What do EU citizens need in order to move to Switzerland?

EU citizens can move to Switzerland with relatively little bureaucracy thanks to the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP). For stays exceeding 90 days, you must register with your municipality of residence and will automatically receive a Residence Permit B. Requirements: employment contract, self-employment, or sufficient financial means plus health insurance.

How quickly must I register in Switzerland?

Registration with the residents' registration office (Einwohnerkontrolle) of your municipality must take place within 14 days of moving in. You will need: passport or national identity card, tenancy agreement and, if applicable, employment contract.

When must I take out health insurance in Switzerland?

You must take out basic insurance under the Swiss Health Insurance Act (KVG/LTCA) within 3 months of moving to Switzerland. The insurance applies retroactively from the date of entry. Anyone who misses the deadline will be assigned to a health insurer by the canton.

Moving to Switzerland 2026: Checklist and First Steps

You've made the decision: you're moving to Switzerland. Perhaps because of a new job, the Swiss tax system, or simply because the country fascinates you. Now the practical work begins - and there is quite a lot to organise.

What many people don't realise is that, as an EU/EFTA citizen, moving to Switzerland is surprisingly straightforward thanks to the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP). No lengthy visa procedures, no quotas. However, there are deadlines and obligations you must not miss. This checklist guides you through everything - from the day before your move to the end of your first month.

Contents

Before the Move: What You Need to Sort Out
Registration with Your Municipality (14 Days!)
Health Insurance (3-Month Deadline)
Employment and AHV (AVS) in Switzerland
Taxes: What Changes
Bank Account and Finding a Home
The Complete Checklist to Print Out

Before the Move: What You Need to Sort Out

Before you transport the last piece of furniture out of your home country, take care of these points first:

Deregistering Abroad

In many countries you can deregister from your local residents' registration office after your departure (typically up to one week before or after). Deregistration is often free of charge and can be completed online in many cities. Importantly, it is necessary in order to be regarded as no longer tax-resident in your home country.

Important for Tax Purposes

Deregister in your home country before you start earning taxable income in Switzerland. Otherwise the tax authorities in your home country may claim unlimited tax liability for the transitional period. Capital gains arising in your home country may continue to be subject to withholding tax / source tax there - more on this in the Taxes section.

Cancelling Your Home-Country Health Insurance

Your existing statutory health insurance ends when you leave. Cancel it actively (a brief written notice stating your departure date is often sufficient). Private health insurance policies typically require notice in accordance with contractual terms - check your policy.

Re-registering Your Vehicle

Your foreign-registered vehicle may be driven in Switzerland on its original number plates for up to 12 months after you move. After that it must be re-registered on Swiss number plates (cost: approx. CHF 200-400 depending on the canton, plus a possible vehicle inspection at the road traffic authority).

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Registration with Your Municipality - Deadline: 14 Days

This is your first and most urgent obligation after moving in:

Residents' Registration Office (Einwohnerkontrolle)

Deadline: 14 days after moving in

Register with the residents' registration office (Einwohnerkontrolle) of your new municipality. You will need: a valid passport or national identity card, tenancy agreement (confirmation of residential address), employment contract or proof of independent financial means, AHV (AVS) card (if available). Registration is free of charge. You will receive Residence Permit B (for EU/EFTA citizens, valid for 5 years with an open-ended employment contract).

Overview of Residence Permits

Permit B (Residence Permit): For EU/EFTA citizens with an employment contract or proof of financial independence. Validity: 1 year (fixed-term contract) or 5 years (open-ended contract).
Permit C (Settlement Permit): Available after 5 years of lawful residence (certain EU countries: after 10 years). No renewal required; makes everyday life considerably easier.
Permit L (Short-Term Residence Permit): For stays of less than 1 year (e.g. fixed-term contract of up to 12 months).

Health Insurance - Deadline: 3 Months

Basic insurance under the Swiss Health Insurance Act (KVG/LTCA) is compulsory for all residents in Switzerland:

KVG/LTCA Basic Health Insurance

Deadline: 3 months from the date of entry

You have 3 months to take out basic insurance - the cover then applies retroactively from the date you moved in. If you miss the deadline, the canton will assign you to a health insurer (which will not necessarily be the cheapest option). You can choose your own annual deductible (Franchise): CHF 300 to CHF 2'500. A higher deductible means a lower monthly premium.

Premium Comparison

Health insurance premiums vary considerably by canton and provider. Use the official federal premium comparison tool at priminfo.admin.ch. Typical monthly premiums for adults (2026, deductible CHF 300):

Canton of Zurich: CHF 350-580 (deductible CHF 300)
Canton of Zug: CHF 300-480 (deductible CHF 300)
Canton of Valais: CHF 280-430 (deductible CHF 300)
Premium subsidy (IPV) available for low incomes

Money-Saving Tip

Choose a higher deductible (CHF 2'500) if you are healthy and rarely visit a doctor. The saving compared with the minimum deductible of CHF 300 can amount to CHF 100-200 per month - that is up to CHF 2'400 per year. Use the official premium calculator to work out the exact figures for your situation.

Employment and AHV (AVS) in Switzerland

As an Employee

If you have a Swiss employer, they will handle most of the formalities:

AHV (AVS)/IV/EO: 10.6% of gross salary (split equally: 5.3% employee + 5.3% employer)
Unemployment insurance (ALV): 2.2% up to CHF 148'200 annual salary (split equally)
Swiss Occupational Pension Act (BVG/LPP) (occupational pension): Compulsory from CHF 22'680 annual salary. Contribution rate varies depending on the pension plan.
Accident insurance (UVG): Occupational accidents are covered by the employer. Non-occupational accidents are covered by the employee (approx. 1-3% premium).

As a Self-Employed Person

If you are self-employed or setting up your own company, you register yourself with the cantonal AHV compensation office. As a self-employed person, you pay AHV (AVS)/IV/EO contributions of between 5.371% and 10.6% of your net income (a reduced contribution rate applies to lower incomes).

Taxes: What Changes

The Swiss tax system differs fundamentally from most other countries:

The Swiss Tax System in Brief

Three-tier system: Federal tax (maximum 11.5%) + cantonal tax + municipal tax = total tax burden of 15-30%, depending on the canton and municipality.
Annual tax return: Filed by 31 March of the following year (deadlines vary by canton; extensions are possible).
Withholding tax / source tax (Quellensteuer): Anyone without a Settlement Permit C who earns more than CHF 120'000 may apply for ordinary assessment.
Wealth tax: Yes, Switzerland also taxes wealth (approx. 0.1-0.5% depending on the canton) - but with generous tax-free allowances.

Double Taxation Agreement

Switzerland has double taxation agreements (DTAs) with many countries. State pension payments from your home country are typically taxed there (withholding tax / source tax). Capital gains arising abroad may be subject to local taxes. We recommend consulting a tax adviser to clarify what applies in your specific situation.

Bank Account and Finding a Home

Swiss Bank Account

A Swiss bank account is indispensable for everyday life (rent, salary, invoices). Recommended options for newcomers:

Neon / Yuh / Zak: Digital Swiss banks with no account maintenance fee; straightforward account opening
PostFinance: Competitively priced; reliably accepts new residents
UBS / Raiffeisen / Cantonal Banks: Traditional banks; possibly a monthly fee of CHF 5-15

Finding a Home

The Swiss rental market is tight, particularly in the cities of Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Bern. Average rents for a 3-bedroom flat in 2026:

Zurich (city): CHF 2'800-3'800/month
Bern: CHF 1'800-2'500/month
Basel: CHF 1'600-2'200/month
Lucerne: CHF 1'700-2'400/month
Rural cantons: CHF 1'200-1'900/month

The Complete Checklist for Your Move

Before the Move (in Your Home Country)

Deregister with the local residents' registration office in your home country (up to 1 week after departure)
Cancel existing health insurance / check interim international cover
Notify employer / tax authority of your departure and new address
Find accommodation in Switzerland and sign the tenancy agreement
Prepare Swiss bank account (many banks allow online account opening)
Make copies of important documents: passport/ID card, birth certificate, qualifications

First Week in Switzerland

Register with the residents' registration office of your municipality (deadline: 14 days!)
Apply for Residence Permit B (usually processed automatically via municipality registration)
Activate / open Swiss bank account
Compare health insurance options and take out cover (deadline: 3 months)

First Month

KVG/LTCA basic health insurance activated (retroactive from move-in date)
AHV (AVS) registration (via employer or self-registration with compensation office)
Check tax domicile and withholding tax / source tax situation
Plan vehicle re-registration (deadline: 12 months)
Open Pillar 3a account (tax benefit possible from the first year)
Sign flat handover / move-in inspection report

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Conclusion

For EU/EFTA citizens, moving to Switzerland is organisationally far simpler than many expect - but the deadlines are real. Anyone who fails to complete their municipality registration (14 days), health insurance (3 months), and tax deregistration in their home country on time risks costly back-payments or gaps in insurance cover.

Use this checklist, plan your move in a structured way - and look forward to one of the most attractive countries in Europe for working professionals and entrepreneurs.

Sources

Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons CH-EU: sem.admin.ch - AFMP
Residence permits - State Secretariat for Migration (SEM): sem.admin.ch - Residence
Health insurance - Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH): bag.admin.ch - KVG/LTCA
Official premium comparison: priminfo.admin.ch
AHV (AVS) contributions: ahv-iv.ch

Disclaimer: The information provided here is of a general nature and does not replace individual professional advice. Legal provisions are subject to change and may be applied differently depending on personal circumstances. For your specific situation, we recommend consulting a lawyer or tax adviser specialising in expatriates. As at: June 2026.