Pets quick checklist

• EU Pet Passport + microchip + vaccinations.
• Carrier rules for ferry/route; water and breaks planned.
• Contact details on collar and inside the carrier.

What you can and can’t bring (quick compliance)

EU→non‑EU moves need clean, well‑documented shipments. Safety rules still apply.

Household goods (generally OK)

Clothes, books, furniture, most electronics for personal use.

 Food, plants & natural materials

Prefer sealed, shelf‑stable foods in small quantities. Avoid perishables. Plants, seeds, and soil are often restricted — best avoided unless verified.

 Medicines & medical devices

Carry daily/critical meds with you in original packs with prescriptions. Devices (CPAP, monitors) travel with manuals and spare consumables.

Dangerous goods (ADR) — do not pack

Alcohol & tobacco (personal‑use guidance)

• Personal allowances and declaration rules apply at the border.
• Keep quantities modest and declare if in doubt.
• Avoid placing alcohol/tobacco in groupage loads; documentation becomes complex.

Batteries — quick math & declaration

Wh = Volts (V) × Amp‑hours (Ah)
Examples: 24V×8Ah = 192 Wh (wheelchair); 36V×10Ah = 360 Wh (scooter).
Large lithium units may require separate handling; share specs during quoting.

Decision tree — pack or not?

• Is it flammable, pressurised, or corrosive? → Don’t pack.
• Is it perishable or needs cooling? → Carry personally or buy on arrival.
• Is the battery large lithium? → Declare; follow Section 4.6.
• Still unsure? → Ask a planner via Removals to Sweden.

Photo & proof checklist (fast claims and access)

• Serial numbers of electronics; condition photos of furniture.
• Access photos: lift cabin, narrow doors, parking distance, height limits.
• Save all to cloud with the same Box # used on your inventory.

Pro help: Packing Service for fragile zones; White Glove Delivery for premium placement/assembly.

Why choose VANonsite (proof points)

Choosing the right mover for a Sweden → Switzerland relocation means balancing timing, compliance, and care. VANonsite pairs operational discipline with white‑glove attention, so your goods arrive on time and in perfect shape — with zero guesswork on customs and access.

Why customers pick us

• Live GPS tracking on every vehicle with proactive milestone ETAs (loaded → ferry/bridge → border → ETA‑2h → arrival).
• Right‑size vans (5–90 m³) so you never pay for empty space — or risk overloading. Shuttle plans for narrow streets.
• Packing Service for speed and safety; White Glove Delivery for art, antiques, pianos and premium IT.
• Route intelligence for bridges vs SE→DE overnight ferries, plus a winter playbook (chains, buffers, valley routing).
• Transparent scoping: video survey, photo‑documented inventory, and capacity bands (see Removals to Sweden).
• Single point of contact from quote to delivery; we coordinate permits, lifts, and parking at both ends.
• Specialist services on tap: Packing Services • Furniture Removals • Home Removals • Office Removals • Student Removals.

Outcome‑focused table

Service tiers & add‑ons (example scope)

Next step: share your inventory and access photos; we’ll right‑size capacity, book permits, and lock the route. Start here → Removals to Sweden.

How much does it cost to move to Switzerland?

We do not publish fixed prices here. Costs vary by volume/weight, route, access, season, and service level. For current capacity bands, see Removals to Sweden and request a tailored quote.

What shapes your quote (deeper look)

• Volume & weight: controls van size and crew hours. Share book/tool densities.
• Access: stairs, long carries (50 m+), lift bookings, shuttle vans.
• Route & season: ferries/bridges, winter buffers, cabins/tolls.
• Service mix: DIY vs Packing Service; White Glove placement/assembly.
• Timing: tight windows or late changes can add cost.

Savings without risk

• Declutter 10–20%; right‑size via video survey.
• Pack non‑fragiles yourself; let pros handle glass/tech/pianos.
• Be flexible on dates; mid‑week often unlocks capacity.
• Pre‑book bays and lifts; share codes ahead of time.

Hidden‑cost watchlist

• Extra items not on the inventory.
• No parking arranged; broken lift on the day.
• Long carries discovered late; extra stops added last minute.
• Weather re‑routes without a buffer window.

Groupage vs dedicated — quick compare

Quote‑ready checklist (copy/paste)

• Estimated m³ and any heavy/dense zones.
• Photos of access (lifts, doors, parking, stairs).
• Route preference (bridges vs overnight ferry).
• Service mix (DIY/Pack/White Glove/Storage).
• Preferred dates + flexibility window.
• Special items (piano, art, IT, large batteries).

Example scenarios (no prices)

For live capacity bands and a tailored plan, use Removals to Sweden.

Pick the right van size (Sweden → Switzerland)

Choose enough m³ to avoid over‑stacking while staying within weight limits and matching your building access. All vans are GPS‑tracked.

Quick estimator (by home size)

Studio 4–6 m³ • 1‑bed 8–15 m³ • 2‑bed 15–25 m³ • 3‑bed 25–40 m³ • 4‑bed+ 40–70+ m³.

 Box‑to‑m³ shortcuts (fast maths)

• Small boxes: ~3 ≈ 1 m³
• Medium boxes: ~2 ≈ 1 m³
• Wardrobe/TV crates: count 0.3–0.5 m³ each
• Add 10–15% buffer for padding and last‑minute items.

Weight awareness (don’t overload)

• Dense zones (books, tools, pantry) can hit weight limits before the van looks full.
• Split libraries across boxes; mark HEAVY P2; keep max box weights reasonable.
• Share photos of bookshelves/workshops; we balance weight across the vehicle.

Access‑driven sizing (avoid bottlenecks)

Example load plans (orientation)

• 10 m³ (Moving Medium): ~20 medium boxes, small sofa, desk, chairs, bikes.
• 15 m³ (Moving Premium): adds bed + wardrobe and larger appliances.
• 30 m³ (Premium Plus): full 2–3 room apartment incl. appliances and outdoor gear.
• 90 m³ (Full House XXL): whole‑home + garage/garden; best with scheduled bays.

Decision flow — which van(s)?

1. Estimate m³ with previous section.
2. Check weight‑dense zones.
3. Map access.
4. Pick size or two‑van shuttle to fit street and schedule.
5. Lock in permits/parking; enable GPS ETA updates.

Routes: ferries, bridges & border posts

Two proven corridors connect Sweden to Switzerland. We plan both for safety, rest, and predictable ETAs.

 Corridor overview

• Bridges + DE motorways: Sweden → Øresund → Denmark → Germany → Swiss border (Basel/Weil am Rhein, Kreuzlingen/Konstanz, St. Margrethen, Chiasso).
• Overnight ferries + DE motorways: Sweden → Rostock/Travemünde ferries → Germany → Swiss border.

Route matrix — compare fast

Border & paperwork checklist (carry in a top‑folder)

• Signed inventory (used goods, numbered) + relocation proof (tenancy/work letter).
• IDs for travellers + any pet/vehicle documents.
• Confirm border post and opening hours; allow time for checks/stamps.
• Keep an Open‑First bag for arrival essentials.

Winter & Alpine readiness

• Add buffer days for storms/snow; some passes may require chains when conditions demand.
• Prefer ferry‑led or valley routes in severe weather; we push new GPS ETAs if we re‑route.

Sample schedules (orientation only)

• Ferry‑led: afternoon loading → evening sailing with cabin → morning border → midday delivery.
• Bridge‑led: early‑morning start → Denmark bridges → Germany day‑drive → late‑evening Swiss arrival or next‑morning delivery.

Comfort & accessibility on the road

• Book accessible cabins/seats; request near‑lift parking on ferries.
• Plan rest areas with accessible toilets; carry a simple comfort kit.
• Service animals: reserve pet cabins/kennels and pack documents.

Admin at the border — quick handoff

• Present folder; answer brief questions; obtain any stamps/notes.
• Photograph stamped pages and save to cloud; continue to destination.

Packing & protection (DIY or pro)

Great packing reduces claims and speeds unloading. Follow this framework — or let our Packing Service handle it end‑to‑end.

The 5‑step system (recap)

1. Declutter (−10–20%).
2. Zone by room.
3. Double‑walled boxes + blankets/corner guards.
4. Label/index (Room‑Category‑Number + Priority).
5. Open‑First boxes (one per person + one home kit).

Materials checklist (printable)

Labelling that speeds delivery

• Colour code by room (e.g., Kitchen=Yellow, Living=Blue, Bed1=Red).
• Use the code ROOM–Category–## (P1–P3), e.g., BED1–Clothes–12 (P1).
• Add QR to a photo of box contents for quick checks.

Room‑by‑room quick wins

• Kitchen: wrap plates vertical; pad glasses; label FRAGILE P1.
• Bedroom: vacuum bags for soft items; protect mattress corners.
• Bathroom: seal lids; bag liquids; avoid bulk chemicals (Section 4).
• Living/IT: original TV/monitor boxes where possible; keep screens vertical.

Furniture & hardware

• Disassemble larger items that won’t clear stairs/lifts; photo hinges/joints.
• Bag screws/bolts by item; tape to furniture or place in a Hardware – Room – Item bag.
• Protect edges; use moving blankets and corner guards.

Special items (when to upgrade)

• Art/antiques, pianos, premium IT → add White Glove Delivery for crating, carry teams, and placement.

What we do vs what you do (clear split)

Open‑First strategy (tie‑in to Section 9)

• Prepare one personal and one home Open‑First box.
• Keep meds, chargers, nightwear, simple cookware, kettle, bedding accessible.
• On arrival, assemble beds first, then connect essentials.

Move‑day & first 72 hours in Switzerland

A calm, scripted handover makes day‑of stress vanish. Below is a practical playbook you can literally keep in your top folder.

Day‑before (T‑24 h) — final prep

• Charge phones/power banks; share your live contact with the crew lead.
• Reserve bays/lifts at both addresses; lay down protective runners if allowed.
• Pack a Do‑Not‑Ship pouch (IDs, insurance, meds, chargers, SIM/eSIM details).
• Defrost and dry freezers; drain hoses; photograph high‑value items and meter readings.
• Stage boxes by priority (P1/P2/P3) near the exit; keep Open‑First boxes in the car.

Move morning — 10‑minute crew briefing

• Quick walkthrough with the crew lead; confirm load order and fragile zones.
• Note access constraints (lift size, stairs, door widths, long carry distances).
• Protect floors/doors; photograph pre‑move condition (handy for building managers).
• Enable GPS notifications and agree on milestone pings (loaded / ferry / border / ETA‑2h / arrival).

Transit — predictable ETAs

Follow live ETAs via our GPS tracking; we re‑route for weather/traffic and push updates at each milestone. Keep your phone reachable during border or ferry windows.

Arrival — first 120 minutes

• Colour‑code placement by room; use printed floor plans near the entrance.
• Assemble beds first; connect fridge/washing machine last; remove packaging.
• Photograph arrival meter readings; log any pre‑existing scuffs before handover.

First‑72‑hours admin checklist (printable)

Issue playbook — quick fixes

Open‑First essentials (keep within reach)

Bonus: add a small Wi‑Fi/Router kit (extension lead, Ethernet cable) so the ISP handover is painless.

FAQs

Do I need a visa to move from Sweden to Switzerland?
EU/EEA citizens enjoy free movement for entry, but residence and work still require Swiss registrations. Non‑EU nationals should check permit routes. Register locally after arrival.

How long does customs take at the border?
It varies by post and time of day. Having a signed inventory and relocation proof ready makes it quick. We schedule buffers and align your arrival with opening hours.

Do I need to be present for loading/unloading?
Ideally yes, but you can nominate a trusted person with a brief written authorisation and ID copy if you can’t attend.

Can you store my items if my Swiss apartment isn’t ready?
Yes — short‑ or long‑term secure storage on request. We can split delivery into two drops if that helps.

Can I import my car?
Yes, with the right documents. Plan inspection/registration, insurance, and a motorway vignette. Winter tyres/chains may be needed by conditions.

Which route is better — bridges or ferry + drive?
Ferry‑led routes reduce winter road miles and give cabin rest. Bridges + motorways control timing more tightly. We quote both.

What if the elevator fails on the day?
We switch to a stair team, adjust crew, or run a street‑to‑door shuttle. Share building contacts so we can coordinate quickly.

Can VANonsite pack only the fragile items?
Absolutely. Choose Packing Service just for glass, art, electronics, or upgrade to White Glove Delivery for premium placement.

Do you provide materials?
We can deliver professional materials in advance or bring them on packing day — boxes, blankets, corner guards, tape, labels.

How do I track my shipment?
Every van is GPS‑tracked with proactive milestone updates (loaded, ferry/bridge, border, ETA‑2h, arrival).

How far ahead should I book?
Aim for 6–8 weeks lead time; earlier for winter or tight housing dates.

Is there move insurance?
We can arrange transport coverage or coordinate with your policy. Share high‑value item details so we document them correctly.

Do you handle pianos, art, or IT equipment?
Yes. Add White Glove Delivery for crating, carry teams, and placement.