Moving from Germany to Switzerland: Permits, Übersiedlungsgut Customs & Full Guide

Moving from Germany to Switzerland is one of the most common international relocations in Europe — and one of the most deceptively complex. The two countries share a 340km border, the same language in four cantons, and close cultural ties. But Switzerland is not an EU member, which means moving your household across this border involves customs declarations, permit applications, and administrative steps that catch many unprepared Germans off guard. This guide covers everything from customs exemptions to vehicle re-registration so your move is smooth, legal, and cost-efficient.

Step 1 — Secure Your Swiss Work Permit or Right of Residence

Switzerland has free movement of persons agreements with the EU, which means German citizens can move to Switzerland and work without advance authorisation. However, you must register within 14 days of arrival and apply for the appropriate permit.

What German citizens receive:

• B permit (5-year residence permit): for employment contracts of 12 months or more
• L permit (short-stay permit): for contracts under 12 months
• C permit (settlement permit): after 5 consecutive years of B permit residency

In practice, your Swiss employer initiates much of the permit process. If moving independently (family reunification, self-employment, retirement), contact the cantonal migration office (Ausländerbehörde or Service des migrations) of your destination canton as early as possible.

Do not wait until you arrive to start this process. Permit processing takes 2–6 weeks in most cantons.

Step 2 — Declare Your Household Goods at Swiss Customs (Übersiedlungsgut)

This is where most Germany-to-Switzerland moves go wrong.

Swiss customs (BAZG — Bundesamt für Zoll und Grenzsicherheit) taxes imported goods at the border — including household furniture, electronics, and personal effects. However, new Swiss residents are entitled to a customs exemption (Übersiedlungsgut) that covers all household goods imported for personal use, provided the conditions are met.

Customs Exemption Conditions

To qualify for the Übersiedlungsgut exemption:

• You must have lived outside Switzerland for at least 12 months immediately before the move
• The goods must have been in your possession and for personal use for the last 6 months minimum
• The goods must arrive within 24 months of your first entry into Switzerland as a new resident
• You must apply before the goods cross the border — not after

How to Apply

1. Download and complete the BAZG form 18.44 (available at ezv.admin.ch)
2. Attach a detailed inventory list (Umzugsgutliste) with estimated values and quantities for every item in the shipment
3. Submit to the BAZG customs office before your moving truck crosses the border
4. Upon crossing: present the approved exemption form and the original inventory list

If your move is managed by a professional international moving company, they handle this documentation as standard. If you are managing the move yourself, allow 5–10 working days for exemption approval.

What Is Not Exempt

• Vehicles (covered by separate import rules — see below)
• New goods that were purchased specifically for the move
• Alcohol and tobacco beyond personal quantities
• Commercial goods of any kind

Step 3 — Know Your Moving Costs

Moving from Germany to Switzerland involves international transport pricing.

Cost factors specific to Germany-Switzerland moves:

• Distance within Germany: Frankfurt to Basel versus Berlin to Zurich are very different hauls
• Customs handling fee: professional movers charge CHF 150–400 for customs documentation preparation
• Insurance: international moves should include full replacement value coverage — confirm this explicitly
• Destination logistics: Swiss cities with tight access (Zurich old city, Geneva centre) add cost

Always verify that your mover is licensed to operate in both Germany and Switzerland. Request confirmation of their Swiss Güterkraftverkehrsgesetz compliance.

Step 4 — Import Your Vehicle

Importing a German-registered vehicle to Switzerland is a separate process from household goods and has different rules.

Tax-Free Import Conditions

You can import your vehicle tax-free (Übersiedlungsgut for vehicles) if:

• The vehicle was registered in your name in Germany for at least 6 months before the move
• The vehicle was primarily for personal use (not commercial or fleet-registered)
• You apply before the vehicle enters Switzerland

Re-Registration Process

After importing your vehicle:

1. Deregister the vehicle in Germany (Abmeldung beim Straßenverkehrsamt)
2. Submit the customs exemption form to BAZG for the vehicle separately
3. Take the vehicle to a Swiss cantonal vehicle inspection (MFK — Motorfahrzeugkontrolle) — Swiss vehicles must meet Swiss technical standards
4. Register the vehicle at the cantonal Strassenverkehrsamt and receive Swiss plates
5. Insure the vehicle with a Swiss provider — German insurance does not transfer

Timeline: Allow 4–8 weeks from arrival to completed Swiss registration.

German driving licence: German licence holders can exchange their licence for a Swiss one without a test. Take your German licence to the cantonal Strassenverkehrsamt and request the exchange. This must be done within 12 months of establishing Swiss residence.

Step 5 — Register at Your Swiss Municipality

Within 14 days of arriving at your Swiss address, register at the local Einwohnerkontrolle (residents' registration office).

Documents needed:

• Valid passport or German national identity card (Personalausweis)
• Your Swiss rental contract or employer's address confirmation
• For EU nationals (including Germans): the EU/EFTA notification form — completed at the registration office
• Passport-sized photograph (2)
• For families: marriage certificate and children's birth certificates

You receive a registration confirmation (Anmeldebestätigung) which you need for opening a Swiss bank account and other services.

Key Administrative Differences: Germany vs Switzerland

Understanding what changes when you cross the border helps you prepare:

Health Insurance: The Critical First Step

German Krankenkasse membership ends when you deregister in Germany. Swiss LAMal (mandatory basic health insurance) must be in place within 3 months of establishing Swiss residence — but coverage is retroactive to your arrival date, so no gap in coverage. Compare premiums via Comparis.ch before you arrive.

If you are moving as a Grenzgänger (cross-border worker living in Germany, working in Switzerland), different rules apply — you may have the option to retain German health insurance or opt into Swiss LAMal.

Tax Implications of the Move

Germany and Switzerland have a double taxation agreement (Doppelbesteuerungsabkommen). You will not be taxed twice on the same income, but the transition year requires attention:

• Germany: you remain taxable on German income until your deregistration date (Abmeldung). Notify the Finanzamt of your move and deregistration.
• Switzerland: you become Swiss taxable from the date of Swiss registration. Most Swiss employees have tax withheld at source (Quellensteuer).
• Exit tax: Germany can apply an exit tax (Wegzugsteuer) if you hold significant share stakes in companies. If this is relevant, consult a cross-border tax advisor before the move.

Cantons vary significantly in tax burden. Zug and Schwyz have the lowest rates; Zurich and Geneva are higher. If your employer gives you flexibility on Swiss address, tax burden is worth factoring into your canton choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to deregister from Germany before moving to Switzerland?

You should deregister (Abmelden) at your German Einwohnermeldeamt when you leave permanently. This affects your German tax liability, your GKV health insurance, and your German pension contributions. Do this on or just after your move date.

Can I keep my German bank account after moving to Switzerland?

Yes. Many Germany-to-Switzerland movers maintain a German account for German commitments (subscriptions, German pension contributions, family transfers) alongside a new Swiss account. Having both is the most practical approach for the first 1–2 years.

How long does it take to fully settle the customs declaration for household goods?

If you have submitted the documentation correctly before the move, customs clearance for household goods typically completes on the day of border crossing. Allow a buffer of 1–2 hours at the border for document inspection if your mover is handling this on the day.

Is it worth moving my German appliances to Switzerland?

Germany and Switzerland both use 230V/50Hz electricity, and both use Type F sockets (Germany) which are compatible with Swiss Type J sockets via a simple adaptor. However, large appliances calibrated for German frequency cycles (washing machines, dryers with German programming) work fine on the same voltage. Adaptors for Swiss sockets cost CHF 5–10 per plug.

Can I bring my pets from Germany?

Germany is an EU member; Switzerland participates in the EU Pet Passport scheme. A dog or cat with a valid EU Pet Passport (microchip + rabies vaccination recorded) can cross into Switzerland without quarantine. Notify the Swiss Veterinary Office if importing more than 5 animals.

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