Thursday 19 April 2012

Removals to Switzerland –The Swiss Tax System

Hamiltons Removals provide high quality international and European removals to Switzerland. If you are an individual or a business moving to Switzerland from the UK, we will ensure your move goes swiftly and without a hitch. We provide reliable and competitive removals to Switzerland including all 26 cantons.

We are specialists in international removals and our service includes regular removals to Europe including moving to Switzerland and the cantons of Zurich, Bern, Uri, Lucerne, Schwyz, Obwalden, Nidwalden, Glarus, Zug, Fribourg, Solothurn, Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft, Schaffhausen, Appenzel Ausserrhoden, Appenzel Innerrhoden, St Gallen, Graubunden, Aargau, Thurgau, Ticino, Vaud, Valais, Neuchatel, Geneva and Jura.

Relocating to a new country can seem quite daunting at first. To make sure everything goes smoothly, Hamiltons will organise all aspects of your removals to Switzerland to take the stress out of your relocation.

Our experts will also ensure you receive the best advice at every stage, from the packing of your goods, shipping to Switzerland, and transportation. We will also help you with all the paperwork relating to your move including customs requirements for removals to Switzerland.

For removals to Switzerland we can provide removals via dedicated lorry / container or a part load service (for smaller moves.) We also provide specialist removals to Switzerland for the transportation of pets (including horses), vehicles and pianos. Whatever your requirements, our moving to Switzerland service is designed to ensure your relocation is hassle free.

Removals to Switzerland  -  click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service  or contact us to discuss your requirements.

There are many benefits for moving to Switzerland including the high standard of living, beautiful scenery and also the tax advantages on offer.  If you are moving to Switzerland, read on to find out more about the Swiss tax system.

The Swiss Tax System

Over the past few years or so many leading companies and wealthy individuals have upped sticks and moved from the UK to Switzerland to escape the rising tax system. Major companies that have moved their offices from the UK to Switzerland include Alliance Boots who took the plunge in 2008 and US fast food giant McDonalds who moved their European headquarters from London to Geneva. Moves to off-shore tax havens such as Monaco, Switzerland, Jersey and the Cayman Islands, is costing the UK hundreds of millions. Here is a brief outline about the tax system in Switzerland.

Being a Tax Resident in Switzerland

To become a tax resident in Switzerland you must have lived in Switzerland for a minimum of 30 days if you are working, and at least three months (90 days) if you are not working. To gain permanent residency in Switzerland, you should also apply for a Swiss Residence Permit. UK nationals along with all other EU nationals will receive priority treatment to gain this residency permit.

Once your permit has been obtained you have to live in Switzerland to keep it. If you can’t spend more than 180 days a year in the country, then you have to make sure you spend more time in Switzerland than any other country.

If you are considered a UK and Swiss tax resident, there is a double tax agreement between both countries. This treaty decides on which country the individual is considered a tax resident in. It is often the case that an individual is seen to reside in both countries. In which case certain factors must be taken into consideration such as where the individual’s permanent home is based, or the country where their centre of vital interests lie.

You will have to satisfy certain steps when you leave the UK to ensure your move is permanent and will need to take expert advice on this. It is also important to note that residency in Switzerland and losing your UK domicile are two separate things. It takes a lot longer to obtain domicile in Switzerland and again, it is important to seek advice on this. 

Average Tax Rates Between Cantons

The principal advantages of the Swiss tax system is that it is transparent and competitive as it varies between the 26 cantons. This is because cantons have a large degree of autonomy when it comes to taxation and are free to set their own rates.  It means the average tax rates for Swiss-based companies can range between 10.8 to 24 per cent of net income. (This includes national taxes which are the same throughout Switzerland).

So if you are moving to Switzerland for tax purposes, it is worth bearing in mind that some cantons are more favourable than others.

Fixed Annual Sums

In addition to this, it is also possible to pay a fixed annual sum to the tax authorities in Switzerland and this is usually a set amount for life. This is negotiated depending on your own personal circumstances and will also vary depending on which canton you are living in at the time and your expected use of public services (i.e. if your children are of school age you could find yourself paying a higher tax rate).

If you are moving to Switzerland for tax reasons, do bear in mind that this is only a guide and you will need to seek professional advice before your move to find out what is best for you.
 
Double Tax Agreements

It is worth taking into consideration that leaving the UK does not mean you are no longer required to pay any UK tax. If you still continue to have assets in the UK and have income derived from these UK assets, taxation will fall under the UK-Switzerland Double Tax Treaty.

To find out more about this and any of the above, you should seek expert tax advice before you commit to your move.

Moving to Switzerland - click here for a detailed quote of your move or contact us  to discuss your requirements.

Tuesday 17 April 2012

Removals to Switzerland: Living and Working in Winterthur

For removals to Switzerland, UK-based Hamiltons Removals can help. We have over 20 years of experience in the removals industry and provide removals to and from just about all European and international countries.

Our tailored removals to Switzerland service is perfect for  domestic and commercial customers looking for peace of mind. We are members of the British Association of Removals (BAR), ensuring the highest standards are always met and your possessions will arrive safely and on time. Our removals to Switzerland service includes shipping / transportation to all Swiss towns and cities, including Geneva, Bern, Zurich, Basel, Lausanne, St. Gallen and Winterthur. Whether you require sole use of a dedicated lorry/container, air freight or a part load service, we can help.

Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or click here for an instant European removals quote.

Removals to Switzerland: About Winterthur

Winterthur is the 6th largest city in Switzerland, with an estimated population of 180,000 people, only 19 miles from Zurich and situated in the north of the country. It is a treasure trove rich in art, history and nature, and has many nicknames; ‘the city of culture’, ‘the region for conventions and seminars’, ‘the leisure region’, ‘the centre of photography’ and ‘the city of museums’ being just a few. Set among seven wooded hills, Winterthur has grown rapidly but kept it’s unique charm, and has more green space than any other city in Switzerland.

Removals to Switzerland: What is it Like to Live and Work in Winterthur?

The city represents an independent urban and economic centre with outstanding infrastructure - over 75,000 people are employed in one of more than 7,500 companies and enterprises. Winterthur’s central location in the European economic area and low taxes have encouraged investment, and several international corporations are based in the city, including; Sulzer, Rieter, Zimmer and AXA Winterthur. There is also space for small and medium sized enterprises, and the proximity of the University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) has encouraged knowledge exchange between business and learning. Winterthur has become an ideal breeding ground for pioneers and entrepreneurs committed to contributing to a better future.

Removals to Switzerland: Living in Winterthur

The cost of living in Winterthur, comparable with most other Swiss cities is high when compared against the UK, but it is a small price to pay for the numerous benefits. In addition to the city's excellent infrastructure, these include diversity of housing, numerous shopping and leisure facilities, strong cultural offerings and a much higher than normal quality of life. In fact, Winterthur is considered one of the best places to work, learn and live. The city is home to the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), a large multi-disciplinary centre that has transformed Winterthur into a vibrant university hub.

It is also host to a number of arts and creative festivals across the year, including the International Short Film Festival held in November, and these compliment the regular exhibitions, concerts, theatre and dance performances. The Swiss Science Centre, Technorama, offers an accessible science experience for all, and Winterthur has a further 16 museums and numerous galleries, theatres and libraries to keep you busy.

Winterthur is also known as the garden city, because of it’s many beautful parks and open spaces. It has more woodland and green areas than any other city in Switzerland, and on top of all this, Swiss cities have historically enjoy low crime rates, cleaner air and more efficient public transport systems.

Removals to Switzerland: Public Transport in Winterthur

Winterthur is served well by a good and efficient public transport system, and many say that you will not need a car at all. The city is pedestrian and bicycle friendly - in fact there are over 175 kilometres of cycle paths and lanes, giving the city a national reputation for looking after those keen on pedal power.

Winterthur Hauptbahnhof is one of the busiest rail centres in Switzerland. Zurich is only 18 minutes away and many people commute, both to and from Winterthur, daily. Around 150 express trains stop in the city every day, and most European cities are accessible within a few hours.  Zurich International airport is nearby, and can be accessed within 15 minutes by both train and car.

Removals to Switzerland: Healthcare in Winterthur
In Switzerland there is no National Health Service equivalent, so all healthcare is private and monthly health insurance premiums are compulsory. These premiums are based upon location rather than salary, so even those on lower incomes will find that their health insurance bill forms a large part of the monthly outgoings. However, studies have recently shown that premiums are lower in Winterthur that other, bigger cities in Switzerland.

As with most things in Switzerland, healthcare standards are very high, and Winterthur has a highly advanced healthcare system. Of course there are subsidised fees for children and those who are suddenly placed in a position where they are in need of it.

Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or click here for an instant European removals quote.

Monday 16 April 2012

Moving to Switzerland - Switzerland's Top Cities

Hamilton’s provide removals to Switzerland, for all domestic and commercial moves. Whether you require shipping to Geneva the home of the International Red Cross and the European seat of the UNO for work, or are moving to Zurich the fashion capital of Switzerland with it’s thriving club scene, or require removals to Bern to take advantage of the buzz of being in Switzerland’s capital with the historic parliament building, shopping arcades and sophisticated night-life - Hamilton’s can help.

With a location in Norfolk UK only 150 miles away from the Channel Tunnel removals to Switzerland with Hamilton’s are fuss free and professionally handled to give you complete peace of mind.

We offer a full range of removals to Switzerland and shipping to Switzerland from the UK, Europe and most overseas destinations. We cater for all sizes of moves - from the smallest part load to multiple dedicated lorries / containers. Where required, urgent items can also be sent by air freight. Removals to Switzerland can include packing, unpacking and storage or just the transportation of your belongings. As part of your removals to Switzerland service, you can even take advantage of our Moving Maid Easy service and have your previous UK and new Swiss residences expertly cleaned.

Removals to Switzerland are popular because of its high standard of living, prosperous economy, natural beauty and low taxes. Switzerland is a multi-lingual country, which can give families with children excellent opportunities to learn several European languages.

Many people who undertake removals to Switzerland choose to live in the city essentially for work reasons. If you prefer the urban life then Switzerland’s cities are alive with arts and culture, shopping, cafés and restaurants, nightclubs, theatres and casinos to suit every lifestyle and taste.

With so many beautiful cities, it can be hard to decide where to move. This guide provides an overview of Switzerland's top cities and what they have to offer.

Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.

Bern

Bern is Switzerland’s capital city but surprisingly has only half the population of Zurich. Due to its size it has retained much of it’s 12th century charm and the old city, with sandstone architecture, narrow winding streets and fountains is now one of UNESCO Cultural World Heritage sites. Bern is the political centre of Switzerland with the parliament building open to visitors throughout the year. The city is also famous for its lines of undercover shopping arcades stretching over 6 kilometers and the longest weatherproof shopping centre in Europe.

Culture is a huge part of life in Bern with jazz and dance festivals in early spring and summer and a festival of street music with buskers in August. Markets are important in Bern with the Onion market in November attracting fans of the vegetable from all over the world.

There are also many art galleries and museums in Bern with it housing the biggest collection of work by the artist Paul Klee along with a museum solely dedicated to the genius of Albert Einstein. Probably Bern’s best-known landmark is the Bear Pits. Bears are Bern’s heraldic beasts and a visit to see them eat carrots is a must.

The river Aare is a haven for bathers in summer with its pure clean water. The Houses of Parliament and the Botanical Gardens are both situated along its banks and it provides a focal point for visitors and locals alike for the city.

Zurich

Zurich has an amazingly high standard of living with excellent education, health care and transport infrastructure system. As the business and economic centre of Switzerland, Zurich is often the place top multinational companies wish to relocate their employees to. It is also home to the Zurich University and science and research centres and is a haven for students and academia.

However Zurich isn’t just about work and study. It is the fashion capital of Switzerland and home to exciting young Swiss designers along with high-end European boutiques, which specialize not just in clothes but jewellry, watches and bags too. Largely due to the student population Zurich boasts the highest number of clubs in any Swiss city. The nightlife scene doesn’t get going until around 11pm and parties on until the early hours of the morning.

There’s plenty of culture in Zurich too with 14 of its 50 museums devoted to art and The Swiss National museum is a must for any visitor.

Geneva

The French-speaking city of Geneva is known as the capital of peace. It houses the headquarters of the United Nations, the Red Cross and the World Health Organisation and is home to many diplomats and high-ranking politicians from all over the world making it a very multicultural place to live and work.

The beautiful Lake Geneva, with its famous 140 metre high water jet fountain the Jet d’eau, is home to many hotels and fine restaurants on its shores to cater for the many tourists who visit. Pleasure cruises across the lake are available as is a water taxi to just ferry you from one side to the other.

Geneva has a thriving theatre and cultural arts scene with the Grand Théâtre and Geneva Opera House attracting performers from all over the world. The famous Swiss watch is celebrated in a museum dedicated to its history along with exhibitions on one of Switzerland’s other famous exports, the Cuckoo clock.

The heart of Geneva is its old town, which is dominated by the St. Pierre Cathedral, the north tower of which offers stunning views across the city and the lake.

Basel

Switzerland’s third largest city is Basel situated in the North West of the country on both sides of the Rhine River. Basel’s geographical position means it is just a short distance to get to both France and Germany and this makes this city a cultural centre for Europe not just Switzerland. The Rhine dominates the cities industry with imports and exports being key to its finances. Because Basel is situated on the Rhine it is the only Swiss city with an outlet to the ocean and is considered a seaport in this landlocked country. The river isn’t just about heavy industry though and does provide picturesque views for locals and tourists to enjoy.

Basel has a strong musical tradition being home to the symphony orchestra and the chamber orchestra. Musical theatre is popular here along with a variety of classical and modern shows at the Basel Theatre and the Playhouse.

For the environmentally aware Basel is a green city with lots of open parks and spaces along the Rhine breathing life back into this industrial area. It is home to the Botanical gardens as well as Switzerland’s largest zoo.

In October every year Basel plays host to the Davidoff Swiss Indoors, one of the most influential and important tennis tournaments on the circuit and Switzerland’s biggest international sports event.

Lausanne

Lausanne is the second largest city on the banks of Lake Geneva and known throughout the world as the Olympic capital. Since 1914 the International Olympic Committee have been based here and Lausanne is also home to a museum devoted to the story and the history of the Olympics. In fact sport in general is a major factor of life in Lausanne with the

Tour de Romandie a professional cycling race through western Switzerland in April and May, the Athletissima in July an international, world-class track and field athletics meeting, and the Lausanne Marathon.

The city is built on three hills, surrounded by vineyards and looking down over Lake Geneva. Being built on an incline means transportation can be difficult so parts of Lausanne are practically car free, especially the old town with its narrow winding streets. The city has Switzerland’s only Metro underground system to connect various areas.

Lausanne’s cathedral is regarded as Switzerland’s most remarkable example of early Gothic architecture and the old town still has many of its medieval buildings.

Culture and fun meet in Lausanne with a huge cultural festival in July every year with over 120 free events or shows in the old town.

Lausanne is the home to the Béjart Ballet, Switzerland’s premier ballet company and also stages an international ballet competition for young dancers in January.

Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.

Removals to Switzerland: Living and Working in Lausanne

For stress-free, low cost removals to Switzerland, Hamiltons Removals can help. We are highly experienced in European and international removals and have been established for nearly 20 years. Our removals to Switzerland service includes shipping to or from the UK to all towns and cities in Switzerland including Geneva, Zurich, Lausanne, Basel, Berne, Winterthur, St Gallen, Biel/Bienne and Lugano. We also provide removals to Switzerland from most European and international destinations and moves back the other way.

For peace of mind and to ensure the highest standards of removals to Switzerland, we are members of the British Association of Removals (BAR) and as we follow their strict guidelines. So you can be assured that when using Hamiltons for your removals to Switzerland, your possessions will arrive promptly and safely at their new home.

Removals to Switzerland -   click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service, or click here for a European Removals Quote .

We offer three types of removals to Switzerland between the UK and Europe:
  • Our dedicated removals to Switzerland service  gives you sole use of a lorry, for the door to door transportation of your furniture and effects.
  • We also offer a part load service for smaller moves to Switzerland.
  • In addition, you can also choose a special service for removals to Switzerland where you set the removals date for your full load.
Removals to Switzerland -  click here for full information on European removals service

We also provide 20 ft or 40 ft container shipping, groupage services and air freight for international removals to Switzerland. Our air freight service is more suitable for smaller items and is the fastest way to deliver items to your destination.

Shipping to Switzerland -  click here for full information on our international removals service

Removals to Switzerland: About Lausanne

The city of Lausanne is the third most visited city in Switzerland after Geneva and Zurich and lies in the French-speaking part of the country. It is the fifth biggest city and is hilly, enjoying views over Lake Geneva and the Alps.

Lausanne Airport is situated at Blecherette and the city is also within easy reach of Geneva International Airport by a 40 minute train ride.

What is it Like to Live and Work in Lausanne?

If you are moving to Lausanne to work it should not be a problem settling in the city as there are many international companies based here and an expatriate community in Lausanne and Geneva which is 39 miles away. An example of some of the international companies with headquarters in Lausanne include the multinational packing company Tetra Laval, the tobacco company Philip Morris International and food company Nestle, which is based next to Lausanne in Vevey.

Lausanne attracts many people into the city to work. In fact, for every one person that takes their daily commute out of the city, there are nearly three people coming in the opposite direction. The city also has a large female working population as nearly 50 per cent of the workforce are women.

Switzerland is a very cosmopolitan country and it is easy to get out and about as many people speak English. However, it is always worthwhile learning the language of the region you are moving to as it will make the transition much easier.

Living in Lausanne

The cost of living is high in Switzerland and you will find prices much more expensive here than in the UK - and Lausanne is no exception to this. However, this is outweighed by the amazing natural beauty, clean air, low crime rates and good transport links that the city has to offer. The area around Lake Geneva in particular is a wonderful place to live and you can enjoy a high quality of life in this city.

There is also plenty to explore here including the lake, mountains, vineyards (Lausanne is in the middle of the wine growing regions of la Cote to the west and Lavaux to the east), museums and historical sites. The International Olympic Committee is also based here and if you enjoy anything sport-related, the Olympic Museum which opened in 1993 is well worth a visit and is the largest archive of information about the Olympic Games, anywhere in the world. It is a major tourist draw, attracting a quarter of a million visitors every year.

If you like to keep active, there are many opportunities to take part in sport related activities in Lausanne. These include hiking, mountaineering, water sports at the lake and cycling where you can enjoy incredible views from the hills and vineyards.

Public Transport in Lausanne

Lausanne is the smallest city in the world with an underground railway and has a 28 stop metro system. You can also get out and about in the city by buses and trolley buses (electric buses that draw their electricity from overhead wires). About 40 per cent of people use public transport to get to work. There are also good road and rail networks linking the city to national and international destinations and ships which sail across Lake Geneva.

Removals to Switzerland -  click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service, or click here for an instant quote European Removals Quote.

Moving to Switzerland - Renting a House in Switzerland

For removals to Switzerland, Hamiltons Removals provide a full range removals and shipping options for moves from the UK, Europe or most international destinations. Whether it’s for personal or professional reasons our removals to Switzerland service will ensure the safe transportation of your furniture and personal effects from point a to point b. We provide weekly removals to Switzerland via dedicated lorries and groupage for moves within Europe. Precise removal dates can also be arranged for an additional fee. For international removals to Switzerland from overseas destinations, we provide shipping as part loads or via 20ft/40ft containers and air freight. We also provide removals to Switzerland for commercial moves and corporate relocations.

Switzerland is a very popular destination for British nationals to relocate too. There is a high standard of living with excellent schools and medical services. Switzerland benefits from low rates of tax and setting up your own business is quicker and easier to do than in the UK or other parts of Europe. Indeed taxes are a deducible business expense in Switzerland making it even more attractive for potential entrepreneurs.

The country is renown for its stunning natural beauty. The Alps are its backbone and present a beautiful backdrop of snowy mountains as well as providing one of the major tourism industries in the country with skiing. Hiking and walking in the countryside are popular too and Switzerland is home to some dramatic scenery with lakes and it’s famous clean mountain air.

Switzerland has many popular cities such as Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Montreux, Basel, Lausanne and the capital Bern.

Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.

Here we will look at the process of renting a property in Switzerland.

Renting a Property in Switzerland

A good first step when deciding where to live in Switzerland is to rent a property. There are many websites available to assist with this and it is also wise to check out the listings in the local newspapers and speak to letting agents. Accommodation is generally rented unfurnished however you will often find a cooker, refrigerator and dishwasher are provided.

The first thing to do is make appointments and visit as many different types of property as possible to get a good idea of what is available. Many Swiss landlords like to meet prospective tenants personally so even if you are using a letting agency the landlord will often attend the viewing or want to meet you first before the agency will accept your application to rent.

Letting agencies and owners of rental properties like to match the size of house to the tenants. If you are on your own or just a couple with no family don’t expect be get a four bedroom house as the Swiss don’t consider this a good use of space. Also be prepared to expand your options and look just outside a city or town, as rents may be cheaper. Public transport is excellent in Switzerland and train stations positioned on the outskirts will still get you to the centre of a town in 10 minutes - so commuting in is very quick and easy.

Once you have been accepted to rent a property there is paperwork to fill in and references will be asked for and tested. You will need to show a valid work permit, your passport, and the past three month's pay slips with a letter from your employer confirming your salary. If you have lived in Switzerland over 6 months you will need to show an official document proving you are debit free and not wanted by the police for any reason.

Rental rates are similar to other areas of Europe in Switzerland although some very sort after places such as Zurich and Geneva can be more expensive. The rates will differ between cantons, but as a rule of thumb rent should be between one quarter and one third of your salary. You will need to give a 3 month deposit which is returnable when you leave along with any interest accrued over the time your have rented. If you are renting a flat then you will also need to budget for building maintenance costs and utilities. When renting a house you will pay for house maintenance, which includes the upkeep of water pipes, gutters, garden and chimney plus utilities.

In Switzerland over seventy percent of the population rents their housing, giving the Swiss the highest percentage of residents living in rented accommodation than any other country in Europe. A lease on a rented property will generally last one year and tenant rights are excellent. As long as you pay your rent on time landlords can have no other reason to evict from a premises but should there be any disputes it is recommended that you join your local tenants’ association.

Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.