Hi,

I have just got a a full time teaching permanent job with a contract that starts Aug 15th and am moving to the Vevey area next week but I have a few concerns I havnt been able to get answers from my searches here.

I have found an apartment and am due to sign the lease and collect the keys on Thursday. I intended to use the first caution service however the agency has told me that, as I dont yet have my work permit, my application for a first or swiss caution may be denied. I have a copy of my signed work contract and a letter from the school stating that they can be guarantor for my apartment but they can not apply for the work permit until I am living in the area. Is it true that swiss/first caution will decline my application without a work permit?

Also my partner is planning to drive a moving truck next week with all the furniture for my new apartment and move in the furniture with some male friends (stronger and quicker from moving furniture to 3rd floor apartment) However his name is not on the apartment lease and he does not currently have a work contract. Will he still be able to cross the border/customs if I give him a copy of my lease and work contract? Or do I need to cross the customs myself with the moving truck?

Really appreciate all help/advice possible. Thanks in advance.

You should cross the border with your belongings, take all your documents with you, passport, permit, rental contract, employment contract. You should also have a detailed inventory with the goods you will be importing tax free, which may include a private car / motor bike.

If you don't follow Swiss rules, you might be paying unwanted VAT taxes.

Use form 18.44 to declare your stuff https://www.google.ch/#q=swiss+customs+form+18.44

http://www.google.com/cse?sitesearch...old&gsc.page=1

A few friends have told me the border control is being very strict at the moment because of the cross-border shopping. Sbrinz, do you know anything about that?
I'd agree with Sbrinz that you need to physically be with your things and have all of your paperwork with you.

It's funny to hear about how it "should be done".

We didn't know any of this when we moved back here. We rocked up at the border with a van full of our stuff, the border guy asked what was in the van, Husband said (in Swiss German, maybe that made the difference) "all our stuff, we are moving back to Switzerland". Border Guy "Very good, now go over there and buy a vignette" ...... that was it

Just to let people know for the future if anyone had the same worries, I had no problem securing the swiss caution and there is no problem getting a Swiss Caution before you have your permit. As long as you have your work contract, lease and relevant ID papers. I dont know why the agency told me it would be a problem and caused me alot of unneeded stress!

Thanks for the other advice!