Complete Guide to Moving from Germany to Switzerland
Jens Herbst
January 28, 2026
Read time
10 min
Published
Jan 28, 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
- 1No visa needed for EU citizens – apply for residence permit within 14 days
- 2Health insurance is mandatory – obtain within 3 months (approx. CHF 300-400/month)
- 3Open a Swiss bank account – best done on-site with residence permit
- 4Furnished shared room at Bovita from CHF 620/month – flexible deposit options, move in immediately
- 5Withholding tax for foreigners – deducted directly from salary
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
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.
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.
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.
5. Driver's License and Car
- •Convert driver's license within 12 months.
- •For vehicle import: customs clearance and technical inspection.
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.
The cost of living is about 20-30% higher than in Germany. A furnished shared room at Bovita costs from CHF 620/month including all utilities.
Yes, Swiss health insurance is mandatory. You have 3 months after arrival to get insured. Basic insurance costs about CHF 300-400/month.
Yes, for the first 12 months you can drive with a German license and plates. After that, you must re-register the vehicle.
The housing market is tight. Bovita offers furnished shared rooms with flexible deposit options (e.g. deposit insurance via our partner ProCare from approx. CHF 120/year) and no long waiting times – ideal for a quick start in Switzerland.
Sources & References
Available furnished rooms in Aarau
Central location in Aeschbach quarter, right by the train station and cantonal hospital. Perfect for professionals and students.
Other locations: