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Moving to Switzerland from the USA is an exciting endeavor. Swiss culture and lifestyle offer a stark contrast to the American way of life. From chocolate and cheese to safety and efficiency, there’s much to gain, and this article will guide you through the moving process.
| Size of the Apartment | Cost of Sea Freight | Cost of Air Freight |
| 1 BD Apartment | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| 3 BD Apartment | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 BD Apartment | $7,000 | $15,000 |
*Updated in December 2025. The prices are estimates and may change due to the weight, size, and volume of the shipment
Whether you’re planning a small removal to Switzerland or a full household move, estimating the volume of your move is crucial for accurate quotes. Use our volume calculator below to know if you need a full container or a shared container for your move.
Services: International removals, national moving, excess baggage, car & vehicle transport, piano transport, art transport
Associations: IAM
Services: international removals
Associations: IAM, AMSA
Services: international removals, national moving, excess baggage, car & vehicle transport, piano transport
Associations: IAM
Services: international removals, national moving, car & vehicle transport, art transport
Associations: FIDI, IAM, LACMA, PAIMA
Finding the right moving company will ease your international move. If you want more research, look at all our international movers.
Looking for the best deal for moving to Switzerland? Requesting multiple quotes from different companies increases your chances of finding the right deal and moving company for yourself. Fill in our form below and receive up to five free quotes now.
| Expense | Cost in the USA | Cost in Switzerland |
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $ 20.00 | $ 27.85 |
| Cappuccino | $ 5.19 | $ 5.51 |
| 12 Eggs | $ 3.77 | $ 6.85 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $ 12.04 | $ 28.06 |
| Bottle of Wine | $ 15.00 | $ 13.37 |
| Monthly Bus Pass | $ 65.00 | $ 89.11 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $ 0.93 | $ 2.04 |
*Source: Numbeo
The USA and Switzerland have a tax treaty in place to avoid double taxation. As always, if you spend more than 180 days of the year in Switzerland, you will be considered a tax resident, and therefore are obliged to pay taxes. Taxes are generally lower than those in the US.
You’ll need a long-stay visa for any stay over 90 days. You must apply through the Swiss Consulate or Embassy.
Documents needed:
Switzerland operates a dual immigration system:
Quotas limit the number of non-EU work permits issued each year. Employers must prove no Swiss/EU candidate was suitable before hiring a non-EU applicant.
Becoming a Swiss citizen is a long process that requires long-term residency and integration:
Citizenship Criteria:
Switzerland requires all residents to enroll in a private health insurance plan within three months of moving. The system provides excellent care with broad access to English-speaking doctors.
To work legally, you’ll need a job offer and a work permit. Employers must justify hiring you over a Swiss national.
Job Sites: Jobs, Jobscout 24, Jobsuchmachine, Monster, Total jobs
Checklist for pet relocation to Switzerland:
For more details, refer to the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office’s website.
There are many pros to living in Switzerland, like safety and lower taxes, but it also comes with cons, such as language and cultural barriers:
Now that we’ve covered all the basics of moving to Switzerland, you’re one step closer to enjoying the Alps and the diverse nature of Switzerland. If you are left with any questions, see our FAQs below and read our other articles.
Our mission is to be your go-to moving platform for you and your loved ones. With our years of expertise and extensive network of movers, we’re here to make your moving process as stress-free as possible.
