Hi,

We're moving to Switzerland in August and have a fairly hefty removal cost even without the UK VAT on top of it...

Is it possible to reclaim that VAT, by invoicing our residence in Swizterland for example?

Thanks,
Stu

Maybe you can persuade the movers to give you 2 invoices:

1. For UK services (packing?) at UK VAT rate
2. For Swiss services (unpacking?) at Swiss VAT rate.

Swiss VAT is only 7.6% which is probably much lower than UK VAT.

I moved from the UK to CH 2 months ago. Most removal companies actually didn't charge VAT for moving to Switzerland.

VAT should only be charged for local services - the actualy transport should not be subject to VAT. Only for example, if they delivery to a storage somewhere in Switzerland and have to deliver from there. On that last inland-transport VAT would apply.

And for the rest, what Goldtop said

Great info, thanks all!

You shouldn't get charged VAT for removal to Switzerland. We didn't get charged VAT last May when we moved from England, with the exception of the removal insurance which is charged at UK VAT rate.

Actually that is correct. If you pay in England, you should not get charged for any Swiss VAT at all - this charge is not being forwarded over borders, only local.