Your move to Switzerland: what makes it distinctive
Moving to Switzerland means arriving in one of Europe's most organised, multilingual and quality-focused countries, and the relocation itself rewards the same precision. Founded in Antwerp in 1930, Gosselin has guided expats, diplomats, families and military personnel into Switzerland for decades, and we know the country asks for careful preparation long before the truck arrives.
Switzerland is small in size but layered in complexity. Four national languages; German, French, Italian and Romansh, shape daily life across 26 cantons, each with its own administrative rhythm. Whether you are settling in cosmopolitan Zurich, international Geneva, the federal capital Bern, or a quieter Alpine canton, local knowledge matters, and our relocation specialists build every plan around your specific destination.
The country's high standards extend to its border. Swiss customs is exacting about documentation, and the keystone Swiss customs form 18.44 must carry an original signature. Copies and PDFs are refused. This is precisely why an experienced international mover makes the difference between a smooth arrival and a delayed one.
Before the move: a few things to keep in mind
Your entry route into Switzerland depends heavily on your nationality. EU and EFTA citizens benefit from the free movement of persons and generally register locally after arrival, while non-EU nationals typically require a residence permit or an immigration approval letter, and usually a countersigned employment contract, before the move.
These status documents are not just immigration paperwork. They are also required for customs clearance of your household goods. We recommend confirming your exact requirements on the official State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) website at sem.admin.ch before you ship anything.
Switzerland's rental market is competitive, and a signed lease or property title is more than a place to live. A countersigned copy of your Swiss lease or property deed is part of the customs documentation for your household goods.
You will also register with your local town hall (Gemeinde/commune) shortly after arrival, which produces a registration certificate needed for clearance. Opening a Swiss bank account and arranging your finances early smooths deposits and utility setup, so we encourage clients to line these up in parallel with the physical move.
Health insurance in Switzerland is mandatory. Every resident must take out basic health insurance (LaMal/KVG) within three months of arrival, and cover applies retroactively from your registration date.
Premiums and providers vary by canton, so it pays to compare early. Full, current details are published on the official federal health portal. We suggest checking the Federal Office of Public Health at bag.admin.ch before you finalise your budget.
Schooling in Switzerland is organised at cantonal level, so curricula, languages of instruction and enrolment procedures differ from one canton to the next. Public schooling is free and of high quality, but taught in the local language.
Many arriving families choose international or bilingual schools, particularly in Geneva and Zurich, where places can be limited. We advise starting the school search early, as enrolment timing often shapes the ideal moving date.
Switzerland has a strong, high-skill labour market with major hubs in finance, pharmaceuticals, engineering, watchmaking and international organisations. For non-EU nationals, an employment contract is usually the foundation of the residence permit, and therefore of the move itself.
Cross-border and international assignments are common here, and Gosselin's teams regularly coordinate corporate and assignee relocations into Switzerland. Verify current work-permit conditions on the official SEM portal at sem.admin.ch.
Moving to Switzerland with Gosselin
Transport options for your move to Switzerland
The right transport formula for your move to Switzerland depends on where you are travelling from, your volume and your timeline. For relocations within Europe, Gosselin's crews reach Switzerland overland by road; a dedicated van for a full household, or a shared part-load (Groupage) when your volume is smaller and you can be flexible on dates.
Road transport is often the most cost-effective and direct route for European moves, and our crews handle the Antwerp–Switzerland corridor regularly. For intercontinental relocations, sea freight (a full container or a shared-container Groupage) and air cargo for essential items become the realistic options, each with its own balance of cost and speed.
The trade-off is straightforward: dedicated transport is faster and more private; shared loads are more economical but tied to a consolidated schedule.
Professional packing
Professional packing is what protects your belongings across every kilometre of road, rail or sea to Switzerland, and it is where an experienced mover earns its reputation. Gosselin's trained packing teams use quality, eco-friendly materials and proven techniques so that fragile valuables, artwork and furniture arrive exactly as they left.
For road transport across Europe, correct packing and secure loading matter as much as the vehicle itself: items must be immobilised and cushioned to withstand a multi-day journey. For intercontinental shipments, we also ensure wood packaging meets the ISPM-15 heat-treatment standard required for goods entering Switzerland from outside Europe.
Our packing crews handle:
WHY GOSSELIN?
Top-tier international moving services
Gosselin Moving holds FIDI-FAIM accreditation; the international moving industry's gold standard, which fewer than 10% of movers worldwide qualify for, alongside ISO 9001 certified quality management and membership of the IAM (International Association of Movers).
These are checkable external standards, not slogans. FIDI-FAIM certification is independently audited, and it signals a mover with the financial stability, process discipline and quality controls to deliver complex international relocations reliably.
What marks out a genuinely reliable international mover for a move like yours:
G.U.E.S.T.
Plan your move to Switzerland today
Getting an accurate quote for your move to Switzerland no longer requires a home visit. With Gosselin's G.U.E.S.T. remote survey technology, you can book a digital pre-move survey and record your household goods from your smartphone, walking through each room by video at a time that suits you.
Our surveyors review the footage, assess your volume precisely, and return a fast, personalised quote with no obligation. It is quicker, more flexible and just as accurate as a traditional survey. And it means you can plan your Swiss relocation from anywhere in the world.
Ready to see what your move will look like?
Customs clearance
Our team guides you step-by-step through all the requirements
Moving Insurance
By taking out an All-Risk insurance, you are protected from the risks of loss or damage of your goods
Professional packing
We provide full service packing and moving services for local, long-distance, and international relocations
Handyman services
Handyman support can be arranged before packing, on moving day or after delivery in your new home
Overseas or long distance shipping
There are multiple ways to transport your goods internationally: sea, air, truck, or even rail
International car shipping
Cars can be shipped overseas in a container or by roll on / roll off shipping
Art transport services
Gosselin provides high-quality art transportation for museums, galleries, institutions, collectors, and traveling exhibitions
Storage services
A safe, flexible solution for your belongings when your moving timeline doesn’t go exactly as planned
Custom crates
These crates provide optimal security for fine art, antiques, oversized furniture, motorcycles and other valuable or fragile items
Guided Survey
A guided survey led by relocation professionals to understand your household, destination and timing so your move is planned correctly from day one.
With Gosselin, your move includes:
- Eco-Friendly packing materials
- Storage service
- Flexibility
- Transport insurance coverage
Client experience: relocating to Switzerland with Gosselin
The whole experience was very positive. The Belgian team did an outstanding job, especially when it came to carefully packing the furniture and handling fragile items. Their attention to detail and professionalism were truly impressive.
We were also very pleased with the positive atmosphere within the team. Everyone seemed happy and engaged in their work, which made a real difference throughout the move. It was clear that they take pride in what they do, even when handling the more routine but equally important aspects of the job.
Overall, an excellent service and a great team. We are already looking forward to having them back for our next big move next month!
Your FAQs anwered
Get Your Free Moving Quote Today
Start your journey by getting a free, no-obligation quote for your move. Our team is ready to assist you with every step, ensuring a smooth transition to your new life in Switzerland. Fill out the form below and start planning your move to Switzerland today.