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Moving to Geneva

Your Guide to the Peace Capital

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Are you moving to Geneva? Surrounded by the Alps, a beautiful waterfront on Lake Geneva, and a strong economy, the Peace Capital is an attractive option for an those who like outdoor activities and a good quality of life. Thus, the question becomes how do you move to Geneva? Well, Sirelo’s guide is here to provide you with the answer to that question. So, read on for moving costs, an amazing checklist, and even free removal quotes!

How Much Does It Cost to Move to Geneva?

The cost of moving to Geneva, Switzerland, from the UK is, on average, for a 3-bed house removal £3,150 – £4,200.

Below we have expanded our cost estimates to anything from a studio to a 5-bedroom apartment. Be aware that these are estimates, and there are other factors that will influence international removal costs that govern your move.

Household sizeCost
1-bed flat£1,950 – £2,600
2-bed house£2,350 – £3,200
3-bed house£3,150 – £4,200
4-bed house£4,050 – £5,500
5-bed house£5,150 – £6,900

Cost Factors When Moving from the UK to Switzerland

We mentioned these in passing, but it’s time to touch on some of the factors that will play a big role in determining the cost of your move to Geneva from the UK

  • Choice of removal company – To save money and stress, you want to hire a professional and reliable moving company. Take a look at our top international removal companies.
  • Volume – The more you move, the more it will cost as space in a container comes at a cost! You might want to calculate your volume, and we have a handy volume calculator for that!
  • Time of year – Summer is the busy season for the removal industry. For a cheaper rate, try any other season!
  • Additional services – Services such as packing, assembling, storage, and more are not always included in the base price. Companies will be more than happy to help, but you can expect to pay, so only avail yourself of the service you need.

Request a Removal Quote

With a move to Geneva on the cards, you should get ahead and find yourself a removal company to help. Request up to 5 free removal quotes now.

Planning a Removal to Geneva?
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Ultimate Checklist for Moving to Geneva

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Below, we have created a specific checklist just for moving to Geneva from the UK. It covers the most important aspects for removals to Geneva from the UK, so be sure to pay attention!

✔️ Visa & Immigration Rules

Can I move to Switzerland without a visa? – Yes, if you have a UK passport, you won’t need a visa, but you must register for a residence permit if you wish to live there permanently, or apply for a work permit.

If you hold an EU/EEA passport, you are able to move to Geneva without a visa. If you wish to work long term, you must register with the local Cantonal immigration and labour market authority. You can read more on the Swiss Government’s website here.

✔️ Necessary Documents

  • Passport
  • Birth Certificate
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Medical Documentation (including dental and immunizations)
  • University Degree(s) and qualification(s)
  • Police Background Check

✔️ Packing & Border Requirements

Crossing the border to Switzerland requires an exact list of all the items you are importing into the country, that you used in the past 6 months, and you’ll continue to use them for personal use.

If this seems unbelievable, you can read about moving household effects on the Swiss government’s page for more information.

✔️Health Insurance in Switzerland

Any person living in Switzerland must have a health insurance policy from a Swiss health insurer within 3 months of their arrival. During the first few months while you seek a health insurance policy, it might be a good idea to have your GHIC on hand.

✔️ Taxes in Geneva, Switzerland

When moving to Geneva from the UK, you’ll need to inform HMRC so you won’t be taxed in two countries. Of course, that means that you’ll be paying tax in Switzerland. You can read more about the tax for foreign nationals in Switzerland here.

✔️Registration in Geneva

As a British citizen, you are required to register as a resident in Geneva within 14 days of arrival. You can do this at the office cantonal de la population et des migrations (OCPM). For more information on the registration process, you can look at the Canton of Geneva’s website.

✔️ Open a Swiss Bank Account

To start your search, here are some of the biggest banks in Geneva:

✔️ Bringing Pets to Geneva

If you would like to move to Geneva from the UK with your pet, heed the following requirements:

  • An official pet passport
  • Valid vaccination against rabies
  • Been microchipped

What’s Life Like in Geneva?

There is plenty to do in Geneva, also known as the Peace Capital, from skiing in the winter to swimming in the lakes in the summer. You can visit the St. Pierre Cathedral, which gives you an amazing view of the whole city, to take stock of the city you’ll call home.

Cost of Living in Geneva

Grocery prices are actually 110% higher in Geneva in comparison to the UK which is quite a difference; however, the monthly salary is also 91% higher than the UK.

Below is an overview of some of the living costs associated with Geneva

MetricLondonGeneva
Rent 3-bed city centre£3,300£3,275
Price/m2 city centre£12,300£11,000
Mid-range wine£8.00£12.00
Rice (1kg)£1.60£2.20
Local Cheese (1kg)£6.60£15.00
Cappuccino£3.00£3.55
Basic utilities per month£190£160

Working in Geneva

Geneva is one of the leading financial centres in the world, and those with experience in banking, finance and international trade will find good opportunities here.

Finding a Job in Geneva

The best way to look for jobs are through online websites, newspapers, company websites, and networking with other expats to make connections. Common online websites for job hunting include:

Ready to Move to Geneva?

Congratulations, you’ve reached the end of the article! If you’ve made it this far, then you’re ready for a move to Geneva. Before you go, you might still have an appetite for more information on moving. In that case, check out the FAQs and linked articles below. Otherwise, good luck and have a peaceful move!

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to move to Geneva from the UK?

How to move to Geneva from the UK?

Is moving to Geneva difficult?

Is Geneva a good place to live?

Can I move to Switzerland from the UK without a visa?

How expensive is it to live in Geneva?