Complete Guide to Moving from Germany to Switzerland
Jens Herbst
CEO BoVita
Read time
10 min
Published
Jan 28, 2026
Updated
Jun 15, 2026
Quality
Verified
As an EU citizen, you don't need a visa for Switzerland, but you must apply for a residence permit within 14 days. Health insurance is mandatory and must be obtained within 3 months. With BoVita, you can immediately find a furnished shared room in Aarau, Wohlen or St. Gallen, with flexible deposit options and no long waiting times.
Key Takeaways
- 01No visa needed for EU citizens, apply for residence permit within 14 days
- 02Health insurance is mandatory, obtain within 3 months (approx. CHF 300-400/month)
- 03Open a Swiss bank account, best done on-site with residence permit
- 04Furnished shared room at BoVita from CHF 620/month, flexible deposit options, move in immediately
- 05Withholding tax for foreigners, deducted directly from salary
01
1. Entry and Residence
Visa and Residence Permit
- •German citizens do not need a visa to enter Switzerland.
- •For stays of more than three months, you need a residence permit.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport or ID card
- Employment contract or proof of sufficient financial means
- Health insurance certificate
02
2. Work and Social Security
Starting Work
- •German citizens do not need a special work permit.
- •The employment contract serves as the basis for applying for a residence permit.
Social Insurance
- •Register with the AHV compensation office.
- •Clarify the transfer of your pension rights.
03
3. Insurance
Health Insurance (Mandatory)
- •Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland.
- •Register within three months of entry.
Liability and Household Insurance
- •Not mandatory but highly recommended.
04
4. Finances
Bank Account
- •Open a Swiss bank account.
Required Documents:
- Valid ID
- Residence permit
- Proof of address
Taxes
- •Clarify your tax obligations.
- •Swiss tax system: municipal, cantonal and federal taxes.
05
5. Driver's License and Car
- •Convert driver's license within 12 months.
- •For vehicle import: customs clearance and technical inspection.
06
6. Integration
- •Language skills in German, French or Italian are important.
- •Take advantage of local integration programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions answered
No, as an EU citizen you don't need a visa. However, you must apply for a residence permit at the municipality within 14 days of arrival.
Sources & Methodology
6 verified sources
- 01SEM, Free Movement of Persons CH-EU/EFTAsem.admin.ch
- 02FOCBS, moving and household effectsbazg.admin.ch
- 03
- 04FOPH, mandatory health insurance (German)bag.admin.ch
- 05
- 06Swiss Tenants Association, apartment search (German)mieterverband.ch
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Available furnished rooms in Aarau
Central location in Aeschbach quarter, right by the train station and cantonal hospital. Perfect for professionals and students.
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