The banks of Zurich, the pharmaceutical companies of Basel, the international organisations of Geneva and the universities of Lausanne attract skilled professionals and students from Turkey every year. Logistically, moving to Switzerland differs from moving to Germany or the Netherlands in one key respect: Switzerland is not a member of the European Union. This means your goods leave Turkey, transit the EU first, and then undergo a second customs entry at the Swiss border. With the right paperwork (Form 18.44) your belongings enter tax-free; with incomplete paperwork they wait at the border. In this guide we explain Switzerland's relief for removal goods, the documents, the double customs process and delivery to Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern and Lausanne.
What Changes When the Destination Is Outside the EU?
| Germany / Netherlands (EU) | Switzerland (non-EU) | |
|---|---|---|
| Customs entry | One: EU customs office of arrival | Two: EU transit + Swiss entry |
| Transit document | T1 (Turkey → EU) | T1 (Turkey → EU → Swiss border) |
| Relief form | National form (e.g. Zoll 0350) | Form 18.44 (Übersiedlungsgut / effets de déménagement) |
| VAT | 19% / 21% (zero under relief) | 8.1% (zero under relief) |
| Border crossing | Free movement | Customs posts such as Basel/Weil am Rhein, Schaffhausen, Chiasso; office hours apply |
Swiss Relief for Removal Goods (Form 18.44)
The Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG/OFDF) exempts the used household goods of anyone transferring their residence to Switzerland from customs duty and VAT. The application is made at the border using Form 18.44 ("Erklärung für die Abfertigung von Übersiedlungsgut"). The conditions are:
- Settlement in Switzerland: a B (annual) or L (short-term, 12 months+) residence permit, a C permit or Swiss citizenship; the permit approval letter (Zusicherung der Aufenthaltsbewilligung) is sufficient for the application.
- The goods have been used for at least 6 months.
- Import within 2 years of the date of settlement (more flexible than the EU).
- The goods are for personal use and not in commercial quantities.
Form 18.44 is presented at the border when the goods enter; it is signed by the owner or by the customs broker they have authorised. We prepare the form and the attached item list (in German, French, Italian or English) for you.
Required Documents
- Passport and Swiss residence permit or the canton's permit approval letter (Zusicherung)
- Tenancy agreement or employment contract (Swiss address)
- Municipal registration (Anmeldung bei der Gemeinde) — if available; otherwise it can follow later
- Proof of residence in Turkey
- Item list (box number, contents, quantity, value in CHF/EUR)
- Form 18.44 and power of attorney
- Invoices for any new items (8.1% VAT in Switzerland plus customs duty where applicable — Swiss customs duty is weight-based)
The Double Customs Process Step by Step
- Survey and quote: Volume and transport method are agreed.
- Document preparation: Form 18.44, item list, power of attorney.
- Packing and loading: At your address in Turkey.
- Turkish export + T1: Exit via Kapıkule; the T1 transit stays open as far as the Swiss border.
- EU transit: Bulgaria – Serbia – Hungary – Austria – Germany (towards Basel), or Austria (towards St. Margrethen), or Italy (towards Chiasso).
- Swiss border: The T1 is closed at the customs post, the relief declaration is lodged with Form 18.44, and documents and/or goods are inspected. Border posts handle commercial clearances during office hours only; vehicle scheduling is planned accordingly.
- Delivery: To Zurich, Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Lugano and other cities; furniture assembly and removal of packing materials.
Transit time is 6-10 days by groupage and 5-7 days with a dedicated vehicle. Regular departures on our Switzerland route; our Frankfurt warehouse serves as a staging point for the Basel approach.
Swiss-Specific Rules and Delivery Notes
- Food: Switzerland is stricter than the EU on meat, dairy and certain other foods; anything beyond personal quantities is taxed or refused.
- Alcohol and tobacco: Outside the relief; small personal quantities are admitted with duty.
- Vehicles: A car registered in your name for 6 months enters duty-free under Form 18.44; registration in Switzerland follows a separate procedure.
- Heavy vehicle charge (LSVA): Trucks in Switzerland pay a distance-based tax; it is included in our quote.
- Sunday and night-time ban: Trucks may not operate in Switzerland on Sundays or between 22:00 and 05:00; delivery plans take this into account.
- City centres: In central Zurich and Geneva a parking permit is obtained from the city; an external furniture lift is planned for older buildings.
- Electricity: 230V/50Hz; Swiss sockets (Type J) are three-pin — some Turkish Schuko plugs need an adapter.
What Determines the Cost?
- Volume (m³); groupage or dedicated vehicle
- Double customs services: export declaration, T1, Swiss entry and Form 18.44
- LSVA and the delivery distance within Switzerland
- Delivery conditions: parking permit, floor level, external lift
- Packing, insurance, interim storage
Case Study: A Banking Professional Moving from Istanbul to Zurich
A professional starting a job at a bank in Zurich is bringing the contents of his two-bedroom flat in Istanbul. Form 18.44 is prepared using the canton's permit approval letter (Zusicherung) and the tenancy agreement; the item list is in German. Volume 18 m³, groupage. On day four the goods are transferred to the Switzerland vehicle at our Frankfurt warehouse; on day six the T1 is closed and the relief declaration lodged at the Basel/Weil am Rhein post, with two boxes opened for inspection. Delivery and assembly in Zurich Oerlikon on day seven. Tax due: zero.
Why REG Transport?
- A team experienced in Switzerland's double customs structure; we handle Form 18.44 and the T1 formalities ourselves.
- Our own vehicle fleet; transit warehouse in Frankfurt.
- A single point of contact, a transparent quote (LSVA included), CMR cover plus optional full-value insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
My residence permit hasn't been printed yet, but I have the canton's approval letter.
The Zusicherung der Aufenthaltsbewilligung is sufficient for Form 18.44.
How long does it take to ship household goods from Turkey to Switzerland?
6-10 days by groupage, 5-7 days with a dedicated vehicle.
Will my goods be taxed in the EU?
No; they cross the EU tax-free under T1 transit, and the declaration is lodged only on entry into Switzerland.
What if I bring new furniture?
8.1% VAT and weight-based customs duty are payable in Switzerland; it is declared separately.
Let's Plan Your Move to Switzerland
Send us your item list and receive a written quote the same day. Details: international household removals, and more guides on our complete guide to moving household goods abroad.
