Moving from Germany to Switzerland: your roadmap

Before you move: deregister and cancel contracts in Germany

When you leave Germany, you deregister at the Bürgeramt (local registration office). You will need the deregistration certificate later for your health insurer, bank and the authorities.

Your German health insurance generally ends when you move away. If you are privately insured, check whether a policy that keeps your right to return to your insurer (Anwartschaftsversicherung) makes sense in case you move back. Contracts such as household, liability or mobile phone should also be cancelled or changed in good time.

Arriving: registration and permit

In Switzerland, you register with your municipality of residence within a few days of moving. As a German 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

After moving, you must take out insurance with a Swiss health insurer (KVG/LAMal) within three months. Cover applies retroactively from the date you moved. Premiums, deductibles and models vary widely – we compare the offers for you and your family.

Taxes: the year you leave and your first year in Switzerland

For the year you move away, you generally still file a tax return in Germany for the months before the move. In Switzerland, with a B permit you are usually subject to withholding tax at source; depending on your income and situation, a tax return may also be required or advantageous.

If you hold shares in corporations, property or other income in Germany, you may remain liable to tax in Germany even after moving. Have this checked before you move.

Pension, Riester and retirement planning

Your entitlements from the German statutory pension insurance are retained. In Switzerland, you pay into AHV/OASI and a pension fund from the day you start work; with pillar 3a you can also save for retirement with tax advantages.

If you have a Riester contract (state-subsidised German pension plan), moving to Switzerland may mean that allowances and tax benefits are reclaimed. Clarify this before you move.

Car and household goods

Your household goods and a vehicle you have already been using can generally be imported duty-free as removal goods. You then have to register the vehicle in Switzerland, and you exchange your German driving licence for a Swiss one within twelve months.

Frequently asked questions