What do I need to consider when moving to Switzerland?

Although Switzerland is located in the heart of Europe, it is not officially part of the EU. Therefore, moving to Switzerland is not as straightforward as moving to EU countries. Citizens who wish to take up employment or search for housing in Switzerland must complete numerous formalities beforehand. But is a residence permit required for moving to Switzerland? Indeed, it is. This applies to all individuals who intend to stay in beautiful Switzerland for longer than three months (90 days).

Types of residence permits:

• Permit B: This is a residence permit that includes a work permit. The requirement for obtaining it is to present an employment contract with a duration of at least one year.
• Permit C: The settlement permit is unlimited in time and is granted to immigrants. The condition is that the applicant has already lived in Switzerland for at least five years.
• Permit G: The cross-border commuter permit is for those who maintain their residence in the neighboring country (Germany) but work in Switzerland. The condition for granting the residence permit is that the holder returns to their home country (Germany) once a week.
• Permit L, also known as Permit L: Those who want to immigrate typically can’t do much with this permit. It is suitable for pre-immigration activities such as apartment viewings and job searches. Its validity is a maximum of one year, usually less.

Moving to Switzerland – how immigrants find an apartment

The quality of life beyond the border is highly praised. One of the reasons people from Germany immigrate to Switzerland is the high standard of living. Often, tourists experience the differences between Switzerland and Germany for the first time during a vacation. Since the cost of living (but also salaries) in Switzerland is higher, immigrants from Germany must prove that they can support themselves. Those who want to work in Switzerland present an (indefinite) employment contract for this purpose. Those who immigrate to live in Switzerland but already have sufficient assets can prove this to the cantonal authority.
Before taking the first steps for the move, a permanent residence in Switzerland is needed. In principle, no vacation is required for this, as access to the Swiss housing market is also possible from abroad. Apartments are scarce in many EU countries as well as in Switzerland. Depending on the canton, it can take several weeks or months to find a desired domicile. Shared apartments are an option as a temporary solution. Whether online or offline, the following documents should be ready for immigrants when searching for an apartment:

• Residence permit (the ID card from Germany, for example, is not valid in Switzerland)
• Debt enforcement information (for Germans, a Schufa report is the document of choice)
• Evidence that a job has already been found (or that assets exist)
• Exact details of the future gross salary

Special considerations when moving to Switzerland – customs

Once an attractive municipality has been found and the short-term stay is to become a long-term life in Switzerland, there is much to consider. The following information is especially important for Germans who want to make a fresh start in Switzerland and already have an employment contract (in addition to housing).
Furniture and other items from the home country can be imported; customs expects a complete list for this. The prerequisite for the right of import is that the items have been in the possession of the immigrant for at least six months. Furthermore, it is mandatory for the imported items to remain in the possession of the new Swiss resident.

The move from Germany (or another country) to Switzerland must be proven. For this purpose, for example, written deregistration in Germany and simultaneous conclusion of a new lease agreement in Switzerland are required. All of this sounds terribly complicated, and now we come into play!

How much does a move to Switzerland cost?

The cost question often arises first when a German wants to move to Switzerland. The question cannot be answered in general terms, as the total costs depend on the amount of household goods. We are happy to provide each of our interested parties with non-binding offers so that you know directly what costs to expect.

Can I move from Germany to Switzerland?

From Germany, you can immigrate to Switzerland and make your future life there. Requirements include a residence permit, sufficient income, the conclusion of insurance policies (such as health insurance), and the payment of taxes. When immigrating, you benefit from relying on a moving company from Switzerland. We at Limmat Zurich Umzug GmbH are aware of the necessary formalities of your new municipality and support you with valuable tips and tricks. Of course, we also handle communication with customs at the border, so you only need to organize your own entry.

How can Limmat Zurich Umzug GmbH help with relocation?

There are many moving companies in Switzerland, so why choose us? For Limmat Zurich Umzug GmbH, moves from abroad to Switzerland (and vice versa) are part of our daily business. With us, you benefit from years of experience and expertise. International moves are more complex than domestic moves, which is why we focus on individual solutions. Before moving your furniture and packing your belongings, we create a move plan tailored to you.
We understand that moving to a new country can be very exciting and accompanied by many questions. We support you from the beginning and help you to arrive at your new place of residence without any problems.

Our services for you:

Consultation and planning are the beginning of an effective collaboration. From the start, we stand by your side and plan every step of the move to Switzerland together with you. But even when it finally starts, you can count on us.
We pack your household goods carefully and ensure that all items arrive safely in your new home. Thanks to a modern fleet of vehicles and experienced drivers, we can ensure that your belongings arrive safely at your new home. Don’t worry, even when it comes to formalities, we won’t leave you alone. We support you in completing all customs formalities smoothly and arriving home without difficulties.

Finally arrived! Customs is behind you, and now you want to celebrate the entry with your loved ones as quickly as possible. As a strong team, we provide you with our manpower until all boxes are unpacked and packed again. You decide for yourself which of our services you need and what you prefer to do yourself. With Limmat Zurich Umzug GmbH, you ensure that moving to Switzerland is not a logistical problem.

From planning to moving – Limmat Zurich Umzug GmbH accompanies you

If you have decided to move to Switzerland, many changes await you. Shortly after arrival, it is about taking out insurance, completing formalities, and finally arriving. However, many things can also be done in advance. For example, the cataloging of your household goods for a complete list at customs.
Feeling overwhelmed and need support? Then we at Limmat Zurich Umzug GmbH, based in Switzerland, are the perfect companions for you. We are happy to take care of many formalities related to customs, so that you arrive safely and satisfied in your new municipality. With our help, you can focus on the essential part of your move.

Do you already have a company in Germany and only need us from the border? No problem, we are happy to accept your furniture delivery in Switzerland and store your belongings with us until the final move. Let’s create a joint schedule that focuses on your wishes and needs.

Get in touch – we look forward to hearing from you

Switzerland fascinates many people. An impressive landscape, a good job market, and fair taxes – there are many reasons for immigration. Despite the higher cost of living (compared to Germany), the Swiss are considered more satisfied. This is because wages are also higher. For Germans, the first day of work in Switzerland is often a blessing.
Have you decided to become Swiss yourself and move soon? Congratulations on your decision, and we look forward to helping you with your international move. Contact us from Germany and we will plan the move to Switzerland together.