Choosing to relocate to Switzerland from Kenya for work or study reasons can undoubtedly broaden one’s horizons and serve as a major career booster and cultural experience. The city of Geneva is renowned globally for its richer tradition of international cultural understanding and diplomacy, being home to countless international organizations and NGOs. The country holds one of the most significant proportions of Europe’s foreign population – about 27 percent – which contributes directly to its cultural diversity.
Switzerland is also known for its spectacular views of the snow-capped Alps, serene, picturesque lakes, and high standards of living. The country offers a uniquely cosmopolitan experience with 4 official languages spoken – French, German, Italian, and Romansh. With this spirit in mind, it’s no surprise that many individuals, families, and companies are warming up to the idea of moving, working, and living in Switzerland.
However, relocating to the country isn’t just about boarding a plane and flying off; there are some key aspects to consider for a seamless moving experience;
1. Visa and Residency Permits for Moving to Switzerland
Although EU/EFTA citizens have simplified entry into Switzerland, they must still register with the local authorities. Non-EU citizens like Kenyan nationals usually require an employer’s letter and an entry visa.
Point to Note: While Switzerland is not a member of the EU, it uses similar visa and residency frameworks because it is deeply integrated with the bloc through a series of bilateral agreements, most notably the Schengen Agreement and the Free Movement of Persons Agreement (FMP).
The most common visas are categorized as follows;
Short Stays (Under 90 Days)
A Schengen or short-stay visa covers tourist and business visits of up to 90 days within any 180 days. You can apply at the Swiss Mission in Nairobi.
Long Stays (Over 90 Days)
You will need a residence permit which you can register for at the cantonal migration office and municipality. The type of visa you will get depends on your nationality, type of work contract, and the length of stay.
Typical residence permits include;
- B Permit – this initial permit is usually for employed EU/ETFA citizens and some skilled non-EU workers. It’s renewable annually.
- C Permit – this is applicable after several years and with certain conditions met if you’re looking to reside in Switzerland permanently.
- D Permit or National Long-Stay Visa is often for non-EU/EFTA nationals applying for long-term residence from abroad before entry into the country.
- G Permit – for those living in neighboring countries and work in Switzerland.
- L Permit – short-term (1 year) for limited contracts.
2. Documents Required to Ship Personal Household Effects to Switzerland
For individuals applying for the D permit or transferring their residence permanently to Switzerland from abroad, shipping personal household effects is duty-free. However, the items must have been in personal use for at least 6 months and you must provide a filled-out Swiss Customs Form 18.44.
Other documents you will need are;
- Detailed packing list
- Bill of Lading
- Swiss Customs Form 18.44
- Passport copy
- Swiss residence permit (B, C, or G permit) or employer relocation letter
- Marine insurance certificate
- Proof of items owned for 6+ months
3. The Step-by-Step Moving Process
Free Home Survey and Quotation
Our surveyor will visit your home in Nairobi or conduct a virtual walkthrough to calculate the total volume in cubic feet or cubic meters. This will help determine the best shipping method: LCL or groupage consignments for small households and full container loads (FCL) for larger households.
The surveyor also checks for fragile high-value items that require specialized packing materials, access constraints for moving trucks, and generates an itemized quotation detailing freight cost, packing supplies, customs clearance, and destination port fees.
Documentation and Planning
One you approve the quotation; you will be assigned a dedicated move coordinator to handle every aspect of your move. At this stage you will put together essential official documents such as the Swiss Customs Form 18.44 (Ubersiedlungsgut/ Demenagement), packing lists, and Bill of Lading instructions with the guidance of your move coordinator.
Professional Packing
Our trained packing team wraps, boxes, and crates your household goods and personal items using export-grade materials. Every single box, wrapped item, and loose piece is tagged with a numbered sticker corresponding to a comprehensive packing list detailing the contents and condition of the item.
Loading and Transportation
Your consignment will be carefully loaded onto moving trucks and transported to the port of Mombasa under close supervision by Nellions. Our licensed clearing agents will present the export manifest, a detailed packing list, and tax compliance documentation to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Finally, after securing the export release, our agents will supervise the physical loading of the container with your shipment into the vessel.
International Transit
Your shipment travels to Rotterdam then on to Geneva or Zurich by road. Sea transit to Switzerland takes 75-85 days while air freight takes 8-15 days. You will receive your Bill of Lading and tracking details.
Point to Note: Switzerland is landlocked — sea freight arrives at Rotterdam, Fos Sur Mer or Antwerp and is trucked to Geneva or Zurich. The 6-month ownership rule is more lenient than most European destinations.
Destination Customs Clearance
Nellions has partners in Switzerland that handle all import customs clearance including Swiss Customs Form 18.44, duty assessment (if applicable), and port release. They will be coordinating directly with you on delivery timing.
Delivery to Your New Home
Following customs release, the container is transported directly to your new address in Switzerland. The crew unloads the items, places boxes in their designated rooms based on your instructions, reassembles standard furniture pieces, and unwraps large appliances.
Full-service packages include unpacking and furniture assembly and placement.
The Best Movers to Switzerland: Nellions Moving and Relocations Company
Planning and executing an international move from Kenya to Switzerland can be a tedious and overwhelming task. This is especially true when you’re unfamiliar with Swiss customs requirements and the shipping logistics involved.
To ensure a smooth transition free from preventable mishaps, it’s advisable to hire an experienced international moving company. Nellions Moving and Relocations Company is an IAM-certified mover that provides expert packing, customs agency services, and door-to-door delivery to simplify your move.
With Nellions as your moving partner, your move from Kenya to Switzerland can be an exciting and rewarding experience.
Get your free moving quote today. Call us on +254700000002 or email move@nellions.co.ke
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving to Switzerland from Kenya
A: Sea freight from Mombasa to Rotterdam then road to Geneva or Zurich takes 75-85 days. Total door-to-door including packing, export customs clearance, sea transit, destination port clearance, and final delivery is typically 10-14 weeks. Air freight takes 8-15 days.
A: Key documents include: a detailed packing list, Bill of Lading, Swiss Customs Form 18.44 (Ubersiedlungsgut / Demenagement), passport copy, valid Switzerland residence or immigration documentation, and a marine insurance certificate. Nellions prepares all documentation as part of a full-service move.
A: Yes. Nellions coordinates all destination customs clearance through our established partner network in Switzerland. Our destination agents handle Swiss Customs Form 18.44 (Ubersiedlungsgut / Demenagement) submission, import duty assessment, and port-to-home delivery — so you do not need to manage this yourself.
