Practical tips for registration and residence permits in Switzerland
Anyone moving to Switzerland will quickly notice that things here are very well organised. To make sure everything runs smoothly after your move, it is important to know the administrative steps …
Everything important at a glance
Practical tips for registration and residence permits in Switzerland
Anyone moving to Switzerland will quickly notice that things here are very well organised. To make sure everything runs smoothly after your move, it is important to know the administrative steps.
1. Apply for a residence permit
As an EU/EFTA citizen, you need a residence permit (usually a B permit). As a rule, you will need:
- An employment contract or proof of sufficient financial means
- Proof of health insurance
- A tenancy agreement or residential address in Switzerland
The application is made at the municipal administration of your new place of residence.
2. Take out health insurance
Health insurance is compulsory in Switzerland and must be taken out within 3 months of arrival. Many newcomers are surprised because the Swiss system is privately organised – so it is worth comparing several providers.
3. Register with the municipality
You must register with the residents' registration office within 14 days of moving in. Be sure to bring your ID, tenancy agreement and employment contract. These deadlines are particularly relevant for a move from Germany to Switzerland, the most common country of origin among our customers.
4. Vehicle & driving licence
If you move with your own car, you must re-register it within one year. Your driving licence will also be converted into a Swiss driving licence.
Tip: It is best to draw up a checklist in advance – it saves time, stress and trips to the authorities.
How much does your move cost?
You can see the guide price for your apartment in 2 minutes in the calculator above – with a 20% new-customer discount. The price becomes binding after the free on-site survey.
| Apartment Size | Guide value | Included |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 1.5 rooms | from CHF 550 | Furniture assembly, protective materials, insurance |
| 2 – 2.5 rooms | from CHF 850 | Furniture assembly, protective materials, insurance |
| 3 – 3.5 rooms | from CHF 990.– | Furniture assembly, protective materials, insurance |
| 4 – 4.5 rooms | from CHF 1'490.– | Furniture assembly, protective materials, insurance |
| 5 – 5.5 rooms | from CHF 1'790.– | Furniture assembly, protective materials, insurance |
| 6 – 6.5 rooms | from CHF 1'990.– | Furniture assembly, protective materials, insurance |
All prices include insurance and exclude 8.1% VAT. Guide values are based on average effort; the exact amount is determined during the free on-site survey and invoiced according to actual working time, including travel to and from the site.
After reading: your personal checklist with deadlines
With your quote you get access to the customer portal: a checklist with deadlines, ready-made letters with your new address and direct links to the official authorities.
- Municipality Registration and deregistration usually within 14 days, online via eUmzugCH.
- Post Set up mail forwarding at least 4 working days before your move.
- Insurance Letters with your new address, 23 insurers and health insurance funds on file.
- Serafe do nothing – the address is updated automatically via the residents' registration office.
7 days free with every quote · when you book your move permanently included
Next upTap to tick off
- –Notify insurersLetter ready
- –Set up mail forwardingDo it online
- –Report your departureDo it online
- –Report your arrivalDo it online
Preview to try out – the complete portal is shown in the Live demo.
Your move – Quote within 24 hours
You take care of the registration, we take care of the transport: just give us the essentials – floor and lift are optional. Quote within 24 hours.
- Parking reservation on moving day we organise it for you free of charge.
- Quote within 24 hours – personally from our team.
- 20% new-customer discount on all services.
- Furniture assembly and end-of-tenancy cleaning from a single provider on request.
Plan your move – survey by video or on site
The survey via WhatsApp video takes around 20–25 minutes. You will receive your quote within 24 hours.
- Takes approx. 20–25 minutes
- On site at your home or conveniently via WhatsApp video
- Quote within 24 hours – with a 20% new-customer discount
Prefer to call? 044 589 67 77 · WhatsApp
Services and pages on this topic
4.8 out of 5 stars from 184 Google reviews
Frequently asked questions
Do EU citizens need a permit for a short work assignment in Switzerland?
EU or EFTA nationals who work in Switzerland for no more than three months or 90 working days per calendar year do not need a residence permit. According to the Staatssekretariat für Migration (State Secretariat for Migration, SEM), the notification procedure is then sufficient, and it is completed online before work begins. Longer assignments require an L or B permit.
What is the difference between an L and a B permit when moving to Switzerland?
The L permit is intended for short stays, for example with an employment contract of three months to less than one year, and is valid for as long as the contract. EU and EFTA citizens with an employment contract of one year or more, or an open-ended one, receive the B permit; it is valid for five years and can be renewed.
Where do I exchange a foreign driving licence for a Swiss one?
At the Strassenverkehrsamt (road traffic office) of your canton of residence. There you usually submit your current licence, a passport photo, an eye test and a copy of your passport or foreign national ID card. Holders of an EU driving licence generally do not need to take a new test. The cantonal office lists the exact documents on its website.
When can I get a C settlement permit in Switzerland?
As a rule, after ten years of uninterrupted residence. Nationals of several EU and EFTA countries, including Germany, France, Italy and Austria, can obtain a C permit after just five years thanks to settlement agreements. Good integration is an additional requirement; the cantonal Migrationsamt (migration office) is responsible.
What are the customs rules for furniture and household goods when moving to Switzerland?
Household effects are duty-free if you have used them yourself for at least six months and will continue to use them in Switzerland. According to the BAZG (Federal Office for Customs and Border Security), you declare them with form 18.44 and an inventory list. For international moves we handle this process completely, from export in the country of origin to import into Switzerland.
What documents does a dog need to enter Switzerland?
According to the BLV (Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office), a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and a pet passport; the same applies to cats and ferrets from EU countries. After registering in your new Gemeinde (municipality), the dog must also be registered in the AMICUS database with your Swiss address. Carry the documents with you when entering the country in your own car.
Related services and guides
Official authorities: ch.ch: Deregistering and registering · eUmzugCH
