Moving to a different canton: what you need to know
When moving to a new canton, there are various administrative tasks to complete. Check the applicable tax rates and your insurance policies when you move home. You could save several thousand francs per year.
16.12.2021
iStock / extravagantni
Compare tax rates at your old and new place of residence
Your place of residence is a key factor in determining how much tax you pay. Remember that your tax bill for the whole year is based on where you were living on 31 December. Can you be flexible with the date of your move? If so, compare tax rates at your old and new place of residence.
You could save several thousands of francs in tax if you set the date of your move before or after the end of the year (see illustration). If you already paid some tax instalments in your old canton of residence, you can get a refund of any overpayments.
Complete the necessary administrative tasks
Every house move generates administrative work. This includes notifying various organizations of your change of address – your health insurer, other insurance companies, bank or post office, and other authorities (e.g. residents’ registration office, compensation office, regional employment centre (RAV/ORP)). Comparis has compiled a list of who to notify when you move. The comprehensive Comparis moving checklist will also help ensure nothing gets forgotten.
Vehicle owners and foreign nationals must complete additional formalities when moving to a new canton.
Moving cantons with a car or motorcycle: notify the Road Traffic Office
If you own a car or motorcycle at the time of your move, you have to notify the Road Traffic Office (in German, French and Italian only) of your new address within 14 days. If you move to a new canton, you must swap your number plates as well as update your driving licence and vehicle registration certificate. To do this, you will need the following documents:
Current vehicle registration certificate
Completed application form for registering a vehicle
New proof of liability insurance (issued by the insurer on request)
You can swap your number plates at the counter of the Road Traffic Office in your new place of residence. You can also send the documents by post and exchange the number plates at your new local post office. The price of swapping number plates and updating certificates varies from canton to canton. Motor vehicle tax also differs depending on the canton. So if you own a car or other vehicle, you can expect to incur various costs by moving to another canton.
Foreign nationals: obtain permission if necessary
Different conditions may apply to foreign nationals moving to a new canton, depending on the country of origin and type of permit.
Review your insurance policies
Compare health insurance premiums
The price of your health insurance premiums is also based on your place of residence. If you move to a different municipality, district or canton, it’s usually worth comparing health insurance premiums. You can soon save a few hundred francs per year. If you decide to switch insurance, your cancellation letter must reach the insurance company by 30 November in order for the policy to change on 31 December.
Review your car insurance
Moving to a different canton is a good time to compare car insurance premiums. You can then use any money you save to buy furniture for your new home, for example. Premiums for motor cycle insurance also depend on your place of residence. You should notify your insurance company of your new address.
How much you could save when changing cantons
Moving to another canton affects the price of various outgoings, such as tax, health insurance premiums and rent. The following example, produced using the Comparis tax calculator illustrates this: a family of four – a married couple and two children under 18 – moves to a different canton. They move from the city of Zug to the city of Bern. The family’s annual net income is 160,000 francs and they have net assets of 300,000 francs. All family members are Protestant. They do not claim any pillar 3a deductions. The family chose the cheapest health insurance model in each case (parents without accident cover, deductible of 2,500 francs; children with accident cover, deductible of 0 francs). They live in a 4.5-room rented apartment.
In this example, moving from Zug to Bern means the family will spend approximately 15,000 francs more per year on tax, health insurance premiums and rent. A breakdown of costs is provided in the table below.
| Zug | Bern | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax (per year in francs) | 8,845 | 28,508 |
| Cheapest health insurance premium for the whole family (per year in francs) | 6,189.60 | 9,528 |
| Rent (per year in francs) | 34,700 | 26,500 |
| Total cost (per year in francs) | 49,734.60 | 64,536 |
Source: Comparis tax calculator, Comparis health insurance comparison and Comparis property marketplace
Other useful information about moving
Find out about public holidays, school holidays and shop opening times in the new place of residence. They can vary significantly depending on the canton and municipality.
There are also differences in family allowances (in German, French and Italian only) and tuition fees.
If you keep exotic animals or a dog that requires a special licence, you should find out before the move what restrictions apply at your new place. The cantonal veterinary service can provide more information (list available in German only). Here you can find out more about moving with pets.
The most important information from this article is also summarized in the Comparis checklist for moving to another canton.
Professional moving and cleaning companies can make moving home much easier. You can request up to five quotes via Comparis free of charge and with no obligation.