If you are considering moving from Switzerland to Germany, you should properly plan things. Moving to Germany means that your new place of residence is in the EU (European Union) and that you have to submit a number of forms and documents to the customs office and the authorities. In the following article you will find out what you need to consider when moving from Switzerland to Germany.
- Moving from Switzerland to Germany: What do I have to consider?
- Customs clearance of the moving goods
- Importing your vehicle – what you have to declare at the customs office?
- Residence permit/visa
- What do I have to bear in mind when moving to Germany with a pet?
- De-registration and registration of your residence
- Checklist for moving to Germany
1. Moving from Switzerland to Germany: What do I need to bear in mind?
Even though Switzerland is not within the EU, moving to Germany is much easier than to other countries, partly because of the common language: German.
Apart from that, if you are Swiss, you don’t need a visa or residence permit – as long as you have a valid work or training contract.
When moving, however, there are a few things you need to be aware of and documents or forms you need to provide. In any case, you should start planning your move well in advance – i.e. several months ahead – to avoid stress and panic shortly before your moving day.
It is also worth hiring a moving company that specialises in moving abroad. They can also help you with various formalities, such as customs clearance. You can find out more about this in the next paragraph.
2. Customs clearance of the moving goods
As the moving goods are being transferred from a non-EU country to an EU country, special customs regulations and import provisions apply. First of all, the household items must be declared, but they are exempt from import duties.
For the German customs authorities, the completed form 0350 is required as well as the following additional documents:
- Copy of identity card/passport
- Copy of the employment contract
- Power of attorney of the applicant for customs clearance
- Inventory list of the moving goods
- Rental/purchase contract of the new residence
- Confirmation of deregistration of Swiss domicile
3. Importing your vehicle – what you have to declare at the customs office
The export or import of your car to Germany must also be declared at the responsible customs office.
You should also take the following documents with you when you enter the country:
- Vehicle registration document
- Proof of identity (passport, identity card, etc.)
- Export customs declaration
- In certain cases: Proof of origin
After moving to Germany, you may continue to drive with your Swiss driving licence for another 6 months, after which you must apply for a German driving licence at the latest. However, if you are in possession of a European driving licence, this is not necessary.
4. Do I need a residence permit for Germany?
As a Swiss citizen, you do not need a visa or residence permit to enter and stay in Germany. However, the following criteria for residence must be met:
- You have a valid employment contract with a German company or are looking for work.
- You are studying or undergoing training in Germany.
- You are entitled to pursue an independent gainful activity
- You are not gainfully employed, but have sufficient financial means to secure your livelihood and health insurance cover.
- You are accompanying a family member (e.g. spouse) who fulfils one of the above conditions.
5. What do I have to consider when moving to Germany with a pet?
If you are travelling with your four-legged friend, you will have to observe a few additional entry requirements or provide documents. As the person accompanying the pet, you are obliged to register it at the time of import so that a document check or identity check can take place.
For pets (dogs, cats and ferrets) you or your pet need the following for entry into Germany:
- EU pet passport
- Microchip identification
- Valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old!).
Attention:
- The entry and transit of puppies under 15 weeks of age is prohibited!
- The import of the following dog breeds is not allowed: Pitbull-Terrier, American Stafforshire-Terrier, Staffordshire-Bullterrier, Bullterrier
6. De-registration and registration of your place of residence
Before moving, you must obtain a confirmation of deregistration from your previous place of residence in Switzerland, which also serves as proof for the customs authorities when entering the country.
As soon as you have moved into your new flat or house in Germany, you must register with the relevant residents’ registration office in your municipality of residence, usually within one week.
The prerequisite for registration is a valid purchase or rental contract for a flat or house.
You will also need the following documents:
- Completed registration form
- Identity card/passport
- For tax class allocation (if available): Marriage or divorce contract and birth certificates of the child/children.
7. Checklist for moving to Germany
As you have probably already noticed, moving to Germany involves various formalities. To make sure you don’t lose track of them, we have put together the following checklist for you:
- Cancelling your tenancy agreement in good time
- Cancellation of all other Swiss contracts that are no longer needed (electricity and gas provider, cable provider, mobile phone contract, etc.)
- Optional: Hiring a moving company (that offers moving abroad)
- Purchasing of moving material
- Confirmation of deregistration from your place of residence in Switzerland
- Copy of your employment contract or training contract
- Valid identity card or passport
- Purchase or rental contract of your residence in Germany
- Customs forms (for moving and vehicle)
- Valid identity card or passport
- Inventory list of the household goods
- If you own a pet: EU pet passport, microchip identification and rabies vaccination
- Registration at the Residents’ Registration Office in Germany within 7 days after moving
You can find a general checklist for stress-free moving here.
