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Moving to Switzerland

Are you about to move to Switzerland? Our tips and services help make your move as well-organized as possible.
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4 steps to make your move to Switzerland easier

What do you need to consider when moving to Switzerland? What are the possible challenges? Is it the right step for you and your family? Comparis provides comprehensive information:

You've made your decision: you want to live in Switzerland. You now have to start planning your move. In addition to information, Comparis offers a range of services to make your relocation easier.

The time has come: you're about to move. Comparis helps you remember the most important steps.

You've arrived. Welcome to Switzerland! You’ll want to get your new home set up and then settle in as quickly as possible. Comparis can help you by providing comparisons of various services in a whole range of areas. We’ll also introduce you to the culture and peculiarities of life here.

How Comparis can help you with your move to Switzerland

Being well prepared is everything when you’re relocating. Comparis can help by providing a huge amount of knowledge in one place. What’s more, you can also find your new apartment or house through our website – and you can compare goods and services relating to areas such as insurance, finance, mobility, health and telecommunications.

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Important things to know

Our content, tips and comparisons are available to you free of charge.

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Extensive product comparisons

Find and compare the right products and services for your needs.

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Independent and neutral

Neither the government nor any other company holds any stake in Comparis. Comparis is independent and neutral.

Hand with stars

Important things to know

Our content, tips and comparisons are available to you free of charge.

Mobile phone with pop-ups

Extensive product comparisons

Find and compare the right products and services for your needs.

Hands shaking

Independent and neutral

Neither the government nor any other company holds any stake in Comparis. Comparis is independent and neutral.

From initial thoughts about moving... to life in Switzerland

Whether you’re just playing with the idea, about to move, or have already relocated to Switzerland – we provide tips on the challenges involved.

Practical tips for your move to Switzerland

Moving to another country is a big step. These practical tips will help you before and during your relocation to Switzerland.

 

The cost of an apartment in Switzerland

Want to know how much an apartment costs in Switzerland? Are there regional differences? Comparis sheds light on the matter.

Finding the right job

Learn where to find the right job for you. Comparis also explains the key aspects of employment conditions in Switzerland.

Formalities when entering the country

There’s a lot to think about before you move to Switzerland. With Comparis, you won’t forget anything important.

Importing a vehicle

If you relocate with a vehicle, there are quite a few steps to complete – from declaring it at customs to getting it licensed for Swiss roads. We provide an overview for you.

FAQs about moving to Switzerland

That depends on a variety of factors. If you are an EU or EFTA citizen, you can stay in Switzerland for three months to find a job. Once you find employment, you are entitled to stay. However, if you come from what is termed a “third” country, you will need to have an employment contract and the related work permit, or a study place, before you arrive. Don't forget: a foreign national’s family members may also come to live in Switzerland, subject to certain conditions. The following are considered family members: spouses, children under the age of 21 and relatives for whom the immigrant person has a right of custody or care. You can find additional information on residence permits in Switzerland here.

  • EU and EFTA citizens receive a B residence permit if they have an employment contract that is permanent or lasts at least 12 months. This permit is valid for five years and can be extended. It can also be used as the basis for collecting withholding tax.

  • Permanent residence permit C is granted to those from EU and EFTA states who are in gainful employment after they have been in Switzerland for five years. With the exception of the right to vote and be elected, holders have the same rights and obligations as Swiss citizens.

Read this Comparis article for more information.

In Switzerland, the amount of tax you pay differs from canton to canton and depends on a variety of factors. The fastest and easiest way to work out how much tax you can expect to pay is to use the Comparis withholding tax calculator. It also allows you to compare tax between cantons.

Your foreign driving licence is valid for 12 months after you arrive in Switzerland. You need to register with your cantonal Road Traffic Office within this period. You can find further information and a summary of the documents you need in this article. We’ve put together more details about importing and registering your car here.

You don’t really need to understand Swiss German, because people in German-speaking Switzerland also speak standard German (high German), and all signs are in German. At the same time, Swiss people do appreciate it if you know a few words of Swiss German. We have put together a little dictionary to help you. If you would like to learn the language, you can take a course, for example at the Migros Klubschule.

Important: German is spoken in the largest region of Switzerland. However, there are also regions where French, Italian and Romansh are spoken.

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