Moving from Switzerland to Germany – Your guide to customs and formalities Execute safely. Introduce cleanly. Relocate predictably – in compliance with customs regulations.
Anyone who moves their center of life from Switzerland to the EU or Germany has to deal with complex customs regulations. To ensure that your belongings cross the border smoothly, we have compiled all the important information and forms for you—from private household goods to complex business relocations.
The most important information in 30 seconds
When moving from Switzerland to Germany/the EU, Switzerland is considered a third country for customs purposes. This means that your belongings must be exported from Switzerland and imported into the EU/Germany – including proper documentation.
Practical tips:
- Private move: In many cases, moving goods can be imported duty-free as relocation goods – provided that certain conditions are met (including change of residence, use/inventory, deadlines).
- Business move: Structured goods/inventory data (weights, current values, HS codes) and, as a rule, a customs agency are required.
- Risk drivers: New goods, alcohol, exotic plants, vehicles – these are the items that most frequently give rise to inquiries, taxes, or delays.
Advantages of early customs clearance and information
Avoiding delays:
No downtime at the border (paper complete = process stable)
cost control
Customs agency/duties become predictable instead of a “surprise”
Smooth operation
Early registration and customs clearance help speed up the entire moving process, so you don't have to deal with last-minute problems.
Avoiding stress:
Getting everything done early on minimizes stress during the move. You'll have enough time to prepare all your documents correctly and focus on the move.
Better logistics planning:
Early customs clearance allows for better coordination of relocation logistics, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and according to schedule, with no surprises.
Checklist: Required customs documents for moving to Germany
We require the following documents in triplicate for customs clearance:
✓ Power of attorney: To the moving company (including driver's name).
✓ Inventory list: Numerically sequential, per package, with indication of current value.
✓ Proof of residence: Deregistration certificate (CH) & registration certificate (D).
✓ Center of life: Employment contract & rental or purchase agreement for the new property.
✓ Customs form 0350: “Declaration for the relocation of removal goods.”
✓ Customs form 0060: Declaration of no objection (for motor vehicles).
✓ Copies of ID: Passport or identity card of all persons moving.
Duty-free? Check here in 30 seconds
✓ The 6-month period (possession & use)
✓ The 12-month rule (residence)
✓ Purpose limitation & retention period
✓ Relocation of the center of life
You should definitely avoid these mistakes when moving to Germany
Common mistakes that cost time and money
- Inventory list incomplete (without current values/without packing logic)
- New goods are transported as “used” (leads to levies/proof of purchase)
- Inappropriate customs office/opening hours/lack of advance notification (downtime risk)
- Vehicle documents missing or 0060 not prepared
- Alcohol/spirits not recorded electronically in advance (stopper at the border)
Import restrictions in Germany (relevant for CH → DE)
Wine & Spirits
- Are generally taxed; do not plan for any “exempt quantities as removal goods.”
- Must be registered in advance electronically with the customs agent (brand, alcohol content, quantity, origin).
- Depending on the product, customs duties/taxes may apply.
Plants
- Common, small houseplants: generally feasible without special documents.
- Large/exotic plants: plant health certificate from the country of origin required.
New goods
- Customs duties and import sales tax may apply (in Germany, this is usually 19% EUSt-Basislogik).
- Requires an advance electronic customs declaration via the customs agent (with goods value & goods weight).
- Customs tariffs vary depending on type/quality/origin → if unclear, involve a customs agent at an early stage.
Car import
For importation, customs typically requires:
- Registration certificate part I (vehicle registration document)
- Registration certificate part II (vehicle title)
- Recommended: Purchase agreement/proof of ownership
Customs clearance process Switzerland → Germany: Step-by-step
Finalize documents
Power of attorney, inventory list, 0350, identification documents, supporting documents
Export Switzerland
Submit documents, document exports properly
Import Germany
Registration as removal goods using form 0350
Approval/Review
Visual inspection if necessary; for new goods/alcohol, follow up with questions
Onward journey & delivery
Carry documents with you for possible follow-up checks
Your advantages when moving to the EU with DACHSER & KOLB
Competent customs clearance
We take care of the entire organization and all formalities with customs authorities
Individual advice
We take the time to listen to your wishes and requirements and draw up a detailed removal plan
Transparent planning
Our free inspection and online price calculator give you a clear overview of the costs
Experienced specialists
From planning to implementation, we rely on qualified employees who will ensure you have a stress-free move
How DACHSER & KOLB supports you with your move
DACHSER & KOLB is your reliable partner for a stress-free move to Germany. We take care of all customs clearance for you and ensure that all formalities are handled correctly. Our services include:
Provision of forms
We provide you with all relevant customs forms, such as document 0060 (certificate of compliance) and other documents required for the customs process.
Advice on the documents
We offer detailed advice and help you compile all the documents required for customs clearance, such as deregistration certificates, registrations, and inventory lists.
granting of power of attorney
If you would like us to handle customs clearance on your behalf, we will provide you with a power of attorney that allows us to act on your behalf.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about moving from Switzerland to Germany
Do I have to pay customs duty on my belongings when moving from Switzerland?
If you are permanently relocating to Germany and have owned the goods for at least six months, you can usually import them as duty-free removal goods. Customs form 0350 is the basis for this.
How long does customs clearance take at the border?
If all documents are complete and advance notification has been given by a shipping company, the customs process itself often takes only a few hours. However, we recommend that you check the documents thoroughly several weeks before the move date.
What happens if I fill out my inventory list incompletely?
Incomplete lists can lead to delays at the border, re-inspections, or even fines. Each package should have a number and a realistic current value.
What documents do I need for customs when moving from Switzerland to Germany?
In practice, the following are crucial: power of attorney (with driver's name), continuous inventory list with current values, registration/deregistration, proof of employment and residence, form 0350, copies of ID cards – 3 copies of each.
What is customs form 0350 and what do I need it for?
Form 0350 is the customs declaration for household goods in Germany. This ensures that your removal goods are correctly declared and checked as removal goods/household goods.
When are household goods exempt from duty (duty-free/tax-free) in Germany?
Typically, if the change of residence can be proven, you have previously had your usual residence outside the EU for a sufficient period of time (often 12 months) and the registration is made within the deadlines.
Can I import new goods from Switzerland as removal goods?
New goods are a risk factor: customs duties/EUSt are often incurred, and an electronic pre-declaration is required (value/weight, commodity code if applicable).
What do I need if I take my car from Switzerland to Germany?
Vehicle documents (Part I/II), ideally the purchase agreement, customs declaration, and in many cases Form 0060 as proof for subsequent registration.
Contact us for a no-obligation consultation!
With customs clearance for moving to the EU/Germany from Switzerland, DACHSER & KOLB ensures that your move is efficient, safe, and stress-free. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation!
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