Moving to Switzerland from Canada — Now

Switzerland enjoys the best of all four distinct seasons. Moving to Switzerland allows your enjoyment of the world class skiing as the snow arrives in late fall and leaves in early spring. Winter precipitation levels now require ski hills create artificial snow to be able to deliver expected great skiing experiences. Spring, summer and autumn (i.e. April through October) present beauty, from spring meadows to fall leaves.

The desirability of retiring to Switzerland has high costs. Among the larger cities Zürich is more expensive than even New York.

Retiring to Switzerland requires a prearranged Type D Visa. Each of the 26 Cantons control their own immigration. All Cantons require residency permit arrangement within 14 days and a non-working residency permit. Note – Your Type D Visa requires proof of securing health care insurance from a Swiss insurance company.

Moving to Switzerland success depends on your destination Canton. As with many things in life, the devil is in the details. In Switzerland those details are under the control of each of the 26 Cantons. Cantons also have language idiosyncrasies. Over 60% of the population use Swiss German. Note that Swiss German includes over 3000 words outside of standard German. Over 20% speak French – western regions particularly. About 8% speak Italian – southern regions particularly. French and Italian used by the Swiss also have unique words, called Helvetisms. Local language consideration eases any successful move to Switzerland.

Remember that Switzerland is NOT part of the EU or European Union Customs Union, but it is part of the Schengen area. While many of its operating realities follow European Union operation Switzerland retains its own independent sovereignty.

Recording of your possession inventory is critical, for the successful move to Switzerland. Unlisted, new or unused items, as well as prohibited items, will put your move and its costs at risk. Recording errors will delay processing requiring extended storage that in turn add unexpected demurrage charges.

Swiss culture is different. Yes translating from English to official language is required. It adds processing time, however there is also a less stressful attitude to dealing with household goods being imported, for those moving there.

Relocating to Bern

Relocating to Geneva

Relocating to Zurich

Packing your possessions with an eye beyond just their movement between truck, train and sea will help with avoiding unexpected storage charges during Customs inspection. Unpacking and repacking can be needlessly time consuming, adding often unexpected charges for storage and handling. Allowing for efficient removal and repack reduces that risk.