Living in Switzerland
Switzerland is a very popular location for British expats. However, as Switzerland is not part of the EU, moving there is not quite as straightforward as moving to France. We perform removals to and from Switzerland on a regular basis, so we've got the knowledge and experience to help you get there.
Tips for moving to and living in Switzerland
An agreement between the EU and Switzerland facilitates the entry, residence and employment of EU citizens in Switzerland, and obtaining a residence permit is relatively straightforward for European Union citizens.
If you are moving to Switzerland with your children, you will also need to consider education options. If you are not planning to stay beyond a year or perhaps two, you may want to consider a private international school, where they can be taught in English. Switzerland has a number of international schools. Of course, you can also choose the local school, which will normally help your children catch up on the local language.
Medical care is generally easily available and excellent; all residents of Switzerland are required to purchase basic health insurance shortly after arrival in the country. The costs of medical insurance will vary from canton to canton and region to region, so check this out before you choose a place to live.
Alles in ordnung!
Switzerland runs so smoothly because of the rules in place - and people follow them. Alles in ordnung - everything in order - is a key phrase you may hear frequently in the German speaking part of Switzerland. From restrictions on when your removal in Switzerland can take place (not on a Sunday, public holiday, or during the late evening), to when you can run your vacuum cleaner (not on a Sunday in most flats), or go shopping (shops normally close early on Saturday afternoon and don't reopen until Monday morning), be prepared to adjust to a slower paced lifestyle.
Interesting facts about Switzerland
- Switzerland has four official languages, German, French, Italian and Romansh, however English is also quite frequently used
- Roughly one quarter of the residents of Switzerland are foreigners
- Europe's largest clock face is in Zurich - even bigger than Big Ben's clock face
- The headquarters of many European and international organisations are located in Geneva, such as the United Nations, World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization
- The Bank for International Settlements (the central bank for all central banks) is located in Basel
- The Swiss are famous for their watchmaking, and are leaders in luxury watches, with brands such as Rolex or Rado
- Cuckoo clocks are not Swiss, but come from the Black Forest of Germany
- Swiss German is a spoken language only; the written German language is High German, which can be very confusing for new arrivals as they're not as similar as you'd think
Removal quote appointment booking service
Britannia Goodwins Removals & Storage can help your overseas move go smoothly. Contact us for a free, no obligation quote, or by calling 01785 251161 and speaking with one of our Stafford and Cheshire removals specialists.
How are our appointments carried out
In the current times you might prefer that we don't visit your house in person to carry out a survey. This is fully understandable and we can just as easily undertake the survey by video call, using whatever method you're comfortable with, usually FaceTime or WhatsApp.
See what our customers think of us...
Nothing was rushed or too much trouble
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Local to where I live
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Local
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
The team were extremely helpful and even though things were held up by solicitors kept things calm and nothing was rushed or too much trouble. We were impressed.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
The online form could be simplified.
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
Very helpful team, I would recommend your company.
One of the best removal teams we have dealt with
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Google
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Reviews and price. Competitive and a few hundred cheaper than others. Plus good communication.
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
The team were amazing. Made the move easier to deal with, especially having 2 nervous dogs and a cat. Nothing was too much trouble for the guys. One of the best removal teams we have dealt with and we have moved several times in the last 15 years.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
No suggestions.
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Would highly recommend you to anyone that asks!
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
I had used you in the past for the company I worked for and was impressed
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
I was impressed the last time I used you
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Adam, Ant and Gaz were brilliant on the day. Couldn't fault them and certainly did Goodwins proud! Would use you again in the future and I would highly recommend you to anyone that asks!
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Nothing you could improve on as it went seamless
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Made light work of everything
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Found on the Internet
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Seemed like a reputable company
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Paul, Alan and Gaz were fantastic, very quick and very efficient. Did everything we asked.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Keep up the good work don't let standards drop.
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Email to Matt
The service you guys gave was absolutely top class. Thanks so much. Paul, Alan and Gaz were absolutely brilliant we were so impressed with them, made light work of everything, really polite and did everything we asked of them. Keep up the good work.
Kind regards
Neil HiggsUK Quote
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UK Price Guide
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Please note: Our Price Guide tool is intended for moves within the UK Mainland only. If you're moving to or from the UK mainland please speak to one of our friendly team who will be able to provide you with a bespoke quote.
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