Moving from France
Moving from France to Switzerland: your roadmap
Whether to Geneva, Vaud or German-speaking Switzerland: we show you what you need to wrap up in France and set up anew in Switzerland.
Before you move: wrapping things up in France
France has no obligation to deregister as Germany does. However, you should inform your tax office (centre des finances publiques), your health insurance fund (CPAM) and your mutuelle (supplementary health insurance) that you are moving abroad, and cancel contracts such as home or car insurance in good time.
Arriving: registration and permit
In Switzerland, you register with your municipality of residence shortly after moving. As a French national with an employment contract, you will generally receive a B residence permit (or an L permit for shorter contracts).
Health insurance: three months' time
Once you are resident in Switzerland, your cover through the Sécurité sociale (French social security) generally ends. You must take out insurance with a Swiss health insurer (KVG/LAMal) within three months; cover applies retroactively from the date you moved. We compare premiums, deductibles and models for you.
Taxes: the year you leave and your first year in Switzerland
For the year you move away, you still file a tax return in France for your income up to the move. In Switzerland, with a B permit you are usually subject to withholding tax at source; depending on the canton, your income and situation, a tax return may also be required or advantageous.
If you keep property or income in France, additional rules apply under the double taxation agreement. We clarify with you what needs to be declared where.
Pension and retirement planning
The pension entitlements you have built up in France are retained. In Switzerland, you pay into AHV/OASI and a pension fund from the day you start work; pillar 3a complements your retirement savings with tax advantages.
Car and household goods
Household goods and a vehicle you have already been using can generally be imported duty-free as removal goods. You then register the vehicle in Switzerland and exchange your French driving licence within twelve months.
Frequently asked questions
Will I remain insured with the Sécurité sociale after the move?
Generally not. Once you live and work in Switzerland, you must take out insurance with a Swiss health insurer within three months.
Where do I pay taxes in the year of the move?
In France for the months before the move, and in Switzerland after that. We make sure both sides are declared correctly.
Can you also support me in French?
Yes. PROFINIO advises you in German, French, Italian or English.
Your finances and your administration do not have to be complicated.
Tell us about your situation and receive your personal PROFINIO plan.