If your employer is sending you to Switzerland, one of the first questions is how the support will be paid. A relocation package lump sum is a fixed amount that you receive and spend as you see fit. A managed move means a provider arranges the practical steps for you, and the employer pays that provider directly. Many packages mix the two.
This page helps you weigh the options calmly. It covers what each model looks like day to day, which questions to put to your employer, and how to prepare from home while you decide. For the wider picture of what a package can contain, see your relocation package and what a relocation package is.
The two models in plain words
With a lump sum, the company says: "Here is a budget for the move." You choose the movers, search for housing, book flights and handle the paperwork yourself, or pay someone to help. Whatever is left is yours, and whatever is missing is also yours.
With a managed move, a relocation provider is assigned to you. They coordinate the steps in the right order, and you follow a plan. You usually have less freedom of choice, but fewer surprises.
Neither model is better in general. The right fit depends on your family, your experience of moving abroad and how much time you have before the start date.
A simple way to picture the steps
The steps are the same in both models. What changes is who organizes each one and who carries the risk if something goes wrong or costs more than planned.
When a lump sum tends to suit people
A lump sum often feels right when:
- You have moved abroad before and know how to run a project like this.
- You have friends or family in Switzerland who can help with local questions.
- You want to choose your own neighborhood, movers or temporary housing.
- Your move is simple, for example a single person with little furniture.
Example: a couple arriving from Singapore with two suitcases each and a short-term rental booked may prefer to keep the flexibility and decide for themselves.
When a managed move tends to suit people
A managed move often feels easier when:
- You are moving with children and have school choices to make.
- You do not speak any of the Swiss national languages yet.
- The start date is close and there is little time to compare options.
- You want one point of contact for the practical steps.
Example: a family of four arriving from London, with a child starting school, may value having the order of tasks planned for them. The page on London to Zurich shows what that journey can look like.
Questions to put to your employer
Before choosing, it helps to get answers in writing. Useful questions include:
- Is the lump sum paid before the move or after receipts are shown?
- Is it described as gross or net, and who handles the tax treatment?
- What happens to unspent money?
- If you leave the company early, is any part repaid?
- Does the package include temporary housing, such as company-provided housing?
- Can you switch from a lump sum to a managed move if things get complicated?
How a payment is treated for tax depends on your country, your canton and your contract. A tax adviser or a specialist can examine your own case; this page cannot.
What does not change: Swiss rules that apply to you
Whichever model you pick, the Swiss rules stay the same, and a lump sum does not remove them.
Permits
Switzerland has two regimes. One applies to nationals of the EU and EFTA countries, under the free movement agreement. The other applies to nationals of other countries (third states). The detailed conditions differ and are set by the authorities, so the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is the place to check (see the SEM page). The permit finder gives a first orientation, and immigration support explains how a specialist can look at your case. Whether a permit is granted is decided by the authorities, not by your employer or by any provider.
If you are a posted worker, the rules can differ again; see posted workers.
Registering with the commune
On arrival, you register with your local commune. According to ch.ch, the announcement is made within 14 days, although this can vary by commune or canton (see ch.ch). People usually bring an ID document, their residence or work permit and proof of health insurance. Your commune will confirm its own rules.
Health insurance
Basic health insurance is compulsory for anyone living in Switzerland. It is taken out at the latest three months after taking up residence. If that period is respected, cover applies retroactively from the date of residence, and premiums are due from that date. If the period is missed, cover starts at the date of affiliation, a premium surcharge can apply for an unexcused delay, and the cantonal authority can assign an insurer (see FOPH).
With a lump sum, it is easy to forget this step because nobody reminds you. With a managed move, the provider's checklist usually includes it. Either way, it helps to put the date in your calendar; the relocation calendar can do that.
What to prepare from home
You can make progress before you land:
- Gather passports, birth and marriage certificates, school records and your employment contract.
- Check the rental file checklist so a landlord sees a complete application.
- Compare cities with the city comparator.
- Look at school types with the school choice tool.
- Build your own list with the personal checklist tool.
For a broader view of costs, read what it really costs to move to Switzerland or, for Americans, moving costs from the US.
A short checklist to decide
- Get the package terms in writing
- List the tasks you are happy to do yourself
- List the tasks you would rather hand over
- Ask what happens to unspent funds
- Ask about repayment if you leave early
- Ask about the tax treatment of any payment
- Note the date by which health insurance is arranged
- Decide whether a mix of both models is possible
How we can help
This site connects you with relocation companies in Switzerland, and depending on your request, puts you in touch with the one that fits your needs. We do not do the move ourselves, and we do not decide on permits. If you would like to compare options, use the request at the bottom of the page. You can also read about relocation services and see how it works in Zurich, including relocation help in Zurich and relocation help in Lucerne. For the full journey, see the relocation guide, and for employers, employee relocation.
Note that "lump-sum taxation" is a different subject, about how some wealthy residents are taxed. It has nothing to do with a relocation budget; see lump-sum taxation if that is what you were looking for.
Frequently asked questions
What is a relocation package lump sum?
It is a fixed amount paid by an employer to help with a move. You decide how to spend it, and the employer does not usually book the services for you.
What is a managed move?
A provider organizes the practical steps for you, such as housing search support and registration help. The employer pays the provider directly.
Which option is cheaper?
It depends on your choices and your needs. A lump sum can stretch further if you are organized, while a managed move reduces the risk of unexpected costs.
Can I mix both models?
Often yes. Some employers give a smaller lump sum and add a few managed services, such as help finding housing. Ask what is possible.
Is a lump sum taxed?
It can be, depending on your country, canton and contract. A tax adviser can look at your own case and explain how it applies.
Who decides whether I get a permit?
The Swiss authorities decide. Neither your employer nor a provider can promise the outcome.
Do EU and non-EU citizens follow the same rules?
No. There are two regimes: one for EU and EFTA nationals and one for nationals of other countries. The SEM explains the details.
Does a lump sum cover health insurance?
That depends on the contract. Basic health insurance is compulsory for residents, so it helps to ask whether the package includes it.
When is basic health insurance arranged?
Within three months of taking up residence. Cover is retroactive if the period is respected.
What happens if insurance is arranged late?
Cover begins at the date of affiliation, a surcharge can apply, and the cantonal authority can assign an insurer.
When do I register with my commune?
According to ch.ch, within 14 days of arrival, though it can vary by commune. Your commune will confirm its own rule.
What do I bring to register?
Usually an ID document, the residence or work permit and proof of health insurance. The commune lists its exact requirements.
Can I change from a lump sum to a managed move later?
Some employers allow it, others do not. Ask this before signing.
What if I do not spend the whole amount?
It depends on the contract. Some employers let you keep it, others ask for the rest back. Get the answer in writing.
What if I leave the company early?
Many packages include a repayment clause. Check the wording and ask how it is applied.
Is a lump sum better for families?
Not necessarily. Families often value a plan for schools and housing, but some prefer to run it themselves.
Is it better for a single person?
Often it is simpler, but it still depends on experience and time available.
Can I use a lump sum for temporary housing?
Sometimes. Check whether the package already includes temporary housing or whether it must come from the amount.
Does a lump sum help with schools?
It can pay for school-related costs if the contract allows it. The school choice tool gives a first look at school types.
Where can I compare relocation companies?
Use the request at the bottom of the page. Depending on the request, we put you in touch with a company that matches your needs.
Is this page personal advice?
No. It explains how things generally work. A specialist can examine your case.