Moving days in Switzerland: dates and legal entitlements
Rental agreements often state specific termination dates. Where none are given, the regular termination dates for the place where you live are applicable. Here is an overview by canton, as well as helpful information about moving day.
21.08.2023
iStock/valentinrussanov
1. What are the official moving days in Switzerland?
The end of March, June and September each year is when many tenants in Switzerland will find themselves amid the stress of moving. That’s because in most cantons, these dates are the official termination dates for rented apartments.
That does not mean that these are the only days on which you can end your tenancy agreement, however. The dates stated in the rental agreement apply first and foremost. If nothing has been agreed contractually, you must abide by the regular local termination dates.
An overview of the applicable termination dates in each canton is given in the table, or you can click here to download it. Contact your tenants’ association – simply enter your postcode or commune (page only available in German).
| Canton | Regular local termination dates |
|---|---|
| Aargau | 31 March, 30 June, 30 September |
| Appenzell Innerrhoden | End of every month except December |
| Appenzell Ausserrhoden | End of every month except December |
| Basel-Landschaft | End of every month except December |
| Basel City | End of every month except December |
| Bern | City and the surrounding area: 30 April, 31 October Varies by commune: every end of month except December |
| Fribourg | 31 March, 30 June, 30 September, 31 December |
| Geneva | No regular local termination dates |
| Glarus | End of every month |
| Graubünden | Varies by commune: 31 March, (30 June), 30 September |
| Jura | Varies by commune: 31 March, 30 June, 30 September, 31 December or the end of every month |
| Lucerne | No regular local termination dates |
| Neuchâtel | 31 March, 30 June, 30 September |
| Nidwalden | 31 March, 30 June, 30 September |
| Obwalden | 31 March, 30 June, 30 September |
| Schaffhausen | End of every month except December |
| Schwyz | End of every month except December |
| Solothurn | 31 March, 30 September District of Olten-Gösgen: 31 March, 30 June, 30 September |
| St. Gallen | End of every month except December |
| Ticino | Lugano and the surrounding area: 29 March, 29 September Varies by commune: no regular termination dates, or 31 March, 30 September |
| Thurgau | Varies by commune: end of every month except December, or 31 March, 30 June, 30 September |
| Uri | End of every month except December |
| Vaud | Varies by commune: 1 April, 1 July, 1 October |
| Valais | No regular local termination dates |
| Zug | 31 March, 30 June, 30 September |
| Zurich | City: 31 March, 30 September Canton: 31 March, 30 June, 30 September |
Good to know: sometimes you need to move out urgently, and it’s not possible to keep to the official termination dates. If that is the case, you can give notice early.
2. Do the official moving dates affect my move?
Many more rented apartments are advertised as available on the official moving dates. Rents are also lowest on these dates. This is shown by an analysis by Comparis (link available in German only). It is therefore worth adhering to these termination dates.
Are you planning to hire professional movers or cleaners for your move? If so, you’ll need to request quotes in good time. Demand for these companies is very high around the official moving dates.
3. Am I legally entitled to take a day off work for moving?
By law (Art. 329 para. 2, Swiss Code of Obligations), in special circumstances the employer must grant the employee sufficient time during working hours (referred to as “customary hours and days off work”). These special circumstances include moving home.
The law does not govern the actual duration of this brief absence. Instead, it is set by the company you work for. You will generally find the relevant provision in your employment contract or collective employment agreement. One or two days are the norm, depending on the distance between your old and new homes.
Will I be paid when I take the day off?
Payment during brief absences is not governed by the law, either. Employees receiving a monthly salary can assume that the absence will be counted as paid working hours.
The situation is different for those paid by the hour. In this case, employees are entitled to pay for time off only if that has been agreed with the employer. Check what your contract says, or ask your employer to clarify.
Do I have to take the day off on the actual moving day?
You can also take the day or days off after you have actually moved. That makes sense if you move at the weekend and later on still have things to do in connection with the move. The rules set out in your employment contract apply in the event of doubt. The important thing is that you actually move.
4. How can I best plan the move?
Good preparation makes all the difference when you move, because it saves both time and stress. Comparis offers you an easy-to-follow checklist containing key tips to remember when looking for an apartment, on the moving day itself and when handing your old apartment back to your landlord.
This article was first published on 12.08.2021
