Moving to Switzerland: Calculate Costs and Move Safely
Deciding to move from Austria to Switzerland requires precise logistical preparation. Because Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, specific customs regulations must be observed when crossing the border. As your experienced moving company, DACHSER & KOLB supports you throughout every step of your relocation.
Transparent costs in three short steps: Simply use our moving cost calculator to quickly and easily calculate your non-binding initial price for orientation.
Calculate Switzerland moving costs in just a few minutes – how the moving cost calculator works
The cost of moving to Switzerland mainly depends on the moving volume, the pickup and destination locations, the type of transport, and the desired packing and additional services. With our moving cost calculator, you receive a non-binding initial price based on the first information you provide.
To give you a fair and tailored quote for your move abroad, we need a few key details. In the first step, our digital cost calculator asks for only the three most important pricing factors: your current home size, the number of people in your household, and your exact transport route from Austria to Switzerland.
For your personal initial price and secure access to your calculation, we then need your contact details. After that, you can flexibly add to and refine your information in your personal dashboard. The initial price shown serves as a guide for your budget planning, while the final detailed coordination takes place with your personal contact.
Your benefits in our personal dashboard at a glance:
- Non-binding initial price:
You receive a transparent first price for your international move within just a few minutes of entering your details.
- Protected dashboard access:
We use your personal data to create your protected profile so your calculations remain securely stored.
- Flexible refinement:
Add your exact furniture list afterward, completely relaxed, with just a few clicks.
- Request additional services:
Flexibly add options such as your preferred packing service or no-parking zones.
- Direct contact:
Use the direct line to your personal moving expert to fine-tune your quote.
Filling it out takes only a few minutes, improves your financial planning reliability, and gives you an initial cost orientation for your budget planning.
Your moving company for Switzerland: DACHSER & KOLB services
Whether work takes you to economic centers such as Zurich or Basel, you are planning a fresh start in the federal city of Bern or near Lake Geneva, or you are relocating your life to regions such as Zug, Lucerne, or St. Gallen, a private move to the Swiss neighboring country requires precise coordination despite the geographic proximity. Because Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, coordinated logistical integration is essential. For your move to Switzerland, DACHSER & KOLB offers a modular service portfolio that can be tailored exactly to your needs:
- Flexible & precise survey:
Free assessment of your household goods on site or a simple digital video survey to determine the exact moving volume.
- Transport-compliant packing:
Professional packing of your belongings by trained staff using robust packing materials for safe furniture transport by road.
- Support with customs-related documents:
Comprehensive assistance in compiling and checking all transport-relevant freight and customs documents, such as Swiss customs form 18.44, for export and import.
- Efficient road transport, direct trip or part load:
Reliable transport by modern furniture truck as a direct trip for complete households or as a cost-efficient part load for smaller moving volumes.
- Secure vehicle transport:
Professional loading and transport of cars, motorcycles, or classic vehicles as part of the move, in compliance with Swiss import and registration regulations.
- Global partner network:
Coordinated handling in the destination country through direct access to DACHSER’s Europe-wide logistics infrastructure.
- Coordinated delivery planning:
Transport and unloading of your moving goods directly to your new Swiss address, even with complex inner-city access routes or narrow mountain roads.
- Optional assembly services:
Professional dismantling of your furniture in Austria as well as additional skilled trade services and unpacking services at your Swiss destination by individual arrangement.
Transport solutions for your Switzerland move: direct trip and part load
For furniture transport across the Swiss border, we use modern trucks specially equipped for furniture moving. Depending on the size of your household, your time frame, and your budget, you can choose between two proven logistics options:
- Exclusive direct trip – your own furniture truck:
With this transport solution, the vehicle’s loading space is available exclusively for your household goods. It is particularly suitable for larger households and moves with a tighter schedule. Pickup and delivery dates are coordinated with you individually as part of route planning. Since no third-party part loads and no additional reloading processes are planned, your moving goods remain clearly assigned throughout transport.
- Cost-efficient part load – shared loading space:
If you only want to transport a smaller apartment, a shared room, or a few individual items to Switzerland, a dedicated truck is usually not economical. With a part load, you share the loading space of a vehicle with other shipments transported along a similar route. This means the travel costs are shared proportionally, making this option an often economically sensible solution for singles or couples. Delivery takes place within a flexible time window.
| Transport solution |
Suitable for
|
Special feature
|
|---|---|---|
| Exclusive direct trip | Larger households & fixed preferred dates | Dedicated truck and loading space without additional cargo from others |
| Cost-efficient part load | Smaller moving volumes & singles | Shared loading space, proportional cost allocation |
| Additional vehicle transport | Cars, motorcycles, and classic vehicles | Secure loading on special transporters or in the truck |
Your Switzerland move process: 6 steps to your new home
To ensure your household goods arrive safely in Switzerland, every international move follows a structured and proven logistics process for cross-border road transport:
Calculate Switzerland moving costs:
You start directly online in our three-step moving cost calculator, enter your key details, and receive your non-binding initial price for first orientation within just a few minutes.
Record moving volume:
In the unlocked dashboard, you can refine your information afterward at your own pace or use our digital volume consultation to determine your household goods precisely.
Select transport solution:
Together with our international moving experts, you choose the right type of transport, such as an exclusive direct trip or a cost-efficient truck part load.
Coordinate quote and dates:
You receive your binding fixed-price quote. We then coordinate the planned dates for pickup, border clearance, and delivery in Switzerland with you.
Packing, transport, and customs preparation:
Our team packs your moving goods for cross-border transport, loads the furniture truck, and supports you in preparing the required customs documents, such as Swiss form 18.44.
Delivery in Switzerland:
After successful customs clearance at the border, our team or our local network handles transport and professional unloading at your new Swiss residential address.
Zollbestimmungen für die Schweiz: Das müssen Sie wissen
Because Switzerland is not part of the European Union, a move from Austria to Switzerland requires preparation for both export from the EU customs territory and import into Switzerland. The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security, or FOCBS, requires a complete and traceable declaration of the moving goods.
Used household goods can generally be imported duty-free as relocation goods if they were personally used for at least six months before the move and are intended to continue being used in Switzerland. For the Swiss declaration, form 18.44, a detailed inventory list, and proof of relocation of residence are required in particular. DACHSER & KOLB supports you within the agreed scope of services in preparing the transport-related documents for Austrian export and Swiss import.
Detailed information on customs and residence regulations:
- Customs on entry:
Detailed information on deadlines, form 18.44, and the inventory list can be found in the DACHSER & KOLB customs guide for moving to Switzerland.
- Entry and residence permit:
Austrian and other EU/EFTA citizens generally do not require a visa to enter Switzerland. Which registration and permit obligations apply depends in particular on the purpose of stay and the planned length of stay. Information is available in our guide to entry and residence permits for moving to Switzerland.
- Customs for return moves:
If you return to Austria later, you can find additional information on moving from Switzerland to Austria in our return move guide.
Perfectly prepared: Important checklists for moving to Switzerland
In addition to transporting your household goods, starting fresh in Switzerland’s different cantons requires early organization of official, financial, and personal documents. Since regulations on health insurance, residence status, and the import of pets require ongoing attention, we have covered these complex topics in specialized expert guides:
- Living in Switzerland:
First steps for bank accounts, cost of living, taxes, and everyday tips can be found in the country profile Moving to Switzerland.
- Moving with pets:
Specific requirements for identification, pet passports, and entry conditions for pets can be found under Moving to Switzerland with pets.
Calculate your non-binding initial price now
Plan your move to Switzerland with an initial financial orientation. Use our online calculator to determine your initial price in just a few minutes and unlock your personal dashboard for detailed transport planning.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Your Switzerland Move
How much does it cost to move from Austria to Switzerland?
The total cost mainly depends on the exact transport volume in cubic meters, the selected type of transport, whether direct trip or part load, and the distance to the final Swiss destination. Use our online moving cost calculator to receive quick budget orientation within just a few minutes. After the detailed volume check and service coordination, you receive your binding fixed-price quote.
How long does furniture transport to Switzerland take?
Depending on the pickup location, destination region, and customs clearance, a direct trip can often be carried out within a few days. We coordinate the specific time frame with you individually as part of transport planning, since factors such as driving and rest times, customs opening hours at border crossings, and accessibility at the Swiss destination play a central role. With a cost-efficient part load, delivery depends on the route plans for multiple shipments.
Direct trip or part load: Which option fits my Switzerland move?
That depends on the quantity of your moving goods and your scheduling flexibility. For complete households and fixed preferred dates, an exclusive direct trip in a dedicated furniture truck is often a suitable solution. If you only have a few pieces of furniture or moving boxes, a part load is usually the most economical solution because the loading space is shared with other shipments on a similar route.
Which documents are required for moving to Switzerland?
For the duty-free import of relocation goods, Swiss customs requires, among other things, the fully completed customs form 18.44, a detailed inventory list, and proof of change of residence, such as a Swiss rental or employment agreement. DACHSER & KOLB provides comprehensive support in compiling and checking these transport documents.
Can I take a vehicle to Switzerland?
Yes, the transport of cars, motorcycles, and classic vehicles can be individually reviewed and organized as part of the move. Depending on the vehicle, route, and moving volume, transport may take place in the furniture truck or via a separate vehicle solution, for example. In addition, the Austrian export or deregistration steps and the Swiss import and registration requirements must be taken into account.
How does delivery and unloading in Switzerland work?
Switzerland’s geography requires precise logistical preparation on site. Narrow inner-city access routes in Zurich or Geneva as well as steep mountain roads are included in our transport planning at an early stage. We coordinate factors such as parking options, no-parking zones, or the necessary use of furniture lifts individually with you and the local authorities.
Is the calculation in the moving cost calculator free and non-binding?
Yes, absolutely. Using our online calculator is free of charge and non-binding for you. It is designed to provide a non-binding initial price for your budget planning in just a few steps without having to wait for a consultation appointment.
How does the online initial price become a binding fixed-price quote?
Directly after your online entry, we unlock your personal dashboard. There, you can refine your information afterward at your own pace, for example by adding your furniture list or requesting additional services. Based on this more specific data and a subsequent digital volume check, your personal contact prepares your final, binding fixed-price quote.
Calculate costs for your Switzerland move online now
Plan your move to the neighboring country with an initial financial orientation. Use our online calculator to determine your non-binding initial price in just a few steps and unlock your personal dashboard.
Your personal contact for moving to Switzerland
Do you have questions about the exact process, need support with transport planning, or want to request personal advice? Our Switzerland expert will be happy to assist you:
