People often ask, “How much does it cost to move to Switzerland?” before moving there from the US. Switzerland is a popular spot that draws folks from the US for jobs, mountains and high standards of living.
Costs hinge on shipping method, container size, movers, distance, and customs in 2026. SFL Worldwide simplifies it with door-to-door relocation services and up to 70% savings. Expect $3,000-$20,000+ total depending on your load, including cost of container shipping to Switzerland.
This guide covers sea freight moving cost, air options, savings tips, and container breakdowns. Whether Zurich or Geneva bound, plan smart to avoid surprises.
Average Cost to Move to Switzerland Quick Breakdown
Moves to Switzerland average $5,000-$15,000 for most households. Small loads run lower, full homes higher based on volume and speed.
- Small move (boxes only): $2,000-$4,000 for shared sea freight to Basel.
- 1-bedroom household: $4,000-$8,000 including packing and basic insurance.
- 2-3 bedroom home: $8,000-$15,000 with 20ft container and labor.
- Full 40ft container: $12,000-$20,000+ for big families or offices.
How much money does it cost to move to Switzerland?
Full moving cost range hits $3k-$25k from US East Coast like NY. West Coast adds 20% from longer routes to ports. Factor packing & loading charges, insurance, and fuel.
Prices rose 5-10% in 2026 from fuel hikes and demand. Get multiple quotes early via SFL Worldwide today.
Cost of Shipping Household Goods to Switzerland
Sea freight leads for affordability on international moving cost to Switzerland. Air suits urgent needs but costs way more per pound. Options fit every budget and timeline from US ports.
Pick based on your stuff’s size and rush factor.
Sea Freight Most Common Affordable
Full Container Load (FCL) locks your gear alone in a dedicated box. Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shares space for big savings on smaller loads.
- FCL pricing: $4,000-$7,000 for 20ft to Zurich or Geneva.
- LCL rates: $150-$300 per cubic meter, great under 15 cu m.
Choose sea freight for furniture, bulk items, and appliances. Use for 1-3 bedroom moves. It takes 4-6 weeks but saves thousands.
Air Freight Fast but Expensive
Air freight to Switzerland runs $10-$20 per kg from major hubs. Ideal for urgent or light items like clothes, docs, or laptops.
- Great for pets, valuables, or quick job starts.
- 5-10x higher than sea costs.
- Pick if time trumps budget. Arrives in days, not weeks.
Door-to-Door vs Port-to-Port Costs
Door-to-door adds $1,000-$2,000 for pickup, trucking, and delivery. Port-to-port skips local hauls to save 20-30%—you handle ends.
SFL Worldwide handles door-to-door moving cost Switzerland end-to-end with tracking. So there’s no port hassles.
Container Shipping Costs to Switzerland
Containers dominate shipping furniture to Switzerland from major US ports. Costs vary by size, load type, and origin ports like NY or LA which affect the final bill.
Sea routes take 20-40 days total with steady reliability year-round. Choose the right one based on your home size and stuff volume.
20-Foot Container Cost
This size fits 1-2 bedroom homes up to 1,000 cubic feet of household items comfortably. Average rates run $4,500-$6,500 all-in to destinations like Geneva or Basel in 2026.
- Includes core ocean freight plus basic customs clearance fees.
- Add $500-$1,000 extra for inland trucking straight to your door.
It stays a compact, cost-effective pick for medium-sized moves without waste.
40-Foot Container Cost
Holds 3-4 bedrooms or up to 2,000 cubic feet easily for bigger loads. Prices hit $7,000-$10,000 or more depending on demand.
It is perfect for large families or complete full-home moves with plenty of extras like appliances.
LCL Shared Container Cost
LCL shared containers cost $120 to $250 per cubic meter for small stuff under 200 cubic feet. You share the space so it cuts overseas moving prices a lot. It’s perfect for apartments or when you don’t have enough to fill a whole container.
How much does it cost to ship a container to Switzerland?
A 20ft container averages $5,000 total from the East Coast, while 40ft hits $8,500. Rates shift with port location, peak season, and current fuel prices.
Moving Company Fees Whats Included Whats Extra
Movers charge $2,000-$5,000 beyond basic freight for hands-on labor. This covers workers but not always boxes or tape. Break it down by key service to budget right.
Packing & Unpacking Charges
Full-service packing runs $800-$2,000 for a typical home. Pros wrap fragile items like dishes or mirrors securely. Unpacking at the other end adds $500-$1,000 to settle in fast.
Loading Labor Fees
Teams bill hourly at $100-$200 for two people. Stairs or heavy items trigger 20-50% up charges easily. Most jobs take 4-8 hours, so plan ahead.
Transport, Fuel Surcharges
Inland trucking costs $0.50-$1.50 per mile each way. Fuel surcharges add 15-25% based on rates. Ocean freight stays a separate line item.
Insurance Costs
Total-loss option runs $0.50 per $100 of value. Full-value protection hits 3-5% of your goods total. Essential for valuables like electronics.
Storage Fees Before or After Arrival
Expect $100-$300 monthly per container. Use it only for customs delays. Stick to short-term bookings to keep costs low.
Customs, Taxes & Import Charges When Moving to Switzerland
Switzerland allows duty-free import of used household goods for immigrants who qualify. Prove ownership over 6 months with old receipts or photos to skip duties. This saves thousands on basics like furniture.
Required Documents
Submit a detailed inventory list in English or German with item values. Include passport and visa copies for every family member. Form 18.44 speeds up the clearance process.
Processing Fees
Expect $200-$500 in flat admin charges per move. Inspections stay rare and typically come free.
Possible Exceptions
New goods trigger 8% VAT immediately on arrival. High-value items or vehicles face 4-10% taxes extra. Switzerland customs for household goods remain strict on alcohol and tobacco quotas.
SFL Worldwide navigates this smoothly with expert paperwork and pre-checks. Their team handles Form 18.44 submissions and inventory lists to avoid delays.
Shipping Times to Switzerland By Method
Sea freight takes 25-45 days from US ports to Switzerland. Air freight cuts that down to 5-10 days for quicker needs. Door-to-door service adds 7-14 days for local pickups and deliveries.
Plan your timeline carefully depending on the mode of transport.
Sea Freight
Ocean transit runs 20-40 days from ports like NY or LA, plus 5-10 days for customs and port handling. East Coast shipments arrive faster than those from the West Coast.
Air Freight
Full door-to-door air service takes just 3-7 days total. It’s perfect for urgent essentials.
Door-to-Door Moving
Sea totals 4-8 weeks end-to-end. Air freight wraps in 1-2 weeks including all legs.
How long does international shipping to Switzerland take?
Sea freight: 4-6 weeks overall. Air: 1 week maximum. Holidays or peak seasons add 1-2 weeks extra delay.
Cheapest Ways to Move to Switzerland
LCL sea freight saves 50% over FCL for small moves to Switzerland. Always declutter first to shrink your load and costs. Smart tips cut thousands off international moving cost to Switzerland.
Follow these steps for max savings.
- Use LCL/shared container under 15 cubic meters for apartments.
- Declutter before moving—sell or donate extras you don’t need.
- Book movers early to lock off-peak rates 20-30% lower.
- Avoid peak season June-August when prices spike.
- Compare multiple moving company Switzerland quote online from SFL and others.
- Ship heavy items by sea, light essentials by air.
- Self-pack boxes to skip pricey labor fees entirely.
What is the cheapest way to move internationally?
The cheapest way to move internationally is to ship fewer items, use shared containers and pack yourself. Compare several quotes from trusted movers before you book and pay the deposit.
Local Moving Costs Inside Switzerland Once You Arrive
Local movers in Switzerland charge CHF 150-250 per hour after your international arrival. Expect trucks and add-ons to increase the total quickly.
Average Prices
Local movers typically bill CHF 200 per hour for a team of two workers. Truck rentals cost CHF 100-200 for a full day. Elevator or stairs fees add CHF 100-300 depending on floors. Furniture assembly runs CHF 50-100 per piece. Storage units average CHF 200-500 monthly.
Is it expensive to move in Switzerland?
Yes, moving costs stay high due to elevated wages. Budget CHF 1,000-3,000 for typical Zurich flats
Conclusion
To move to Switzerland, plan smartly for $5,000-$15,000 using sea freight and early quotes to keep totals in check. SFL Worldwide cuts costs up to 70% on full relocations with reliable 24/7 tracking from pickup to delivery.
Their door-to-door services handle containers, customs, and local moves seamlessly. Dive into moving to Switzerland from USA options today for Zurich, Geneva, or Basel. Skip surprises and save big with their expert team backing your move.
Get a free quote today and make your TV shipping from the USA to India effortless!
FAQs
How much money does it cost to move to Switzerland?
Households average $5,000-$15,000 total from the US including freight, packing, and customs. Smaller moves dip under $5k, larger ones top $20k with full containers.
Is it expensive to move in Switzerland?
Local moves cost CHF 1,000-3,000 typical due to high wages in cities like Zurich. Hourly rates and stairs fees add up fast.
How much does it cost to ship a container to Switzerland?
20ft containers run about $5,000 from East Coast ports. 40ft hits $8,000+ depending on season.
What is the cheapest way to move internationally?
LCL sea freight keeps costs low for small loads under $3,000.
How long does international shipping to Switzerland take?
Sea freight takes 4-6 weeks door-to-door. Air service wraps up within 1 week.
SFL Worldwide is a top global logistics company delivering services in transportation, relocation, and freight forwarding. Since 2005, The company has handled domestic and international shipments. SFL helps its customers navigate through the complicated shipping regulations and documentation by providing professional advice. The company uses its network of 200+ partners to provide effective solutions to individuals and businesses. Its knowledge and experience give customers the assurance of safe, quick, and reliable global delivery, along with tracking available 24/7. Its ability to handle over 100,000 successful relocations worldwide is testimony to its reliability.
