International moving: documents and customs
Welto handles customs clearance for your international move. Prepare an inventory, identification and residence evidence. Specify the country and direction of the move. Moving back to Switzerland follows a different procedure, including form 18.44.
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For an export from Switzerland
Swiss customs specifies an inventory with addresses in Switzerland and abroad for private household removals. Private vehicles must be declared for export with a copy of the Swiss vehicle registration document. Plan the appropriate export customs office and its clearance hours. Destination import requirements are a separate process.
Create an inventory you can trace to the load
Number boxes and describe their contents clearly. List large furniture and special items individually. Values, purchase dates and other requirements depend on the destination. Declare new purchases and later shipments separately. Update the list when the actual load changes before collection.
Agree responsibilities and special cases
Welto handles the customs declaration and arrangements for your international move. We tell you which personal documents are needed for your circumstances; prepare identity and residence evidence early. Vehicles, pets, plants, artworks and restricted goods require separate assessment. An enquiry is not a blanket acceptance of every type of goods or a guarantee of duty relief.
For a move back to Switzerland
A transfer of residence into Switzerland follows Swiss import rules, including form 18.44 and supporting evidence. For ordinary relief, the items must have been personally used for at least six months and remain in use. This is different from a Swiss export; use the official guidance matching your actual direction of travel.
What to include in your enquiry
- Moving direction, destination and residence situation
- Inventory including special goods and partial shipments
- Relevant customs office, documents and representation
Official guidance and forms
The responsible authority assesses your case. Check the current documents and procedure before transport.
Questions customers ask
Who decides whether customs duties are waived?
The responsible customs authority decides on relief. Welto handles the agreed transport and customs arrangements; you supply the required personal evidence.
Are the documents the same for every country?
No. Forms, evidence and exceptions differ. Use the destination page and its linked official guidance.