Move to Switzerland
5 tasks in suggested order
1. Check duty-free household effects
If applicable: If you are importing household effects into Switzerland.
When moving to Switzerland, customs and import formalities apply to household effects; the official page explains conditions and procedure.
Complete residence/work registration and customs formalities before or immediately upon moving in; deadlines depend on status.
Customs/Bundesamt für Zoll und Grenzsicherheit and the residents'/migration authority of the new municipality/canton.
Inventory/evidence of household effects, identity, residence/employment evidence and customs forms according to the official page.
Duty-free household effects have separate requirements. Residence registration and customs clearance are separate steps.
Official source: ch.ch
2. Register with municipality after arrival
EU/EFTA nationals employed for more than three months generally must register with the municipality of residence within 14 days of arrival and before starting work, and apply for a residence permit.
EU/EFTA employees with employment lasting over 3 months must generally register within 14 days after arrival and before starting work.
Residents'/migration authority of the municipality or canton of residence.
Valid passport/ID plus employment contract or employer confirmation; further cantonal evidence.
Register before starting work. Self-employed persons must additionally provide evidence of self-employment.
Official source: Staatssekretariat für Migration
3. Take health insurance after moving
A person taking up residence in Switzerland who is subject to compulsory insurance generally has three months to join an authorised health insurer.
Where insurance is mandatory, generally within 3 months after taking up residence or when the insurance obligation begins.
An approved Swiss health insurer; supervision/allocation by the competent cantonal body.
Personal details, residence/stay information and information required for the insurance application.
If registration is completed on time, coverage generally applies from the start of the insurance obligation; late registration can lead to disadvantages/allocation. Check exceptions separately.
Official source: Bundesamt für Gesundheit
4. EU/EFTA residence permit
If applicable: For EU/EFTA nationals when a residence permit is required.
Residence conditions depend on the purpose of stay; cantons are responsible for issuing permits.
The deadline and type of permit depend on the reason for residence and nationality; check the cantonal procedure.
Cantonal migration/residents' authority.
Passport/ID plus evidence of employment, self-employment, study or sufficient means/insurance depending on status.
EU/EFTA and third-country rules differ significantly.
Official source: Staatssekretariat für Migration
5. Non-EU/EFTA residence/work permit
If applicable: For nationals from outside the EU/EFTA.
Third-country nationals are subject to different admission and permit rules from EU/EFTA nationals; cantonal authorities are central to the procedure.
Before entry/starting work, check the exact permit procedure.
Cantonal migration authority; a permit is often required before entry/starting work.
Passport, purpose of employment/residence, qualifications and further evidence required by the canton/SEM.
Third-country nationals are subject to quotas and stricter admission requirements; do not apply EU rules.
Official source: Staatssekretariat für Migration
