Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Apr, 08 2026
What Are the Cost of Zurich International Movers?
Zurich is a popular location for American expats in part due to the work opportunities, but also because of the friendly nature of the population. Three Movers has long been providing international services, and we are happy to work with our customers to provide the best services at the lowest rates. We hope that this article will help detail what factors into the overall cost of a relocate.
International Shifting Companies Rates
| To / From Zurich | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Limits To Saint Petersburg, RU | $1,230 - $1,386 | $1,635 - $1,791 | $1,946 - $2,102 |
| Melbourne, AUS To Zurich, CH | $8,019 - $9,034 | $10,658 - $11,683 | $12,688 - $13,703 |
| Local Area To New York, USA | $3,102 - $3,495 | $4,123 - $4,516 | $4,909 - $5,302 |
| Rome, IT To Zurich, CH | $419 - $472 | $556 - $609 | $662 - $715 |
| Local Delivery To Paris, FR | $240 - $270 | $319 - $349 | $380 - $410 |
| Tokyo, JP To Zurich, CH | $4,688 - $5,293 | $6,254 - $6,839 | $7,434 - $8,029 |
| City Limits To Los Angeles, USA | $4,672 - $5,263 | $6,209 - $6,801 | $7,392 - $7,983 |
| Coevorden, NL To Zurich, CH | $394 - $444 | $524 - $574 | $624 - $674 |
| Local Area To Sydney, AUS | $8,128 - $9,156 | $10,802 - $11,841 | $12,860 - $13,889 |
| Espoo, FI To Local Dlivery | $1,188 - $1,338 | $1,579 - $1,729 | $1,880 - $2,030 |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and other factors. Get a quote custom tailored to you.
Living in Zurich, Switzerland
Expats love Zurich. This is evident with the number of expats that choose to call this vibrant city their home, and the number of new expats that choose to relocate to Zurich each year. Here are a few reasons that people love life in Zurich:
Quality of Life
An excellent quality of life goes a long way to how happy people feel living in a city. Zurich offers an exceptional quality of life for residents.
Industry
There are many industries in Zurich including financial institutions, factories, legal, medical, education, insurance and more. Many expats work remotely but others can find jobs in the local sector.
Public Transportation
Zurich has outstanding public transit with streetcars, buses, and train services. There are also taxi cabs, Uber and other ride sharing services.
Things to Do
Whether indoors or outdoors, Zurich has so much to do. From the Swiss Alps and skiing to taking advantage of incredible shopping venues, landmarks, museums and more or outdoor adventure including hiking, water sports and more, there is never a dull moment in Zurich.
Food
The finest delicacies from Switzerland and Germany can both be found in Zurich. It is easy to find the world’s best cheeses, desserts, chocolates and more at restaurants across Zurich.
Container Shipping Rates
FCL hauling is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets and anything which will require a full container relocation of up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $705 |
| 40 ft Container | $805 |
LCL is more affordable way to transport less than container load hauling.
Less Than Container (LCL) Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $82/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $605 |
| Household Goods | $735 |
International house hauling services - quick, easy and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $655 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1055 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $1210 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $2290 |
International auto transport services to Zurich via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Container) | $81 |
| SUV (Container) | $805 |
| Sedan via RORO | $535 |
| SUV via RORO | $695 |
Visa
When you go to Zurich and plan to stay 90 days or less, you will not need a residence permit. For longer stays, you will need to obtain a visa and permit to remain in Switzerland for longer than 90 days. Visa cost will vary depending on the age of the person (minor or adult), and the type of visa that is needed. You can apply for a Long Stay Visa that includes work permit visa, study visa and family reunification. You also need a residence permit if planning to make a long-term move. Americans can apply for a permanent residence permit after being in Switzerland for at least five years.
Moving Cost
Cost will vary for the move, but it can fluctuate anywhere between $3000 and more than $10,000 depending on the move. Several things will determine the cost and may include:
- Packing services
- Door to door shipment
- Container size
- Amount of household goods
- Taxes and Import fees
- Import fees
- Distance
- Auto transport
Get a Quote
To get a quote for your international transport, you can submit the online quote form. You can also call us at 1-888-202-0036 for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions
An international moving company in Zurich manages full overseas relocations from Switzerland to global destinations. Services include export-grade packing, inventory preparation, customs coordination, ocean or air freight, and final delivery abroad. Optional services often include temporary storage, vehicle shipping, and unpacking. Final scope depends on home size (studio–5BR), building access in Zurich, shipment method, and destination import rules. Door-to-door international moves commonly run 4–8 weeks depending on routing.
Costs for hiring an international moving company from Zurich usually range between $4,000 and $12,000+. Pricing is driven by shipment volume, container type, destination country, and service level. Additional factors include packing labor, customs inspections, fuel surcharges, long-carry distances, and seasonal demand. Full-container moves for larger homes cost more than shared-load shipments. Cost planning details are outlined in our average cost of moving to Europe.
: International moves from Zurich typically take 4–8 weeks door to door. European routes may arrive faster, while overseas shipments to North America, Asia, or Australia take longer. Transit time depends on ocean versus air freight, port congestion, customs clearance speed, and inland delivery scheduling. Weather disruptions and destination regulations can also impact timing. Most household shipments move by sea due to cost efficiency and capacity.
International moving from Zurich requires a passport copy, detailed packing inventory, customs declaration forms, and destination-specific import documentation. Some countries require proof of residency, work visas, or item valuation statements. Missing or inaccurate paperwork can cause customs holds and storage fees. Professional movers typically guide documentation preparation and restricted-item compliance. Preparation steps are covered in our moving internationally checklist.
Yes, most Zurich international movers provide professional export packing and secure storage solutions. Export packing uses reinforced materials suitable for long ocean transit and multiple handling points. Storage is helpful when housing timelines or customs clearance do not align. Pricing depends on crate size, storage duration, and climate control needs. Combined packing and holding options are detailed under international moving and storage.
Choosing a reliable international moving company in Zurich starts with verifying overseas experience, written estimates, and shipment accountability. Reputable movers explain customs processes, provide binding inventories, and set realistic delivery windows. Avoid brokers without direct operational control. Reviewing global mover standards and shipment planning tips in our international moving company ratings helps compare providers more effectively.
