Moving to Switzerland: here’s what you need to know
A few things to consider when relocating to Switzerland: besides our checklist, you can find info on customs, residence permits and more.
Interesting facts about immigrating to Switzerland
Moving can be stressful – especially when it involves crossing national borders. Here you can find a brief overview of the key points.
Apartments in Switzerland
Apartments in Switzerland are expensive – but they’re also of a high standard. Most apartments are equipped with a kitchen, for example. In addition, when tenants move out, they must clean the apartment thoroughly.
Tip: don’t just compare rental prices when looking for an apartment. Also consider the amount of taxes. That’s because places with low rents sometimes have high taxes. The overall costs may be balanced out in this way.
Customs when crossing the border
When you move out, you can take most of your household items with you without paying any customs fees. Exceptions apply to household items that:
You’ve owned for less than six months.
You import more than two years after your move.
Important: you need to declare your moving items with customs when crossing the border.
In our article on customs regulations, you can find out more about importing moving items and what documents you need to submit.
Checklist, customs clearance and administrative matters
Moving to Switzerland: checklist for expats
Residence permits in Switzerland: differences between L, B and C
Renting an apartment: housing costs in Switzerland
Customs declaration Switzerland: moving and registering household effects
Leaving Switzerland? Info and tips
Residence permits and family reunification
You’re not allowed to work in Switzerland without a residence permit. If you have a permit, you may be able to bring over your family. However, there are conditions.
There are various types of residence permits in Switzerland:
L permit: short-stay permit
B permit: residence permit
C permit: permanent residence permit
Ci permit: residence permit with gainful employment for family members of officials of intergovernmental organizations and members of foreign representative bodies.
G permit: cross-border worker permit
F permit: provisionally admitted foreign nationals
N permit: asylum seekers
S permit: temporary protection for the vulnerable
You can find out more in our article on residence permits.
Limited number of residence permits for people from third countries
The number of residence permits issued to people from third countries each year is limited in Switzerland. The limits are:
4,000 short-stay residence (L) permits (up to 364 days)
4,500 residence (B) permits
The number of residence permits for nationals of the United Kingdom is also limited – but there’s a separate quota in this case. This consists of the following:
1,400 short-stay (L) permits
2,100 residence (B) permits
What is family reunification?
Family reunification is when you live in Switzerland and also want members of your family to come to Switzerland. With a C settlement permit, you are entitled to family reunification. If you have a B residence permit, the authorities will decide on family reunification on a case-by-case basis. Please note: asylum seekers cannot apply for family reunification.
Who can move to Switzerland under family reunification?
Which family members you can bring to Switzerland depends on your nationality.
Swiss citizens:
Spouses and registered partners.
Unmarried children and grandchildren under the age of 18. An exception applies to children or grandchildren with a residence permit for an EU/EFTA country – they can move to Switzerland in the context of family reunification until they reach 21 years of age or for as long as they are dependants.
Dependent parents and grandparents, as long as you are not in education.
EU/EFTA citizens:
Spouses and registered partners.
Children and grandchildren up to 21 years of age or as long as they are dependants.
Dependent parents and grandparents, as long as you are not in education.
Citizens of third countries:
Spouses and registered partners.
Unmarried children under the age of 18.
What are the requirements for family reunification?
For family reunification, you must be married to your partner or live in a registered partnership.
In addition, your apartment must be large enough for your family. According to the migration office of the Canton of Zurich (only available in German), this means the number of rooms must be equal to the number of people minus one.
You can’t bring over your family if you are dependent on social assistance. If you’re unemployed or self-employed, you must provide proof of sufficient financial means to support your family.
What are the deadlines for family reunification?
You can usually apply for family reunification within five years of your immigration. There is an exception: in the case of children over the age of 12, the period is shortened to one year. The purpose of this is to facilitate the integration of children.
If you are admitted to Switzerland on a provisional basis, you can bring over your family at the earliest after three years.
You can find more information on the Swiss Confederation website.
Cars and motorcycles
Would you like to drive your car or motorcycle in Switzerland? Then there are a few things to keep in mind – from imports to driving licences.
More information for expats
Find more information about relocating to Switzerland here.
