Departure notice
You have 14 days after moving to register in the new municipality. But start by deregistering from the old one: they will give you a residence certificate to present to the new commune.
Required documents
- Departure certificate from old commune
- Current permit (B, L, C, G)
- ID
- Proof of address (lease, owner statement)
- New employment contract if applicable
- Family book / children's birth certificates if applicable
Permit and authorisation
B and L permits are tied to the canton. A change requires approval from the migration office of the destination canton. The C permit is simpler: a notification suffices. The G permit (cross-border) is tied to the canton of work: changing job location changes the issuing canton.
Taxation
Cantonal and communal tax varies dramatically. Geneva, Basel-City, Vaud are among the most expensive; Zug, Schwyz, Nidwalden among the cheapest. For the year of the move, you are taxed according to your situation on December 31: it's the canton of domicile on that date that levies tax.
Health insurance
LAMal is mandatory throughout Switzerland, but premiums vary by canton and municipality. You can switch insurer at any time when changing canton, without waiting for year-end. Compare on priminfo.admin.ch.
School and family
School systems are cantonal: curricula, holidays and language of instruction differ. Register children as soon as the move is confirmed. Family allowances are also cantonal: reapply in the new canton.
Key deadlines
- 14 days to register in the new commune
- 30 days to notify the pension fund (LPP)
- LAMal: confirm with your insurer
- B/L permits: file the change-of-canton request before the move if possible
