Moving house often marks the beginning of a new stage in life. In Switzerland, as in any other country, numerous administrative formalities must be completed to ensure that the change of address goes off without a hitch. Below you’ll find a detailed guide to the formalities to be undertaken before, during and after the move, in order to comply with legal obligations and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
In most cantons, it’s compulsory to inform your commune of residence of your departure, especially if you’re moving to another canton or commune. In general, you need to :
The deadline for declaring your departure varies from one commune to another, but is often between 8 and 14 days before or after the actual move. For more information, contact your local authority or visit its website.
Some communes may charge a fee for a change of address, such as an administrative handling fee. Be sure to pay these amounts to obtain your certificate of departure.
If you’re moving to another commune or canton, you’ll need to register with your new locality. The documents you need to provide vary from commune to commune, but generally include :
Remember to do this within the required timeframe (often between 8 and 14 days after your arrival). Late applications may result in fines.
Depending on the region and the duration of your installation, communal or cantonal taxes may apply at the time of registration. Find out exactly what they are to avoid any arrears.
In Switzerland, health insurance is compulsory. A change of address may result in :
If you have household (contents) and third-party (liability) insurance, be sure to :
Vehicle insurance: if you own a car, notify us of your change of address for premium purposes, and if you’re moving between cantons, apply for your vehicle to be registered in the new canton.
Life insurance, 3rd pillar pensions, etc.: keep your insurance up to date, so that you can receive any administrative mail correctly. Keep your insurance policies up to date with your new situation, to ensure that you receive all administrative correspondence correctly.
Passport, Swiss identity card: normally, a simple change of address does not require a new identity document. However, be aware of the time limits if you are close to the expiry date.
Residence permits : Foreign nationals (B, C, L, G) must register their new place of residence with the cantonal Population Office or the host municipality.
Driver’s license: If your home canton changes, you often need to update the canton on your license. Each cantonal vehicle office has its own rules and deadlines.
License plates: if you move to another canton, you must change your license plates. Check the conditions with the Automobile Department of your destination canton.
Mail forwarding: activate a mail forwarding service with Swiss Post, usually for 6 to 12 months.
Bank: inform your bank of your new address to avoid losing important documents (statements, cards, etc.).
Fixed and mobile telephony: contact your operator to update your details and, if necessary, transfer your line or cancel your old subscription.
Internet: check the coverage of your new home and request the installation or transfer of your subscription well in advance to avoid any interruption.
Electricity, gas: notify your supplier of your departure and sign up with the local supplier of your new home.
SERAFE (radio/TV licence fee): since 2019, the licence fee has been managed by SERAFE. Please be sure to notify your change of address so that the bill reaches you correctly.
If you have children, you should contact the school administration in your new area. The commune of residence is obliged to offer a place in a public school close to your home.
Prepare the necessary documents (newsletters, medical certificates, etc.).
If you come from another canton, find out about the specifics of the school program.
For crèches, day-care centers and home childminders, please register as soon as possible, as places may be limited.
Find out about financial assistance and invoicing arrangements (some of which are managed by the commune).
The calculation of income and wealth tax often depends on the situation on December 31 of the tax year, but this can vary from canton to canton.
Contact your cantonal tax office to report a change of address.
Find out about any differences in tax rates (municipal tax rates and scales vary).
In Switzerland, termination of a lease is subject to specific deadlines, generally 3 months before the official expiry date or a suitable date (which varies from canton to canton).
It’s crucial to send your cancellation letter by registered mail, and to keep a copy.
Carry out a joint inventory of fixtures with your landlord or the agency.
Take photos to avoid any future disputes.
Make sure to repair or repaint, if necessary, in accordance with the obligations set out in your lease.
If no damage is found, the deposit must be returned to you within the legal timeframe (generally 1 year after the end of the lease at the latest, or sooner if all accounts have been settled).
Communicate the sale or purchase of the property to the tax authorities and the land registry.
Update building insurance for the new owner or the new property, if applicable.
Regularize the sublease contract with the landlord.
Check that your departure complies with the specific termination clauses for a sub-tenant.
Book your mover or rent a transport vehicle well in advance, especially during periods of high demand (spring-summer).
Compare several quotes to find the best value.
Draw up a checklist of items to be packed and a retro-planning schedule to avoid last-minute stress.
Inform your loved ones and any home service providers (cleaner, gardener, etc.) of the date of your departure.
Moving to Switzerland involves a series of administrative formalities that should not be overlooked. From declaring your departure to registering with your new municipality, updating your insurance and cancelling your old contracts, the key is to plan ahead. The earlier you start, the more you’ll be able to manage each step without rushing, and avoid additional costs or penalties.
Remember:
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