Emigrating to Switzerland: Basics and checklist

When it comes to emigration, Switzerland is often at the top of the list of desired countries. Especially among Germans and other EU citizens, Switzerland is considered a “paradise” in terms of quality of life and professional opportunities. In our new blog series, we will cover what you need to know before emigrating to Switzerland.

• Emigrating to Switzerland: Basics
• Switzerland’s tax model – key differences to other countries
• Entry into Switzerland: What documents are required?
• Rent property: How it works in Switzerland
• Buying property: opportunities and restrictions in Switzerland
• Cross-border commuter: Differences to status as a resident
• Banking in Switzerland: tips about money
• Insurance in Switzerland: What kind of cover makes sense?
• Emigrating to Switzerland: Checklists

As well as beautiful landscapes, Switzerland also offers a high degree of political and economic stability. In the international rankings for quality of life, infrastructure and wage levels combined with moderate taxation, the Swiss Confederation always comes out on top. The country’s popularity with immigrants is also reflected in figures – each year the Swiss population grows by about 60,000 to 70,000 due to immigration from abroad.

However, the tax model is not entirely simple, as described in the following article: Switzerland’s tax model – key differences to other countries

Emigrating to Switzerland: the basics

But what is necessary to successfully emigrate and get settled in Switzerland? Generally speaking, it makes a significant difference whether you are a citizen of the EU/EFTA area or not. Applicants from these countries can obtain a residence permit relatively easily, providing that one of the following conditions is met:

• an employment contract that is valid for at least one year or indefinitely
• self-employment in Switzerland
• demonstrate sufficient financial means and compulsory health insurance

The hurdles are somewhat higher if these documents are not available or if you do not come from the EU/EFTA area. A number of formal clarifications regarding emigration to Switzerland are then necessary. A potential employer in Switzerland would have to prove, for example, that the same position could not be filled by other workers from the EU/EFTA area, etc. Switzerland is also popular among self-employed people, entrepreneurs and investors. As a rule, these applicants should seek advice before emigrating to Switzerland.

You can find detailed information on laws, requirements and identity cards for your entry into Switzerland in our further article Entry into Switzerland: What documents are required?.

Emigrating? There are advantages to renting a property at first

And what about housing? Switzerland is traditionally considered a country of tenants. The home ownership rate is comparatively low at 40 per cent; most people rent their homes, especially in the cities where property and land prices are very high. As a rule, immigrants are best advised not to rush into purchasing a property. You will usually be better off renting a flat – at least initially, as doing so will give you maximum flexibility. In addition, the acquisition of real estate by foreigners in Switzerland is subject to legal restrictions. However, these provisions have been somewhat relaxed, especially for people from the EU area who work in Switzerland.

You can read more about renting property in Switzerland here: Rent property: How it works in Switzerland.

House (or apartment) hunting

“Anyone who emigrates here can sign a lease for a flat in Switzerland relatively informally – without jumping through additional hoops,” says Christian H. Kälin of Henley & Partners. However, whether landlords are willing to do this in practice is another matter. For obvious reasons, landlords generally require a larger security deposit from tenants relocating from abroad, and insist on advance payments. “Regardless of where the person currently lives, whether in Berlin or the Seychelles, Swiss landlords usually require an appropriate deposit,” says Christian H. Kälin. For example, an advance payment of six months’ rent would be conceivable. This is simply because it is difficult for Swiss landlords to collect rent payments in other countries; for example if the tenant signs a contract but then does not (or cannot) pay their rent.

Have you already been living in Switzerland for some time now and would like to buy your own home? This is how it works Buying property: opportunities and restrictions in Switzerland

Emigrating? Learn the language!

Without plenty of good fortune or local connections, finding your way around can be tricky at first. Also bear in mind that different languages are spoken depending on the region (German, French, Italian). However, if you prepare well and proceed according to plan, your dream of emigrating to Switzerland will soon be within reach. The following points will help you to plan this important step correctly.

Emigrating to Switzerland: checklists

The following points help to plan this important step correctly.

Six months before emigrating

Two months before emigrating