How to Move to Switzerland - The Full Procedure

Posted on 09/02/2016

A Swiss flag mounted on a tall flagpole in a grassy area overlooking mountainous terrain with green slopes and rocky outcrops, set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glaciers under a partly cloudy sky. In the midground, there is a small wooden building with a flat roof, and a few people are visible walking nearby. The scene captures the natural landscape typical of Switzerland, suggesting a remote or alpine location. This image aligns with themes of home relocation and moving logistics, such as packing and transporting belongings to destinations like Switzerland, as discussed in the article 'How to Move to Switzerland - The Full Procedure,' by Man and Van Star, a removals specialist.

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful and outstanding countries in Europe. Located at the heart of the Old Continent, Switzerland fascinates with bewitching natural beauty and the vibrant spirit of a modern country. It is not part of the European Union which means that relocation to the country is not as simple a process as it is in most of the European countries.

Then what attracts expats from all around the world to the land of the most delicious chocolate? A few of the things that make Switzerland a real magnet for young specialists from different walks of life are: the abundance of well-paid jobs in different industries, the low tax rates, the excellent banking system and stable economy, the long life expectancy and in general the high standard of living. Let’s add to this list the well-developed public transport and infrastructure and the top-notch educational system, and it becomes clear why so many people choose to relocate to Switzerland.

A group of five young children with light skin and various hair colours and styles, standing inside a classroom in front of a dark green chalkboard, engaged in a creative drawing activity. They are using white chalk to sketch various doodles and shapes, including flowers, balloons, and abstract lines, directly on the chalkboard. The children are dressed in casual clothing, with some wearing plaid shirts, t-shirts, and dresses, and all appear focused on their drawings. The classroom environment is well-lit, and a small part of a desk and a chair is visible on the left side of the image. This scene captures a moment of playful learning and collaboration, relevant to home and school moves, with the chalkboard serving as a surface for packing or planning related to a house relocation process, as featured on www.manandvanstar.co.uk.

The country attracts mostly expats that have high paid jobs. Living in Switzerland is certainly costly with rents of a house in the suburbs of about CHF 5500 (around £3600) per month. If you decide to move to the country, the costs for house removals will be a small part of the budget for the whole relocation.

What is the procedure for relocation to Switzerland?
Since Switzerland is not part of the EU, people cannot just move to the country whenever they wish to look for a job and settle in. The first thing you need is a residence permit. It is the paper that gives you the permission to work in Switzerland. To obtain the residence permit, you should have an assured job position in the country prior to the relocation and settling in the new place. There are expatriates in Switzerland that don’t come to the country to work, but want to spend their retirement years in the beautiful Swiss towns and villages. In this case, expats should provide a proof that they have enough financial resources to live in the country for years ahead without relying on social benefits.

A Swiss flag with a white cross on a red background is prominently displayed on a tall flagpole in the foreground of a scenic mountain landscape. Behind the flag, green grassy slopes lead up to a small wooden building situated on a cliff edge. Further in the background, rugged mountain peaks covered with snow and glaciers rise sharply into a clear blue sky with scattered white clouds. The image captures a bright, sunny day, highlighting the natural beauty of Switzerland's alpine environment. This setting illustrates the cultural and geographical context relevant to house removals and relocation services, such as those offered by Man and Van Star, as part of a comprehensive move to Switzerland, including packing, transport, and managing logistics for a home relocation.

People moving to Switzerland should have a health insurance policy. Longer stay in the country (more than 90 days) requires a registration with the local cantonal migration office. After the period of three months working in Switzerland, you must apply for a residence permit with the local authorities in the cantonal where you live or you are planning to live. The needed documents that you should provide to the authorities include: ID, a passport photo, and a copy of your rental agreement. People who are employed should present their employment contract. Self-employed citizens should present their accounts. Health insurance is a must for everyone who lives in Switzerland.

Close-up of an insurance policy document on a white surface, with the words 'Insurance' and 'Policy' prominently visible in bold black text. A silver ballpoint pen rests diagonally across the document, partially covering the bottom right corner. Above the paper, a pair of eyeglasses with black frames are positioned, with the temples folded and lenses reflecting light. In the background, a partially visible moving box made of cardboard, sealed with packing tape, is situated on the floor, indicating a house move or relocation process. This scene captures the planning and preparation involved in a professional home relocation, highlighting the importance of insurance policies and organized packing during furniture transport and loading activities, as seen on www.manandvanstar.co.uk, in the context of a comprehensive guide on moving to Switzerland.

What should you expect from your life in Switzerland as an expat?
Bewitching nature and the high standard of living along with the broad possibilities for development and working are three of the main things that make the country so attractive for expats from different walks of life. The low taxes are another advantage that can make you consider relocation to the country. However you should keep in mind that the Swiss tax system is complex and it often includes paying taxes to the Swiss federation, the local canton and additional communal, church taxes and etc.

An aerial view of a European city featuring a river running through the downtown area, with numerous multi-story buildings along the waterfront, including some with awnings and balconies, and a prominent historic church with a tall, pointed spire visible in the background. The river has a bright turquoise hue, and the surrounding architecture blends traditional and modern styles. This scene is captured under clear, bright weather with blue skies. The image highlights urban planning near the water, which can be relevant to home relocation and furniture transport services offered by Man and Van Star during house removals, illustrating the dense city layout involved in moving logistics and packing and moving procedures.

Settling in Switzerland is not an easy process not only because of the high costs for rent and etc., but also because a lot of foreigners find it difficult to make friendships with local people and to become part of the community in the local towns and villages.

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A professional removal team is engaged in loading furniture and boxes into a white moving van parked outside a residential property. The scene captures the interior of the van, which is lined with protective blankets and has a wooden wardrobe and several cardboard boxes securely organized on the vehicle’s floor. Outside, the team members are handling a large wrapped piece of furniture, using a trolley to transport it from the property into the van. Plastic wrap and packing materials are visible on the furniture, indicating careful packing and protection during the home relocation process. The setting appears to be a driveway or paved area with the door to the house partially open, suggesting an ongoing packing and loading operation consistent with professional furniture transport and packing services. The overall environment is well-lit with natural daylight, emphasizing the careful, organized approach typical of a comprehensive moving service, such as those provided by Man and Van Star, supporting effective house removals and relocation logistics.
Josh Worrall

With his extensive expertise in removals, Josh distinguishes himself in crafting informative articles that span various removals aspects, providing valuable tips for both home and office removals. His assistance has proven pivotal in ensuring stress-free moves for hundreds of individuals.