Moving to and from Switzerland
A move between Germany and Switzerland combines logistics with cross-border customs clearance. In addition to planning transport, packing, and scheduling, the moving goods must also be correctly prepared for import or export. Umzugsdirekt, based in Stuttgart, organises moves from Germany to Switzerland and moves from Switzerland to Germany. We work with vetted partner companies and coordinate the individual steps for cross-border transport.
We serve clients throughout Switzerland. This includes moving to and from Zurich, Basel, Bern, Lucerne, Geneva, Lausanne, St. Gallen, Winterthur, and other locations. What is crucial is not only the distance between the old and new residences. Equally important are a reliable inventory list, appropriate proofs, and clear coordination for the customs office.
Moving to Switzerland: customs form 18.44
Anyone moving to Switzerland needs structured preparation for the import of their moving goods. The search term moving to Switzerland customs form 18.44 precisely describes this important part of the move: form 18.44 for moving goods and the associated customs clearance. The designation may appear differently in English-language information, but the practical content remains the same: the moving goods must be comprehensibly declared to Swiss customs.
According to information from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG), form 18.44 is a central document for the customs declaration of moving goods. The specific requirements and attachments depend on the personal situation and the applicable regulations. Therefore, the form should be completed in full and prepared together with the inventory list and the necessary proofs.
We support the organisational preparation. This includes recording the details of the move, organising the documents, and addressing open points early. The binding assessment of the customs declaration is made by the competent customs authority. In special cases, it may be advisable to inquire directly with the BAZG or the intended customs office.
Preparing form 18.44 for moving goods
For a move to Switzerland, form 18.44 should not become an issue only on the day of transport. Early preparation clarifies what information is needed and whether proofs of change of residence are available. The form must match the actual shipment. The information provided there should therefore correspond to the inventory list and the transported items.
Typically, information about the person, the previous residence, the new residence, and the move is required. Depending on the case, further information may be necessary. We discuss with you which documents should be ready for the planned processing. We stick to generally verified information and point out matters that need to be clarified directly with the BAZG or the competent customs office.
It is important that the form is legible and complete. Unclear, contradictory, or missing information can lead to queries at the border. Good preparation does not replace the decision of the customs authority but facilitates the review and reduces avoidable ambiguities.
Inventory list for border crossing
The inventory list is an essential part of the preparation. It should describe the moving goods in such a way that the customs office can understand the contents of the shipment. General collective terms such as “various items” are often not very helpful. Clear designations such as furniture, clothing, books, dishes, electronic devices, or household items are better.
A useful list can be structured by rooms or item groups. For example, living room, bedroom, kitchen, study, and cellar can be listed separately. For multiple boxes, continuous numbering can help. These numbers can be repeated on the boxes so that the information can be more easily assigned during loading and during an inspection.
The inventory list should reflect the actual scope of the moving goods. Items that are not transported with the rest of the household should not simply be included in the list. Conversely, items that are actually carried should not be forgotten. For valuable, unusual, or specially procured items, more precise descriptions are useful.
We help to structure the list comprehensibly for transport planning and customs documents. The responsibility for the correctness of personal details and the declared moving goods remains with the person moving. For questions about individual goods or special import conditions, the competent Swiss authority is the right point of contact.
What proofs might be important?
The BAZG may require proofs that make the change of residence or the personal situation comprehensible. Which documents are needed in individual cases depends, among other things, on whether the residence is being moved to Switzerland, whether it is a return, or whether there are special circumstances.
Possible proofs may include documents for the previous residence, the new residence, or the abandonment or establishment of a living situation. Which documents are accepted should, in case of doubt, be confirmed directly with the BAZG or the intended customs office. We can help you organise the documents and point out identifiable gaps, but we cannot anticipate an official decision.
For customs clearance, it is helpful if the form, inventory list, and proofs use the same information. Spellings of names and addresses should match. The date of the move and the description of the shipment should also not contradict each other in the documents. The better the documents match, the easier the process can be explained.
Moving from Germany to Switzerland
When moving from Germany to Switzerland, preparation begins with recording the household and the desired transport date. Subsequently, the moving goods are sorted, packed, and recorded for the inventory list. In parallel, the customs folder with form 18.44 and the appropriate proofs is prepared.
Before transport, it should be clear which items will actually be taken to Switzerland. Not every object in the household must automatically be part of the shipment. An early selection prevents the list from having to be adjusted at short notice during loading. For delicate items or goods that are difficult to classify, a precise description is particularly helpful.
Transport planning takes into account collection in Germany, the journey to Switzerland, coordination with the partner company, and the provision of documents. For border clearance, the accompanying documents must be available. The process at the border can depend on the situation, the customs office, and official regulations.
Moving from Switzerland to Germany
Even when moving from Switzerland to Germany, a complete inventory is important. Different customs processes apply depending on the direction of the move. Therefore, the documentation is not simply taken over from the outward journey but prepared to match the planned export and import.
We clarify with you the origin in Switzerland, the destination in Germany, the scope of the household, and the desired organisation. The inventory list helps to record the shipment and avoid queries. For items with special properties or goods that do not belong to usual household effects, it should be checked in advance whether further regulations apply.
Especially when moving away, it can be helpful to keep important documents separate and readily accessible. These include transport documents, personal identification documents, and the proofs intended for customs. The binding requirements depend on the specific process and the respective competent authority.
Moving throughout Switzerland
Umzugsdirekt organises moves to and from various regions of Switzerland. This includes moving to and from Zurich, Basel, Bern, Lucerne, Geneva, Lausanne, Winterthur, St. Gallen, Zug, Aarau, and many other municipalities. Even for smaller towns or remote residential areas, planning is coordinated with access, living situation, and the scope of the moving goods.
For an inquiry, we need as precise information as possible about the pick-up and destination locations, floors, lifts or special access conditions, and the scope of the household. Photos or a structured list can facilitate the assessment. For cross-border moves, the planned direction of the move and the estimated time are also important.
Organisation is carried out with vetted partner companies. This allows individual tasks to be coordinated to match the order. Clear communication between you, Umzugsdirekt, and the involved partners is an essential part of the preparation.
What we need for preparation
The earlier the relevant information is available, the better the move can be planned. Particularly helpful are:
- previous and new address
- direction of move between Germany and Switzerland
- desired period or date
- information on floors, lift, stairs, and access routes
- rough description of household goods
- special items such as heavy, delicate, or bulky pieces
- existing documents for change of residence
- information on whether form 18.44 has already been prepared
This information forms the basis for further coordination. If individual details are still missing, they can be submitted later. For customs preparation, however, it is important to complete the documents before crossing the border and to correctly represent the actual shipment.
Organising customs documents
A separate customs folder or a digitally organised set of documents can facilitate the process. Form 18.44, inventory list, and proofs should be found together. Additional copies can be useful if multiple parties are working with the documents. Only current and matching documents should be used.
We accompany the organisational side of preparation and help gather the necessary information. For questions about legal classification, special goods, or an individual customs decision, we refer to the BAZG or the competent customs office. This clearly separates the tasks of transport organisation from those of the authority.
Inquire about moving to or from Switzerland now
Whether you are moving from Germany to Switzerland or leaving Switzerland to move to Germany: an early inquiry lays the foundation for organised planning. Send us the most important details about the route, living situation, household goods, and date. We will discuss the proposed process, clarify the next steps for form 18.44, and coordinate transport organisation with vetted partner companies.
Umzugsdirekt in Stuttgart is your contact for cross-border moves between Germany and Switzerland. We guide the preparation clearly, calmly, and comprehensibly, keeping an eye on both transport and customs documents.