Relocation plan: Switzerland

Do you need a visa?

No. Under the free movement agreement with the EU, an EU (or EFTA) citizen can work in Switzerland; the permit is a registration.

• Register at the commune (Gemeinde) where you will live within 14 days of arriving and before you start work, with your contract or an employer's declaration.
• You receive an L permit (contract under 12 months) or a B permit (contract of 12 months or more, valid for 5 years).
• SEM: FAQ for EU/EFTA citizens.

Documents and where to get them

In your country, before you leave

• ID card or passport, valid for the whole move.
• European Health Insurance Card, from your national health insurance: it covers necessary care in the first weeks, until you are insured in the new country.
• Birth certificate (and marriage certificate, if married). Between EU countries, many certificates need no apostille and can come with a multilingual form that avoids translation (Regulation (EU) 2016/1191).
• Criminal record certificate from your country of nationality and, if different, from where you lived recently: some employers ask for it. Request it close to the date it will be used.
• Degree, transcript and references from previous jobs, digitally.

In Switzerland

• Lease and your employment contract, for the commune registration.
• Compulsory health insurance (LAMal/KVG): taken out by you with a Swiss insurer within 3 months of arriving; premiums vary by canton and insurer (Federal Office of Public Health).
• AHV/AVS number (social security): handled by the employer.
• Tax at source: with an L or B permit, tax is usually withheld from your salary.

Step by step

Before you leave

1. Sign the contract and confirm in writing the gross annual salary in francs, the number of salaries per year (often 13), the start date and the relocation support.
2. Find housing: landlords usually ask for a debt register extract (Betreibungsauszug) and a deposit of up to 3 months' rent.
3. In your country, tell the authorities you are moving: update your registered address and your tax residence. In the year you leave, tax may be due for the part of the year you were still resident.

First week

1. Register at the commune before you start work (deadline: 14 days).
2. Open a bank account.

First month

1. Take out health insurance (deadline: 3 months; it covers you from arrival).
2. Check the tax at source and contributions (AHV, unemployment, occupational pension) on your payslip.