Moving within Switzerland

Geneva: request the change of canton 3 months ahead

Geneva asks nationals of non-EU/EFTA countries to request authorisation to change canton three months before the planned arrival date.

Why

Geneva’s published OCPM practice.

Authority

Cantonal Population and Migration Office (OCPM) (ge.ch, opens in a new tab)

OCPM – change of canton (ge.ch, opens in a new tab)

Apply in advance to the new canton for a change of canton

With a B or L permit, you must apply to the migration authority of your new canton before you move. B holders are entitled to the change if they are not unemployed and there are no grounds for revocation.

Why

Moving the centre of your life to another canton is a change of canton that requires a permit (AIG Art. 37, VZAE Art. 67).

Authority

Cantonal migration office (sem.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)

Documents

• Passport or identity card
• Current residence permit

Notify your current commune that you are leaving

Report your departure to the residents’ registration office of the commune you are leaving. In most cantons you can do this online with eMovingCH together with your arrival.

Why

Every move must be reported to both the commune you leave and the commune you move to.

Authority

Residents’ registration office of your commune (ch.ch, opens in a new tab)

eMovingCH (online) (eumzug.swiss, opens in a new tab)

Optional: have your mail forwarded

Swiss Post can forward your mail for a period of time. This is a paid private service, not an official obligation.

Why

Avoids missing official letters sent to your old address.

Authority

ch.ch – Swiss authorities online (ch.ch, opens in a new tab)

Swiss Post – relocation (post.ch, opens in a new tab)

Register with your new commune

Register your arrival with the residents’ registration office of your new commune. Some communes require an appointment in person, for example for arrivals from another canton.

Why

Registration in your new commune is expected within 14 days of moving.

Authority

Residents’ registration office of your commune (ch.ch, opens in a new tab)

Documents

• Passport or identity card
• Certificate of origin (Heimatschein) (in some situations)
• Family booklet / family record document (in some situations)
• Health insurance card or proof of basic insurance
• Current residence permit (in some situations)
• Rental contract or proof of accommodation (requested by many communes)

eMovingCH (online) (eumzug.swiss, opens in a new tab)

Report your new address to your commune

You are moving within the same commune: notify the residents’ registration office of your change of address.

Why

Your commune’s register must hold your current address.

Authority

Residents’ registration office of your commune (ch.ch, opens in a new tab)

eMovingCH (online) (eumzug.swiss, opens in a new tab)

Basel-Stadt: register in person, not via eMoving

Basel-Stadt does not accept online registration via eMoving from nationals of non-EU/EFTA states arriving from another canton. Register at the residents’ registration office.

Why

Published practice of Basel-Stadt.

Authority

Basel-Stadt Residents’ Registration Office (bs.ch, opens in a new tab)

Your C permit: change of canton

Holders of a settlement permit are entitled to change canton unless there are grounds for revocation. The change is handled when you register in the new canton; bring your permit card.

Why

A move of your centre of life to another canton is a change of canton (AIG Art. 37 para. 3).

Authority

Cantonal migration office (sem.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)

Re-register your vehicle in the new canton

Report to the road traffic office of your new canton. Your vehicle registration document and number plates are exchanged for ones from the new canton; your driving licence address is updated.

Why

Any change requiring a new vehicle registration document must be reported within 14 days (VZV Art. 74).

Authority

Cantonal road traffic office (asa.ch, opens in a new tab)

Documents

• Vehicle registration document
• Driving licence
• Current number plates (to exchange)

Update the address on your vehicle registration

You stay in the same canton, so you keep your number plates. Report the new address for your vehicle registration document and driving licence to the cantonal road traffic office.

Why

Changes to the vehicle registration document must be reported within 14 days (VZV Art. 74).

Authority

Cantonal road traffic office (asa.ch, opens in a new tab)

Update your dog’s registration

Contact your former and your new commune so they can update your dog’s registration (AMICUS database). Dog tax is set locally.

Why

Dog registration is tied to your commune of residence.

Authority

Residents’ registration office of your commune (ch.ch, opens in a new tab)

Notify your cantonal compensation office

As a pensioner or self-employed person, notify your cantonal AHV/AVS compensation office of your move.

Why

Your AHV/AVS contributions or pension are handled by the compensation office.

Authority

Cantonal compensation office (AHV/AVS) (ch.ch, opens in a new tab)

Give your new address to your insurers, employer and bank

Inform your health and household insurers, employer, bank, doctor and dentist. Health insurance premiums can depend on where you live, so tell your health insurer first.

Why

These organisations are not notified by the commune.

Authority

ch.ch – Swiss authorities online (ch.ch, opens in a new tab)

If you serve: inform the cantonal military authority

If you are serving in the army, civilian service or civil protection, contact the cantonal military authority about your move.

Why

Listed in the official moving checklist.

Authority

Cantonal military authority (ch.ch, opens in a new tab)

Know which canton taxes you this year

After a move within Switzerland, the canton where you are domiciled at the end of the tax period taxes you for the whole period. The tax period is normally the calendar year.

Why

StHG Art. 4b.

Authority

Cantonal tax administration (ch.ch, opens in a new tab)

No need to notify Serafe

The radio and TV fee is billed using residents’ register data. Registering your move with the commune is enough.

Why

Serafe uses residents’ register data.

Authority

Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) (bakom.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)