Relocation to Switzerland
Your move to Switzerland involves a lot of effort. We give you valuable tips to make your move relaxed and smooth. If you want to emigrate to Switzerland, it's worth planning early and keeping an eye on the most important steps - from deregistration to registration at your new place of residence.
Emigration Switzerland
Are you ready to move to Switzerland? We know that this step can come with some challenges, but don't worry - we've got your back. Whether it's questions about customs or transporting your belongings to Switzerland, our aim is to make your emigration as stress-free as possible.
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National languages 🇨🇭 Emigration Switzerland
Switzerland is the most popular country for Germans to emigrate to. According to the Federal Statistical Office, 309,500 Germans lived here in 2020. As German is also spoken in Switzerland, the country is close to the Germans in terms of language.
Despite its small size, Switzerland has several national languages, including Swiss German, French and Italian.
In particular, "Schwiizerdütsch", which is predominant in German-speaking Switzerland, can be seen as a distant relative of High German. Nevertheless, practically all Swiss people in the German-speaking region speak High German, and correspondence is generally conducted in High German.
Tip: If you're looking for a quick and better connection, you don't have to speak Swiss German, but it's worth understanding Swiss German. It will open new doors for you in the truest sense of the word.
Customs regulations
Anyone travelling from Germany to the Switzerland If you want to relocate, you must observe important regulations. One of the first hurdles is customs.
Switzerland is not a member of the European Union (EU). This makes the whole thing a little more complicated. If you were to move to another country within the EU, you would have to deal with far fewer customs regulations.
When you enter Switzerland, i.e. on the official day of your move, you must present a number of documents, regardless of the goods you are moving. This corresponds to the general customs regulations at the Swiss border and is therefore a prerequisite for your change of residence.
The following documents are required:
- Official proof of your change of residence - employment contract or rental agreement
- Inventory list of your household contents
- Identity card or passport
Removal goods
Emigrating to Switzerland: As a rule, you will be travelling with personal belongings and some pieces of furniture. Generally speaking, every personal item is a removal item. This means that all items and utensils generally count as removal goods and must fulfil certain guidelines. You can find out more about this topic here: Removal goods
Working in Switzerland
Entry for EU citizens (as well as those from Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland) is easier than for those from third countries. For example, anyone who can present a permanent employment contract and tenancy agreement can register in Switzerland. This is usually done at the local residents' office. EU citizens have the same rights as Swiss employees. You can find out more about this topic here: Job search in Switzerland
Residence permit for emigrants
Emigrating to Switzerland: Most emigrants apply for a B permit, which allows them to live and work in Switzerland for 5 years. After that, you can apply for a C permit. If this is approved, emigrants can live and work in Switzerland for life. You can find out more about this topic here: Residence permit
Nature
Switzerland is recognised worldwide as a country of breathtaking scenic beauty, and rightly so. With its beautiful Alps, clear and clean lakes, green and lush valleys and picturesque villages, Switzerland offers a wealth of great natural treasures. The Swiss are correspondingly active in the mountains: hiking, skiing and mountaineering are among their favourite pastimes. The clear lakes, on the other hand, are ideal for swimming and water sports.
It should also not be forgotten that this small Alpine country has an astonishing variety of landscapes: German-speaking Switzerland in the north is strikingly different from the Mediterranean-style Ticino in the south, and French-speaking western Switzerland - the country's wine bar - also has its very own charm. Your new life as a German in Switzerland will initially be characterised by exploration and amazement.
City Life
Not really an outdoor enthusiast and nature fan? Don't worry, because Swiss cities offer a charming mix of tradition and modernity. Cities such as Zurich, Geneva, Bern and Lucerne combine historical architecture with lively cultural scenes in a unique way and offer a vibrant urban experience. Clean streets, first-class infrastructure and a high quality of life fascinate visitors from all over the world. And although the major Swiss cities are significantly smaller than the urban centres of Germany, the nightlife is also diverse and distinctive.
10 spectacular mountains in Switzerland
- Matterhorn (Zermatt, Valais) - Switzerland's landmark, ideal for mountaineers and skiers.
- Jungfraujoch (Bernese Oberland) - "Top of Europe" with spectacular views and glacier experience.
- Eiger (Grindelwald, Bern) - Famous north face for alpinists, plus top ski areas and hiking trails.
- Pilatus (Lucerne) - Viewpoint with the world's steepest cog railway and climbing park.
- Titlis (Engelberg, Obwalden) - Year-round snow paradise with glacier cave and revolving cable car.
- Monte Rosa (Zermatt, Valais) - Highest mountain in Switzerland, popular with ambitious mountaineers.
- Schilthorn (Mürren, Bern) - Famous for James Bond, revolving restaurant with a view of the Alps.
- Rigi (Vitznau/Weggis, Lucerne/Schwyz) - "Queen of the mountains" with spectacular panorama and steam railway.
- Säntis (Appenzell Ausserrhoden/Sankt Gallen) - Highest mountain in eastern Switzerland with views as far as Germany.
- Piz Bernina (Pontresina, Graubünden) - The only four-thousand metre peak in the Eastern Alps, a top destination for alpinists.
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Budget calculator - How much will Switzerland cost me per month?
Emigrating to Switzerland: With our budget calculator, you can realistically estimate your monthly expenses in Switzerland. From rent to health insurance to taxes - the tool calculates your living costs and shows you your savings rate at the end. Ideal for preparing for your emigration to Switzerland.
Counselling team
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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Emigrating to Switzerland - The most important topics
- Guide to emigration
- Supplementary dental insurance
- Emigrating to Switzerland
- Gross net payroll accounting Switzerland
- Rent a flat
- Relocation to Switzerland
- Transferring a car to Switzerland
- Swiss bank account
- Your property in Germany
- Mobile phone and Internet
- Tax system Switzerland
- Moving from Germany to Switzerland
- Equity portfolio in Germany
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.
