European Removals moving to Europe

Some Benefits of Moving to Germany

If you are moving abroad with your job, the chances are that the company you work for will be paying your moving costs. This is good news for you, because it means that you will be able to employ a team of experts to take care of every aspect of the move.

Although we tend to think of sunny climates like Spain and Portugal as the destinations Brits choose when moving abroad, more of us these days are moving to Germany and moving to Switzerland in order to continue working for the company we are currently employed by, or to look for a new career. If you are moving to Germany, this is a relatively straightforward process as the country is an EU member. Moving to Switzerland is a little more complicated, but citizens of EU member states will find it a lot easier moving to Switzerland than somebody from outside the European Union.

If you are moving to Germany, you can look forward to earning a salary similar to that which you would earn in London, but be prepared for the higher tax rate. The benefits of moving to Germany include much lower rents for flats and apartments, as well as generally lower living costs than the UK and an excellent health care service, which is thought to be superior to the NHS. However, if you are moving to Switzerland, be prepared for higher costs in just about everything compared to living in Britain, so make the most of the beautiful countryside and pristine streets in the towns and cities!

UK European removals

Moving to Switzerland – Some Facts

If you are moving to Switzerland, the chances are that this is a career related move unless you are in the millionaire bracket and you are about to join Lewis Hamilton, Roger Moore and Phil Collins. As Switzerland is not an European Union member, the process is a little different from moving to Belgium or moving to Holland, but it is possible. If you are from Britain there is an agreement between Switzerland and the EU which makes it comparatively easy when compared to non EU nationals. The regulations regarding moving to Switzerland to work were relaxed eight years ago, and it is planned that by 2014 quotas for work permits issued to people from the EU will be dropped.

For those who come from outside the European Union, moving to Switzerland is a lot more difficult. Work permits will only be issued if you can prove that you have a particular skill which an employer cannot find within the country, which means that very few people from outside the EU actually get the chance to emigrate to this country.

Assuming you fit the criteria, what will you need to do when you are moving to Switzerland? Perhaps the most important thing is to find a company which has plenty of experience when it comes to transporting your furniture and belongings. With this in mind, you are in the right place because the people at European Removal Experts have the knowledge and experience to make your move a smooth one.

You Don't Have to be Wealthy to Live in Switzerland

You Don’t Have to be Wealthy to Live in Switzerland

If you are relocating to Switzerland, you will probably have heard some of the myths surrounding the country. One of these is that only the super rich can afford to live there, and while tax rates differ across the country which means that wealthy people can apply to different regions for their tax status, there are opportunities for us ‘ordinary’ people as well.

Having said that, many celebrities such as Tina Turner, Phil Collins, Lewis Hamilton, Shania Twain, Roger Moore, Yoko Ono and Michael Schumacher have all lived in the country at some point. The friendly tax system is perhaps the main reason which saw them moving to Switzerland, but there are other reasons for moving to this wonderful country, for example the relative lack of crime and the high standard of living.

Lets move away from the rarified atmosphere of the super rich celebrity and look at what Switzerland means for the rest of us. The good news for us mere mortals is that if your company is moving to Switzerland from the UK and you have been offered the chance to continue with your job, you can move to live and work in Switzerland relatively easily. Switzerland is not in the EU which means that it does not have the same rules relating to relocation, so you need to be aware of the process for moving to Switzerland well in advance of your starting date. But keep positive and remember that if you have a job offer, you should be able to get a visa which makes moving to Switzerland a lot easier.

Switzerland – Lessons in Education

Switzerland – Lessons in Education

Anyone considering moving to Switzerland from the UK will be comforted by the obvious similarities in culture or infrastructure between the  nations, however, there are always going to be differences between European nations – whether its the food or the health care etc. One of the most pertinent differences between European nations are the differences in education standards, and arguably the UK does not have the best reputation when it comes to this important aspect of daily life.

By contrast, Switzerland has a world renowned reputation for education, and therefore this alone could be a great reason for moving to Switzerland; but why exactly is it that the Swiss have an impeccable reputation for education, whereas we don’t?

Well it is perhaps unfair to suggest that the Swiss experience in regards to education is far superior than that of the UK, however there are certainly differences; and therefore if you are moving to Switzerland then you should be prepared for a significantly different way of doing things.

The most immediate thing that you’ll notice is different when moving to Switzerland, is quite obviously, the languages; however, far from being a drawback in Swiss education it is perhaps one of its best features, and arguably the key to Swiss education is the fact that kids are obliged to learn four official languages, which is an organic way to help them develop there mental dexterity from an early age.

Moving from the UK to the Europe

Moving and Culture Shock

Some folks flit around the world without a care – moving to Germany, California, Paris, Okayama, even moving to Switzerland to herd Ibex through the Alpine winters – they’re fine! It’s all about the ride apparently, but not everyone finds the ride quite so smooth.

The strange quality of culture shock is that you never know who might be affected by it, or in what context. Perhaps you’ve seen everything the length and breadth of Europe has to offer – enjoyed a few years in Barcelona, moving to Germany for a few months to indulge the Stuttgart automotive passion, a year in Hammerfest; fast-forward to Asia and you’re struck down by the unexpected blight of culture shock.

The signs of culture shock can be very frustrating to single out without the help of someone not suffering from it. Symptoms (although culture shock isn’t a disease or illness) often emerge due to jet-lag, general tiredness and so on. Essentially, travellers feel out of their depth, invisible, lost and scared.

The fantastic thing about culture shock is that is tends to pass quickly and can help you understand some of the more central fundamentals to keep in mind next time you travel. It’s based around the sensation of fear, which usually culminates in one of three emotional responses – rejecting the new culture (seeking out familiar traits), embracing the new culture (rejecting native habits) or a bespoke mix of native and foreign (the most common response). Never be put off moving to Switzerland, France, or any of Europe’s other fascinating spots simply because of culture shock; usually the best remedies are patience, organisation, communication and pleasure.

The Importance of Preparation When Moving to Switzerland

The Importance of Preparation When Moving to Switzerland

You’ve just watched a programme on TV that shows how beautiful, cultured and diverse Switzerland is, and you want to experience it for yourself. But you want more than just a holiday, you want to live there, so you start planning your escape in the quickest possible time.

Slow down! Before you dive right into the idea of moving to Switzerland, it’s important to be prepared. Contrary to what you might think, moving abroad takes a huge amount of preparation that can’t all be done overnight.

Moving to Switzerland will involve a number of complex issues. You need to think about the sale of your current house and the purchase of the new one, and what about visas, work permits and residency issues? Have you thought about the language, the locals, the part of Switzerland you want to live in, and what about your possessions?

You need to consider all of these points and many more before you can even begin to think about the reality of relocating to Switzerland. Failing to be properly prepared can leave you unstuck and you could find yourself in a foreign country with no-one to help, so make sure you’re probably organised and that you have experts on hand at every step of the way (such as us here at European Removal Experts).

As you can see, it really is important to be prepared when you’re moving to Switzerland. There are a lot of things you need to think about before you embark on your new life and it’s important you’ve got everything organised before you begin, so no matter how tempting it may be, try not to jump in at the deep end.

You’ll be on a Roll with a Swiss Job

It’s easy to see why Switzerland is an attractive proposition for anyone who is looking for a job abroad. The Swiss have a high standard of living, and as they are not a member of the European Union, they are free from many of the restrictions imposed by Brussells on member states. But before you rush into it and start the process of moving to Switzerland, there are some things you should be aware of.

Moving abroad to start a new life throws up many obstacles, whether you are moving to France or moving to Germany or any other country for that matter, and it would be in your best interests to find out as much as you can about the country before you attempt to move there. First of all you need to consider the language. Although English is widely spoken in Switzerland, the main languages are French, German and Italian, so if you are proficient in one or more of these tongues, your chances of securing a job will be increased.

If you are intent on moving to Switzerland, you have probably read the official line which suggests that it is difficult to find a job there. If so, you can relax a little because the reality tends to be a little different from the official Government line.

One of the major bonuses if you do manage to find a job is that Swiss law dictates that foreign workers must receive the same conditions and salary as their own citizens!

Why Move to Switzerland

Why Move to Switzerland?

Just liking Swiss chocolate probably isn’t quite enough reason to pack up your belongings and move there. However, there are many good reasons one might find for moving to Switzerland, and some may be quite surprising.

Whilst the clean air, low crime rates and beautiful scenery are well-known, there are many other great benefits of moving to Switzerland that are not as publicised. There are very low levels of tax in the country, and whilst you may have heard it has a high-cost of living, the low taxes balance this out. With five countries surrounding it you are also not stuck for other places to go and buy your goods.

The rich wealth of surrounding countries also means that it is the perfect place to enjoy experiencing numerous cultures. Moving to France might offer you similar opportunities, but still not as many as Switzerland. Moving to France also won’t offer you quite the same levels of health-care or potential for luxury living that Switzerland can offer.

Many Swiss people speak English too, meaning the transition of moving there should be an easy one, whilst the people are very much similar in nature to oursleves. For musicians, there are even more benefits. Not only are the stunning vistas likely to be a huge form of inspiration, but there are also often numerous grants and funds available to help those who are serious about their career.

So a move to Switzerland can offer something for everyone. And with great transport systems, you can find yourself in the best spot to experience not only the whole country but also a lot more of Europe.

Removals To Europe

Why Just Go Abroad Once A Year?

If you love to travel and love to see the world then it may seem like heading abroad once a year is much too little, and offers you nowhere near as much of a glimpse at different cultures – as well as what the sun actually looks like – as you would like.

So for those who like to get away as much as possible, why only travel abroad once a year? If you love to get out of Britain and move around then why not simply get out of Britain for good?

Moving to Switzerland – or anywhere else in Europe for that matter – will not only offer you a chance to be abroad all year round, but also a much easier way to travel on a very regular basis. Suddenly, heading to another new country will be as simple as jumping in your car and exploring another new place. One of the great benefits of moving to Switzerland is that you are surrounded by five countries, meaning there is always the chance to head off to somewhere exciting any time you feel like it.

Moving to France also offers a great range of benefits, not least that the weather down in the south is much better meaning that those sun-seekers who crave the sun all year can now enjoy it pretty much all year. Moving to France also offers a quick way home to visit family and friends with the channel tunnel being a quick and easy way to get back whenever you like.

Reasons to Relocate

Reasons to Relocate

These days, relocation is on the rise. It isn’t hard to see why either as moving abroad can be a fantastic decision, and if you’re thinking of moving yourself here are a few reasons to tip the scales.

• The food. England isn’t always known for its top-class food, but France certainly is. All you gourmets out there will be in your element if you considered moving to France, and you can experience the delights of French cuisine every single day.

• The scenery. We do have some spectacular scenery in the UK, but can it really rival the Alps? If you have a love of skiing or of breathtaking views then moving to France or Switzerland could well be for you.

• The culture. You’ve lived in the UK all your life, so you know what it’s all about. But are you familiar with the cultures of the Netherlands, Switzerland or Germany? If you’d like to experience something completely different, then moving to Holland could be a great idea.

• The way of life. Britain is an incredibly fast paced society, and sometimes it’s nice to just sit back and take stock of everything. By relocating abroad, perhaps by relocating to Holland or Switzerland, you’ll be able to enjoy a much more peaceful way of life – particularly if you choose somewhere off the beaten track.

These are just a few reasons that you should relocate, and there are many more besides. So what are you waiting for? Pick your country and start your new life abroad, and remember to get in touch with us here at European Removal Experts to make the whole process as stress-free as possible.