Immigrating to Switzerland
Are you planning to immigrate to Switzerland? Congratulations on your decision. On our website you will find useful information for your immigration to Switzerland.
Immigrating to Switzerland
Switzerland has an attractive working environment, supported by a stable economy and currency. We are here to help you with your immigration from start to finish. You are welcome to contact us for a free consultation.
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Immigrating to Switzerland
Are you about to immigrate to Switzerland and have a lot of questions? Don't worry, the immigration process can be complex, but we are here to support you at every stage of your immigration. Our aim is to make your immigration as relaxed as possible.
Immigration to Switzerland for EU citizens and citizens from Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland is easier than for people from other countries. As an EU citizen, you have the same immigration rights as Swiss citizens.
An open-ended employment contract and a tenancy agreement are often required in order to register in Switzerland. Registration usually takes place at the municipality.
Switzerland's popularity as an immigration destination for Germans emphasises the country's appeal. For this reason, we would like to give you a few examples of what everyday life in Switzerland is like as part of your immigration planning, so that you know exactly what to expect once you have immigrated.
Switzerland is a favourite destination for many Germans. The country not only offers an excellent quality of life and a stable economy, but also an impressive landscape.
If you are thinking about immigrating from Germany to Switzerland, there are a few aspects to consider, such as registering with the municipality, taking out health insurance or opening a Swiss bank account.
Register with the municipality
How much time do you have to register?
As an EU citizen, you have 14 days after the official moving date to register with your municipality of residence.
What documents does the municipality need from you for immigration?
You will need the following documents to register:
- Identity card or passport - for each family member immigrating with you
- Swiss employment contract
- Swiss rental agreement
- Students must present a certificate stating that they have been admitted to a higher education institution at the time of immigration
With these documents, nothing should stand in the way of registering with your new municipality of residence. Nevertheless, it is advisable to call the municipality in advance to find out what other documents your local authorities may want to see in the course of your immigration.
Registration: In person or online?
Many municipalities require you to register in person, but not all do. In cities in particular, it is often possible to complete the registration process in writing or online.
The relevant registration office or residents' registration office is responsible for administrative processing. The easiest way to find out about the correct procedure is to contact your municipal or city administration directly.
The largest city in Switzerland, Zurich, is an exception: it is divided into so-called districts, each of which has its own registration office. You can find out which district you live in based on your postcode.
Note: If you move within Switzerland, it is not enough to register with your new municipality. You must also deregister at your previous place of residence.
And what about health insurance registration?
Which residence permit do immigrants receive?
You may have heard of the B or C permit. Residence permits in Switzerland are divided into different categories. As a citizen of an EU country, you are entitled to a residence permit on condition that you have an employment contract.
In most cases, your employer will take care of the administration, or you will be informed about the necessary steps when you sign the employment contract.
In Switzerland, a distinction is made between the following types of residence permit, among others:
- B permit: Allows you to stay in Switzerland for up to five years and is issued if you can present an employment contract that is valid for one year or longer. There are no restrictions regarding profession, sector or place of residence. Most immigrants from EU countries receive the B permit.
- C permit: Allows permanent residence in Switzerland. No further conditions are attached to the granting of a B permit, although an uninterrupted stay in Switzerland of five years is required. The B permit is usually followed by the C permit.
- L-authorisation: The short-term residence permit is valid for up to one year and is intended for people who have a specific purpose of residence, such as interns. If the employment contract is extended, the L permit can be converted into a B permit.
- G-authorisation: The cross-border commuter permit is intended for people who live near the border but work in Switzerland.
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Our advisory team and office staff specialise in emigrants from Germany and Austria, and we help people emigrate to Switzerland every day. If you would also like to emigrate to Switzerland, please get in touch using the contact form and get to know our team in Zurich - we look forward to hearing from you! 🤗
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Do you have any questions?
You want to emigrate to Switzerland? We are here for you. Our consultations are free of charge. You can reach us via the contact form or drop by for a coffee in Zurich.
