Moving to Switzerland from UK : A 2025 guide to living in serenity
Moving to Switzerland From the UK?
Many have dreamed of escaping the overcast grey skies of the UK and trading them in for scenic Alpine sunsets. Moving to Switzerland from UK could be exactly what you need. Switzerland has rather quietly become one of the most sought-after destinations for UK expats- and it’s easy to see why.
Want to skip ahead?
👉 Do I need a visa or permit to move to Switzerland from the UK?
👉 What’s the cost of living compared to the UK?
👉 How do I move my belongings across borders?
👉 Free checklist download: Your UK–Switzerland relocation plan
Lets be Honest.
Moving countries can feel daunting…
Not to worry!
We have helped hundreds of UK families and individuals relocate to Switzerland confidently… as a bonus we have distilled everything into this up to date 2025 relocation guide.
Great incentives for your move.
Removals companies get booked up fast on Thursdays & Fridays…..
We incentivise a Monday-to-Wednesday move to Switzerland with a 15% discount
Book now, pay the balance after you’ve moved in!
Booking EuromoveDirect after receiving your quotation for your move to Switzerland is simple.
Just click the green button to reserve your move date.
Why Move to Switzerland from the UK in 2025? – Planning your move.
If the natural beauty of Switzerland isn’t enough to convince you to relocate then the standard of living will. With a strong economy, high salaries, and some of the best work-life balance conditions in Europe, it is no wonder more Brits are making the move.
According to Numbeo’s quality-of-life index by country for 2025, Switzerland ranks 5th which is significantly higher than the likes of the UK, ranking at 24th place. Switzerland boasts a higher level of safety than the UK which will undoubtedly make you feel more relaxed. You’ll even enjoy lower levels of pollution which is an added health benefit. It is evident that Switzerland consistently outperforms.
✅ What does this mean for you?
- Less Stress
- Cleaner air
- More time outdoors
- Peace of mind that comes with living in a country with outstanding public services
- A low crime rate
👉 Are you curious about what life is really like once you arrive? Read more about it in our curated guide to Living in Switzerland
EuromoveDirect: Trusted UK to Switzerland Removals Specialists
Whilst we don’t like to boast… but with 25+ years of experience within the removals industry including a solid background in real estate – we’ve seen it all. This means we are more than just movers: with knowledge within all aspects of the industry we can help you with any query at any given step of your process in moving to Switzerland from UK
We specialise in European removals at EuromoveDirect which gives us a serious edge over our competitors. Whilst Switzerland might not seem that far from the UK… It is still a different game to domestic relocation, and we are highly capable of handling such logistically challenging moves.
✅ But what does this mean for you?
You can rest assured that you’re booking a service with the right company, and you can avoid any potential mishaps that would likely occur if you booked with a typical removals company that is more grounded in domestic relocation. You won’t be left waiting around in the dark. We understand the complexity and potential stress; we are here to look after your every need.
“We were honestly dreading the whole moving process but EuromoveDirect made it way easier than we expected. The team was friendly, helpful, and didn’t make us feel silly for asking loads of questions. Everything arrived on time and in perfect condition, and they even helped us with some of the customs stuff we didn’t fully understand. Would definitely recommend them if you’re planning a move across Europe!” – Tom & Rachel H.
Why look elsewhere? Contact us today for a no-obligation FREE quote and make the first step towards your new life today.
Do I need a Visa or Permit to move to Switzerland from the UK?
The short answer? Yes. If you’re planning to stay longer than 90 days –but don’t stress – here’s everything you need to know so that you can legally move to Switzerland from UK.
Post-Brexit Rules for UK citizens
UK Citizens can most certainly move to Switzerland but its not quite as easy post-Brexit.
For stays under 90 days: you won’t require a visa, and you can travel freely as a tourist
Stays over 90 days such as living, working or retiring means that a residency permit
👉 View the official Swiss permit guide
Types of Residency Permits for UK Citizens:
| Permit Type | Duration | Best For | Notes |
| B | 1+ year | Long-term expats | Most common |
| L | Up to 1 year | Temporary workers | Short-term |
| C | 5–10 years | Permanent residents | After 5–10 years |
How to Apply for a Visa
- Secure a job, rental contract or proof of income
- Apply within 14 days of arriving to Switzerland
- Submit your documents at the local Cantonal Migration Office.
🧳 Still not sure what permit you need?
- We’ve helped dozens of UK expats navigate the paperwork. Get in touch for free relocation support – no pressure, just helpful guidance. Talk to an expert.
European Removals
At EuromoveDirect, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive and reliable European removals services that cover the entire continent. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a fresh start, our extensive network and experienced team ensure that your move is smooth, stress-free, and fully supported from start to finish.
Our coverage spans all major European countries, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and beyond. From bustling cities to quiet countryside towns, we have the resources and logistics in place to handle moves of all sizes and complexities. Whether it’s a full household relocation or just a few items, we tailor our services to suit your needs.
What’s the Cost of Living like in Switzerland compared to the UK?
Let’s be franc and talk about pounds. One of the most important factors, and actually one of the most often misunderstood, when planning your move is the cost of living. It is no well-kept secret that Switzerland is known for being on the pricier side….
But what does this higher cost of living look like in 2025 compared to the UK?
Housing: Rent costs in 2025
Rent is one of the biggest monthly expenses for most people, and Switzerland is a nation that definitely doesn’t shy away from premium pricing, especially in areas such as Zurich or Geneva.
Not to worry! At EuromoveDirect we have complied useful information so that you may make informed decisions about where to relocate to and how to budget accordingly.
- Zurich: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around €2,543 per month.
Source: Global Property Guide - Manchester (UK): In comparison, a similar one-bed apartment averages $1,711/month (approx. £1,350).
Source: Apartments.com
Whilst rent is higher in Switzerland, many find it to be offset by quality of life.
Everyday Essentials: Groceries
| Item | 🇨🇭 (CHF / GBP) | UK 🇬🇧 (GBP) |
| 1L Milk | CHF 1.65 (~£1.47) | £1.00 |
| Bread (500g) | CHF 2.80 (~£2.49) | £1.30 |
| Dozen Eggs | CHF 5.30 (~£4.72) | £2.50 |
| Bottle of Wine | CHF 14.00 (~£12.46) | £7.00 |
(Sources)
Swiss Grocery Prices – Expatica
UK Grocery Stats – ONS, AHDB, Yahoo Finance
ONS Bread Price Data
Wine Average – The Sun
How do I move my belongings across borders?
Moving your life from the UK to Switzerland is more than a few cardboard boxes and a Google maps route. You’ll be crossing international borders and navigating post-Brexit customs. It’s no easy feat!
At EuromoveDirect, we specialise in European removals – not just domestic ones. We understand the complex regulations and have fine-tuned our service to make the process seamless for you.
What Most Companies Don’t Tell You…
- You’ll likely need a detailed inventory list for customs — we help create this with you.
- Post-Brexit, you’re subject to import declarations and possible VAT if not managed correctly — we handle the paperwork.
- Many movers won’t offer door-to-door delivery across Switzerland’s mountainous terrain — we do.
- Some companies don’t cover transit insurance or damage protection for international moves — ours is built-in.
What You Get with EuromoveDirect:
- A dedicated removals coordinator — no call centre headaches
- Custom quotes tailored to your volume, timeline, and location
- Optional help with customs forms, declarations, and all required documents
- Optional packing, unpacking, and temporary storage services
- Clean, modern vehicles designed for long-haul European transport
- Frequently updates (no guesswork about where your things are)
We’ve helped hundreds of Brits settle in smoothly — from alpine chalets in Zermatt to city flats in Zurich.
Ready to get moving? Use our simple form to get a free, no-obligation quote today. It takes 2 minutes — and could save you hours of stress. 👉 [Get My Personalised Removals Quote]
FAQ’S for Moving to Switzerland.
How long does the move from the UK to Switzerland take?
This really depends on several factors – the specific locations involved in the move are key but also how much you plan to transport and the size of the properties involved. Factors such as what service you opt for also influence the timespan – e.g. shared or dedicated transportation.
On average, however, you can expect the whole move to take anywhere from 1-2 weeks. For further information please contact us.
Will I need to hire a customs broker for my move?
In most cases you will not need to hire a customs broker for typical relocations as long as you are moving personal belongings, and you are following the correct customs procedures. If you are unsure, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at sales@euromovedirect.com and we will be happy to assist you with whatever you may need.
How can I ensure my items are insured and protected during the move?
EuromoveDirect offers fully insured services, which means you can have peace of mind knowing that your possessions are protected at every stage of the move.
Free Checklist Download: Your UK-Switzerland Relocation plan.
Feeling a little overwhelmed by all the moving parts? Totally normal.
This is exactly why we have curated a free, downloadable UK-Switzerland Moving Checklist – a clear, step-by-step guide designed to help you stay organised, calm, and in control from start to finish.
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