Moving to London from Switzerland | Relocation Guide to the UK
Humans shift their habitat because of multiple purposes. While living in Switzerland, I never had a thought of moving to London. But due to extensive job opportunities I had to. Numerous reasons are developed that urge people to relocate. If you are also one of them, then you must know the proper relocation guide to the UK.
Moving internationally involves various complicated logistics and legal requirements. The formalities start from managing customs, preparation of necessary documents, estimating costs, handling deregistrations and much much more. These tasks can even annoy hercules. isn't it? So, how about knowing steps that make your transition smoother and easier.
Understanding the Moving Process
There are two main steps that are required to make your move smart and easy
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Prepare yourself and
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Hire a reliable moving company
Key Considerations for Moving Internationally:
Initial Planning and Research: Moving from Switzerland to the UK requires thorough research about the key differences like
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Differences in lifestyle
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Cost of living
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Working opportunities
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Economic stability
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Accommodation in UK
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And finding a well-reputed moving company
Visa and Legal Requirements: You are moving from Switzerland to the UK so you need a living or working visa. Research about the visa that suits you the best
Choosing a Moving Company: Selecting an international moving company is the crucial part because this will either provide you a knife in butter, or a baptism by fire experience. So your smooth transition totally depends on the selection of the moving company.
Customs Clearance and Documentation: Understand the UK’s Customs clearance and other legalities. Unlike domestic moves, an international move involves complex custom regulations. You must prepare a detailed inventory list of your luggage, including any high-valued or restricted items. Get the knowledge about UK custom rules and applicable duties and taxes.
Packing and Organizing: Start labelling your boxes. Declutter your stuff to avoid unnecessary costs. Keep Switzerland’s rigorous recycling regulations in mind while decluttering goods.
Transportation and Logistics: Coordinate with logistics transportation authorities. Get knowledge on how they will move your belongings from Switzerland to London. This includes the scheduling method of shipment. Choose between air, land or sea transport. Get the estimated timelines.
Arrival and Settling In: After reaching London, you’ll need to unload, unpack and reassemble your luggage. Get settled into your new home while arranging all the utilities, getting new internet services and registrations with local authorities. If you have brought your car take notice of London’s registration and driving policies. They are different from Switzerland.
Hiring a Professional Moving Company
Pros:
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Expertise and Efficiency: A professional moving company takes all the headaches. They resolve each hassle starting from packing to transportation. And after transition reassemble the furniture and your belongings.
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Stress Reduction: A good moving company takes all the stress allowing you to focus more on settling into a new world.
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Insurance and Liability: A reliable moving company offers insurance and peace of mind that your luggage remains protected even in damage or loss.
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Time-Saving: You can save lots of time by hiring professional moving company
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Customs and Regulations: Professional companies well versed with the custom regulations and the paperwork
Cons:
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Expensive: Hiring professionals can be a bit expensive especially when you want to move from Switzerland to London, due to the vast distance.
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Less Control: You may not get whole control while working with professional movers.
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Potential for Scams: Scams are everywhere. Be Careful while selecting an international moving company as they can be fraudulent or do not accommodate you for the services you are seeking.
DIY Moving
Pros:
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Cost Savings: DIY moving can save you money. It can be budget friendly because you can cut the expense of hiring a moving company.
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Full Control: You can have full control over all things and processes. Everything remains void and visible in front of you.
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Flexibility: DIY moving allows you to work at your own pace and make last-minute changes without being tied to a company’s schedule or policies.
Cons:
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High Stress Level: When you move by yourself, it leads to a lot of physical labour and can be mentally stressful.
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Slow: You will not have professional packers or loaders moving your items, which can cause you to go through the packing and loading process a little bit slower than if it is done with help.
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No Expertise: While professional movers have the knowledge to move your belongings without any problems you may end up damaging them as well, especially during an international move where you also need to deal with customs.
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No Insurance: Your goods are not covered just you will get a loss if any things happen to the merchandise which safety is pretty important in home professional packers or movers
Documentation and Legal Requirements
Effects of Brexit: Following Brexit, Swiss citizens are no longer automatically considered residents of the UK. Knowing the UK Points-Based System is important to discover if you are eligible or not for relocation and employment in the UK.
Visa Types: There are 3 common UK visa types, the skilled worker visa, Student Visa or Family Visa. Different visas have different criteria like having a job offer or earning above a certain salary, or enough funds etc.
Points-Based System: The UK has recently introduced a Points-Based Immigration System, under which Applicants have to score a minimum number of points in order to get the visa. Points are given for attributes such as job offers, knowledge of the English language and pay scale.
Application Process: The visa process includes all the documentation such as letter of employment, financial statement and identification. Exact processing times vary, so early application is recommended.
Residency: After you secure a Visa you can now apply for residency in the UK. Fifteen seconds later, the elevator door reopened and I raised my hand to tell you. Because after five years of continuous residence with ILR leading to citizenship.
Customs and Duties: If you're moving items, understand how customs limits in the UK apply. You might have to pay import duties on belongings moving with you from Switzerland to London because of high-value, or restricted goods. If you are not very careful with the documentation and declarations, then penalties could be imposed.
Healthcare and social security: Healthcare in the UK for Swiss residents visas, work permits and residency and criteria based. It is a good idea to check eligibility before registering with a GP.
Banking and Finance: You can write an application for opening a UK bank account, for shifting money. Make sure you inform your Swiss financial authorities about the move to avoid tax or regulatory problems.
Atrium accommodation: Having atrium temporary tenancy in the United Kingdom will make changes easier and provide some room to breathe while you wait for your permanent home.
Family: If moving with family, ensure that all members meet the visa requirements. Children's education and spouse's employment status should be planned in advance.
Deregistering in Switzerland:
When you are moving from Switzerland to London, it is mandatory to unregister yourself from the local Swiss municipality. Deregistering is an official process that informs the Swiss authorities of your departure and ensures that your legal and administrative ties to Switzerland are properly concluded. Here are the steps involved:
1. Confirm Requirement
2. Visit the Local Municipality Office
3. Submit Necessary Documents
4. Receive Deregistration Certificate
5. Cancel Swiss Obligations
6. Inform Employers and Institutions
7. Settle Taxes
8. Export and Customs
9. Social Security and Pensions
10. Healthcare
Customs Documentation for Moving Belongings
When moving belongings from Switzerland to another country, such as the UK, it’s essential to properly handle customs documentation to ensure a smooth transition. Here's what you need to know:
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Inventory List
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Proof of Ownership
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Declaration Forms
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Customs Valuation
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Proof of Residency Change
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Import Permits and Licences
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Certificate of Origin
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Transit Documents
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Customs Broker
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Insurance Documentation
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Shipping Labels
Do I Need to Pay Customs Duties?
The answer is simply Yes, when moving belongings from Switzerland to London, you may need to pay customs duties depending on the items you're bringing and their value. Since Switzerland is not part of the European Union, different customs regulations apply when moving goods to the UK. Here’s what you need to know:
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Personal Belongings: If you're moving personal belongings that you've owned and used for at least six months before your move, you might be eligible for relief from customs duties and taxes under the "Transfer of Residence" (ToR) relief scheme.
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New or High-Value Items: If you’re bringing new items or items with high value, customs duties and VAT may be applicable. The UK authorities will assess these based on the value of the goods and may require you to pay duties before your items can be released.
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Restricted or Prohibited Items: Some items, like alcohol, tobacco, or large quantities of certain goods, may be subject to duties regardless of the ToR relief. Additionally, some items might be restricted or prohibited, requiring special permits or licences.
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Vehicle Import: If you're bringing a vehicle from Switzerland, you may need to pay customs duties and VAT unless you qualify for relief under the ToR scheme. The vehicle will also need to meet UK road standards.
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Customs Valuation: Customs duties are calculated based on the customs value of the goods, which includes the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value.
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Documentation: Accurate customs documentation is essential. Declare your items truthfully and provide all necessary paperwork to avoid penalties or delays.
Cost of Moving to London
When moving from Switzerland to London, several costs come into play. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated expenses you might incur:
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Transportation Costs:
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Moving Company Fees: Hiring a professional moving company can range from CHF 3,000 to CHF 8,000, depending on the volume of your belongings, distance, and the services required.
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Shipping Costs: If you’re transporting goods via air or sea freight, costs can vary widely. Air freight is faster but more expensive, often starting at CHF 5,000, while sea freight can be cheaper, around CHF 2,000 to CHF 4,000, but takes longer.
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Insurance:
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Moving Insurance: Protecting your belongings during transit is essential. Insurance costs can range from 1% to 3% of the total value of your items, typically between CHF 300 and CHF 1,000, depending on the coverage level.
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Customs Duties:
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Duties and Taxes: If you’re bringing new or high-value items into the UK, you may need to pay customs duties and VAT. Costs vary based on the value of the goods, but you should budget for potential charges if not eligible for Transfer of Residence relief.
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Storage Fees:
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Temporary Storage: If there’s a delay in moving into your new home, you may need temporary storage. Storage fees in London can range from CHF 100 to CHF 300 per month for a standard storage unit, depending on the size.
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Additional Costs:
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Packing Supplies: Buying boxes, tape, and other packing materials can cost around CHF 100 to CHF 300.
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Pet Transportation: If you’re bringing pets, factor in transportation and quarantine costs, which can add CHF 500 to CHF 2,000.
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Vehicle Shipping: Shipping a car can cost anywhere from CHF 1,500 to CHF 3,500, depending on the method and distance.
Saving Tips for an International Move:
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Plan Ahead: Start planning your move well in advance. This allows you to compare prices, secure better deals, and avoid last-minute costs.
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Declutter Before Packing: Reduce the volume of items to move by selling, donating, or recycling unnecessary belongings. This not only lowers transportation costs but also simplifies your move.
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Choose the Right Moving Company: Get multiple quotes from different moving companies and read reviews. Opt for a company with a good reputation and transparent pricing.
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Flexible Moving Dates: If possible, avoid peak moving seasons or weekends. Moving during off-peak times can result in lower rates.
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DIY Packing: Pack your belongings yourself to save on labour costs. Just make sure to use sturdy packing materials to protect your items.
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Insurance Alternatives: Check if your current home insurance covers items in transit, or consider a cheaper insurance option if the risk is low.
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Tax Deductions: Research potential tax deductions for moving expenses, especially if the move is work-related. Keep all receipts and records to claim eligible deductions.
In summary, moving from Switzerland to London requires careful planning and thorough preparation. From understanding the estimated costs, including transportation, insurance, and potential customs duties, to ensuring all necessary documentation is in order, each step is crucial for a smooth transition.
Choosing the right moving company, decluttering before packing, and considering flexible moving dates can also help save on expenses. Proper planning, attention to detail, and staying informed about regulations will help ensure your move is successful and stress-free.
FAQs
What documents are required for customs clearance when moving my belongings?
For customs clearance while moving your luggage you need proof of luggage ownership, custom declaration forms, certificate of origin, an inventory list, customs declaration forms and relevant permits and licences.
Do I need to deregister in Switzerland before moving to the UK?
Yes, you need to deregister in Switzerland before moving to the UK to officially end your residency and update your records.
What are the estimated costs of moving from Switzerland to London?
The cost of moving from Switzerland to London varies, depending on the transportation expenses, custom and duties to be paid, and other expenses.
