Moving to Switzerland is exciting — but it also comes with a long checklist.
From visas and permits to finding a home, registering your address, and understanding Swiss bureaucracy — there’s a lot to figure out.
This guide will walk you through every step, with helpful links, insider tips, and practical tools for a smooth relocation.
🛂 Visas & Residence Permits
Before you move, make sure you understand what kind of permit you need.
Whether you’re from the EU, UK, US, or another non-EU country — the rules are different.
In this section:
- Permit types: L, B, C – what’s the difference?
- Do you need a visa or just a residence permit?
- How to apply, and how long it takes
👉 Read the full Visa & Permit Guide (link to be added when available)
🏡 Finding a Home in Switzerland
The Swiss housing market is competitive, especially in cities like Zurich or Geneva.
Start early, prepare your documents, and understand your options.
In this section:
- Temporary vs. long-term rentals
- Best platforms to search for flats
- Documents you’ll need (work contract, ID, debt record)
👉 Explore the Housing Guide (link to housing guide page)
📝 Registering Your Address (Anmeldung)
Everyone moving to Switzerland must register their address within 14 days of arrival.
This process is called Anmeldung and is legally required.
In this section:
- Where to go and what to bring
- How long you have to register
- What happens if you’re late
👉 Step-by-step Address Registration Guide (link to be added)
🧾 Understanding Swiss Bureaucracy
You’ll need to deal with a few administrative tasks soon after arrival.
In this section:
- Getting your tax number
- Registering for AHV/AVS
- Getting mandatory health insurance
- Opening a bank account
👉 Swiss Bureaucracy Checklist (link to be added)
🌍 Moving to Switzerland from Your Country
Planning your move from a specific country? Get tailored advice for your situation:
🇬🇧 Moving from the UK to Switzerland
🇺🇸 Moving from the US to Switzerland
🇨🇦 Moving from Canada to Switzerland
🚚 Moving Your Belongings
You can move your things by road, sea, or air — but customs and import rules apply.
In this section:
- International moving companies (UK, US, EU)
- What items can be brought without duty
- Rules for pets, cars, electronics
👉 Best International Movers for Switzerland (link to your top movers guide)
📋 Pre-Move Checklist – What to Do Before You Leave
Before leaving your home country:
✅ Cancel your rental contract or sell your home
✅ Notify your local authorities
✅ Cancel insurance, utilities, gym memberships
✅ Collect all important documents
✅ Get medical and dental checkups
✅ Set up mail forwarding
✅ Get extra passport photos
✅ Back up important documents digitally
📍 Related Guides
🏠 Housing in Switzerland
❤️ Healthcare & Insurance
💼 Working in Switzerland
💸 Finance & Banking
🚲 Transport & Getting Around
📬 Need More Help?
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📚 Planning to move from a different country?
Check our other country-specific guides:
🇬🇧 UK to Switzerland
🇺🇸 US to Switzerland
🇨🇦 Canada to Switzerland
Or return to the main overview:
👉 Moving to Switzerland – Complete 2025 Guide