Moving in Switzerland: the complete administrative checklist

Moving in Switzerland isn't just about loading a truck: there are registrations, contracts, insurance policies and deadlines to manage. This checklist covers the essential steps, from giving notice on your lease to registering in your new municipality.

At a glance

• You must deregister at your old municipality. You must register at the new one within 14 days (sometimes less, depending on the canton).
• Procedures vary: some municipalities offer an online counter, others only a physical one. Check your municipality's website.
• Your lease follows its own termination rules (three months' notice for most residential leases, on specific dates).
• Remember to update: insurance, bank, employer, telecoms provider, doctors, subscriptions.

Steps before the move

3 months before

• Terminate your lease by registered letter signed by all tenants. Check the permitted termination dates (often end of March, June, September, or as specified in the lease) and the notice period (three months as a rule).
• Find a creditworthy replacement tenant if you want to leave outside the contractual dates. Present at least three candidates in writing to be released from the lease.
• Plan the exit inspection (handover report on departure).

1 month before

• Book a removal company or a vehicle.
• Inform your household contents and liability insurer: your cover may change depending on the new home and the new canton.
• Prepare a list of contacts to notify (employer, bank, doctors, providers, subscriptions).

2 weeks before

• Set up a mail redirection order with Swiss Post.
• Confirm the date with your landlord, the removal company and for the handover inspection.

Steps on moving day and after

During the move

• Exit inspection of the old home: insist on a document signed by both parties.
• Entry inspection of the new home: record all defects within 14 days, otherwise you risk being held responsible for them when you leave.

Within 14 days of arrival

• Deregister at your old municipality (often by post, online or in person).
• Register at your new municipality's residents' registration office. You will generally need to present:
  • Identity document (and residence permit for foreign nationals).
  • Rental agreement or confirmation of address from the landlord.
  • Certificate of origin or family booklet (Swiss nationals).
  • Confirmation from your health insurer.
• Notify your change of address: bank, insurance companies, employer, doctors, subscriptions, public authorities (tax, AHV, employment office if applicable).

Special cases

• Changing canton: your taxes will be levied in your canton of residence on 31 December. Check with both cantonal administrations.
• Foreign nationals: your residence permit must be updated. The deadline and procedure vary by canton.
• Moving with children: remember to arrange schooling, daycare and child allowances (which depend on the canton).

Documents to keep

• Old and new signed lease agreements.
• Entry and exit inspection reports (signed by both parties).
• Registration receipts for deregistration and registration at the respective municipalities.
• Change-of-address confirmations from your insurance companies, bank and employer.
• Mail redirection order from Swiss Post.
• Removal company invoices (sometimes tax-deductible).

Key deadlines

• 3 months: standard notice period for terminating a residential lease.
• 14 days: deadline to register at your new municipality (most cantons).
• 14 days after moving in: to report defects in the entry inspection report.
• 30 days: to contest an abusive rent increase after moving in.

Common mistakes

• Forgetting to notify your bank or employer. Your tax certificates, bank card and important correspondence may be lost.
• Not creating a written entry inspection report. Without a document, you will be held responsible for pre-existing defects when you leave.
• Terminating your lease without a replacement tenant when trying to leave outside the contractual dates. You remain liable for the rent until the end of the notice period.
• Underestimating the insurance change. The premium for your household contents and liability insurance can change depending on the canton and type of home.
• Forgetting your new tax address. Your municipality of residence on 31 December determines where you pay your taxes for the year.

Useful official links

• ch.ch · Moving in Switzerland
• ch.ch · Checklist for a successful move
• ch.ch · Terminating your lease
• Swiss Post · Mail redirection
• Official website of your municipality (search "municipality of [name]").

How Admini helps

A move generates around a dozen important documents within a matter of weeks. Admini helps you:

• Centralise your old and new lease, inspection reports and registration receipts.
• Get reminders for upcoming steps (registration within 14 days, notifying insurers of your address change).
• Prepare a complete dossier to present at the handover inspection or in case of a dispute with your landlord.
• Quickly retrieve a useful document for your taxes the following year (moving costs, proof of address).

You won't save time on the heavy lifting, but you'll avoid the stress of forgotten paperwork.