Hlavní strana

When moving to Switzerland, it is important to transfer tax residence to Switzerland as well. On the basis of this agreement, you can bring your belongings, animals or cars (which are used for personal use only) to Switzerland duty-free.
The only requirement is that the imported items should be used by you for at least 6 months and you must continue to use them after moving. (That means not sell them immediately.) Students can import their personal belongings without changing their tax residence.

Import procedure to Switzerland

1) Submit this form at customs (2 copies)
– form 18.44: household effects for import to Switzerland.pdf

2) As confirmation of the transfer of domicile to Switzerland, it is enough to submit copies of:
– lease agreement / proof of purchase of real estate
– work permit
– employment contract
– documents of a similar nature proving your relationship to Switzerland
– ID

3) Iventory
– list of imported personal items on an extra sheet of paper (In some cases, it is necessary to include the volume and weight of transported items. This is usually done by estimation.) Any animals must be included in the list of imported items. You can find all the information about importing animals here: FSVO.
The import of plants other than endangered and protected species is not regulated.
list of imports to Switzerland pdf template
list of imports to Switzerland excel template
list of imports to Switzerland word template

4) Time limit 
– you have 2 years from acquiring the tax residence to import your personal belongings duty-free. During these 2 years moving can be done in several stages.
You can also arrange things up to six months in advance. If you pay duty, it will be refunded.

5) Importing commercial goods 
Duty-free import of new items/products is possible up to the value of 300 CHF.
You can check limits for meat, butter, oil, alcohol and cigarettes here: Goods import limit for Switzerland.pdf

6) At the border 
This procedure should be carried out at the crossing during their opening hours. (In our experience, this can usually be solved outside of office hours as well, but you cannot count on it.)
For more information check their FAQ.

These 3 customs offices allow sending clearance papers in advance. Simply send your files via a courier at least 2 working days in advance and then arrive during office hours (either personally or represented by an appointed person). Stabio-Confine , Dogana di Ponte Tresa  , Dogana- Chaiasso  

7) Residence or entrance formalities
Information about required documents can be found here:
Residence permit
Travel documents

8) Exception

People moving to a second home in Switzerland are also exempt from paying custom duties on their personal belongings. However, this does not apply to the means of transport and animals.

MOVING FROM THE UK TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC

1) Required Documentation

– copy of your ID/ phone number/ other contact is helpful

– proof that you have lived in the UK for longer than 12 months (tenancy agreement, council tax, payslips,  and similar.)

– affidavit that the items are yours

– confirmation of your permanent/ temporary stay in the Czech Rep. (at least a verified lease agreement)

– list of all the items you are moving (items should be older than 6 months, shall not be sold just after)

– if you are not travelling with us in the van (missing out on a ton of hilarious stories!), we would need a verified power of attorney stating that we can represent you at customs

– application for remission of duties and taxes

– EORI number

2) After Arriving at Customs in France 

I. You need to show:

– the list of items
list of items for customs LibreOffice, list of items for customs template LibreOffice
List of items for UK/FR customs Excel, Template list of items for UK/Fr Customs Excel 
PDF example list of items for customs PRINT, Template pdf list of items for customs Print 

– EORI registration

– Czech custom office number, for example CZ123456 (where the declaration will be completed –  list of  customs offices and map are here https://www.celnisprava.cz/cz/aplikace/Stranky/scu.aspx)

II. Request a T1 form and pay deposit for your goods

3) After Arriving in The Czech Republic 

You need to go to the custom office that you declared at the French border. You should arrive at least 2 hours before closing, and keep in mind that the process could take up to 3 hours. Needs to be done in Prague or Brno only. They don’t need to see goods, just the papers.

• Monday: 07:00 – 17:00
• Wednesday: 08:00 – 17:00
• Tuesday + Thursday: 08:00 – 15:00
• Friday: 08:00 – 14:00