Moving from Italy to Switzerland: your roadmap

Before you move: AIRE and contracts in Italy

Italian nationals moving abroad for more than twelve months register with the Registry of Italians Resident Abroad (AIRE) through the competent consulate. Registration is important: without it, you may still be considered tax resident in Italy.

You should also cancel or transfer contracts such as home and car insurance in good time.

Arriving: registration and permit

In Switzerland, you register with your municipality of residence shortly after moving. With an employment contract, Italian nationals generally receive a B residence permit (or an L permit for shorter contracts).

Health insurance: three months' time

When you move, your cover through the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (Italian national health service) generally ends. In Switzerland, you take out insurance with a health insurer (KVG/LAMal) within three months; cover applies retroactively from the date you moved. We compare the offers for you and your family.

Taxes: clearly establishing your residence

In Switzerland, with a B permit you are usually subject to withholding tax at source; depending on your situation, a tax return may also be required or advantageous.

What matters is that your tax residence clearly moves to Switzerland. If you keep a home, family or income in Italy, this should be checked in advance.

Pension and retirement planning

Your contributions to INPS (the Italian social security institute) 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.

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 Italian driving licence within twelve months.

Frequently asked questions