Moving to Switzerland: Step-by-Step Checklist, Customs (Form 18.44) & Deadlines

1. Secure employment & check diploma recognition: Your employment contract determines your residence permit category. Regulated professions—especially in healthcare, teaching, architecture, or certain technical trades—require Swiss recognition beforehand.
2. Search for housing & prepare a Swiss rental dossier: Housing in hubs like Zurich, Zug, Basel, Lausanne, and Geneva is competitive. Prepare a complete application dossier early: employment contract/salary proof, ID, references, and an extract showing no debt enforcement proceedings (Betreibungsregisterauszug or foreign credit report).
3. Check passport & ID validity: Ensure passports and identity cards for every family member remain valid for at least 6 months beyond your move date; renewing documents before leaving your home country is much faster.
4. Review & terminate contracts abroad: Check notice periods for telecoms, internet, gym memberships, utilities, and local insurances. Official deregistration abroad frequently grants a statutory or contractual special termination right—request written confirmation.
5. Plan schooling & childcare early: Cantons manage public schools and kindergarten entry ages locally, and daycare (Kita / Crèche) spots in cities fill up months ahead.
6. Prepare Swiss health insurance (KVG/LAMal): Basic health insurance is mandatory within 3 months of arrival (retroactive to day one). Comparing regional models and franchises before moving prevents rushed decisions. Open PDF checklist →
7. Set up international mail forwarding: Arrange postal forwarding for 6 to 12 months so tax notices, pension statements, and bank letters reach your new Swiss address.
8. Prepare Customs Form 18.44 for household goods & vehicles: Personal household effects and vehicles used personally for at least 6 months can be imported duty- and VAT-free when transferring your main residence. Prepare two signed copies of Swiss Customs Form 18.44, a numbered inventory list, passports, and proof of relocation (Swiss lease or employment contract), and cross at a staffed customs office during opening hours.
9. Prepare pets for border entry: Dogs and cats require an ISO microchip, EU/official pet passport, valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before crossing), and AMICUS registration in Switzerland after arrival.
10. Deregister in your previous country of residence: Keep the official deregistration certificate safe—Swiss municipalities, customs officers, banks, and foreign insurers regularly ask for it.

1. Register at your municipality within 14 days (and before starting work): Appear in person at your local residents' office (Einwohnerkontrolle / Kreisbüro) within 14 days of arrival to register your address and trigger your residence permit issuance.
2. Open a Swiss CHF bank account: Swiss employers pay salaries exclusively in CHF to a Swiss IBAN; bring your ID, employment contract, and municipal registration confirmation.
3. Finalize KVG health insurance within 90 days & exit foreign coverage: Activate your Swiss KVG policy (excluding accident coverage if employed 8+ hours/week) and use the Swiss insurance certificate to terminate prior foreign statutory or private health insurance cleanly (evaluating a dormancy option for private policies).
4. Take out Swiss personal liability & household insurance: Foreign liability and contents policies typically lapse upon moving abroad. Almost all Swiss landlords require proof of Swiss personal liability insurance (Privathaftpflicht) covering tenant damages before handing over apartment keys.
5. Coordinate pensions & Pillar 3a: Review your employer's 2nd-pillar pension certificate, evaluate tax-deductible Pillar 3a contributions, and keep foreign state pension records safe—under CH–EU/EFTA coordination, foreign pension periods remain preserved and count toward eligibility rules while each country pays its share at retirement. Request a free personal check →
6. Set up Swiss mobile, internet & Serafe: Compare Swiss fiber/mobile plans; note that every private Swiss household is automatically billed the statutory radio/TV fee by Serafe.
7. Register imported vehicles within 12 months: Declare your car on Form 18.44 at entry, obtain Swiss motor liability insurance (eVIP), pass cantonal technical inspection (MFK), and switch to Swiss license plates within one year.
8. Exchange your foreign driver's license within 12 months: Foreign driver's licenses must be converted into a Swiss license (Führerausweis, including a brief eye test) at the cantonal road traffic office before completing 12 months of residence.

Every move differs depending on citizenship, canton, family status, and cross-border assets. Mapping each step with its responsible authority, statutory deadline, and document list prevents expensive delays or double insurance. Get free personal relocation guidance →