If you are planning a move to Switzerland, you may have noticed that most "relocation services" seem to be built for big companies moving their staff. In fact, families, couples and single people who move on their own can use the same kind of help. This page explains what relocation services in Switzerland usually cover, what you can do yourself, and how the matching process works.
What "relocation services" means here
A relocation service is practical help with the steps of moving to a new country. In Switzerland, that usually means a specialist company guides you through some or all of these areas:
- Residence and work permits: explaining which rules apply to you and preparing the paperwork. See immigration support.
- Finding a home: searching, visiting, and handling the rental file. See home search.
- Schools: understanding the school system and shortlisting options for your children. See school search.
- The move itself: packing, transport and customs. See international moving.
- Settling in: the first weeks after you arrive. See settling-in help.
You do not need all of it. Some people only want help with one step, such as finding an apartment. Others want a single contact for everything.
What this site does (and does not do)
Relocation Swiss is a matching service. We work with the best relocation companies in Switzerland and, depending on your request, we put you in touch with the one that fits your needs. We do not carry out the move, search for homes or give personal advice ourselves.
Here is how it works, step by step:
- You describe your situation in the request at the bottom of the page: where you are coming from, who is moving, and what you need help with.
- Your request is reviewed to understand what kind of support makes sense.
- You are introduced to a company that matches your needs.
- You have a first conversation with them, and you decide whether to go further.
Asking costs you nothing, and it does not commit you to anything.
What you can do on your own
Many steps are perfectly doable from home if you are organized. Here is a realistic split.
Things most people can prepare themselves
- Gather your documents: passports, civil status papers, diplomas, work contract.
- Learn the basics of the Swiss system: cantons, communes, the languages spoken where you will live.
- Set a rough timeline, using the relocation calendar or your own moving checklist.
- Compare places to live with the city comparator.
- Check whether your rental file is complete before you apply for anything.
Rules you should know before you leave
Switzerland has two main regimes for foreign nationals: citizens of the EU/EFTA, and citizens of third countries, which means everyone else, including most readers from the UK, the US, India, Canada, Australia, the Gulf, and East and Southeast Asia (State Secretariat for Migration, SEM). The conditions behind each regime are detailed, so check the official pages or ask a specialist rather than guess. The permit finder can help you orient yourself first.
Two deadlines catch newcomers off guard:
- Registration with your municipality: after you arrive, you must report to the commune, generally within 14 days. You usually bring your ID, your residence or work permit and proof of health insurance. Details can vary by commune and canton, so confirm locally (ch.ch).
- Health insurance: anyone living in Switzerland must take out basic health insurance no later than three months after settling. If you meet that deadline, cover is backdated to the day you took up residence, and premiums are due from then. If you are late, cover starts only when you join, a surcharge can apply, and the canton can assign an insurer to you (Federal Office of Public Health, FOPH).
None of this is hard, but it is easy to forget when you are juggling a job change, a school and a flight.
When a specialist makes sense
Help from a relocation company tends to be worth considering when:
- you are moving with children and need to coordinate a school and a home at the same time;
- you are arriving from far away and cannot visit apartments in person;
- your permit situation is not straightforward;
- you have a tight start date and little time to organize;
- you simply prefer one person to ask rather than ten websites.
Exemple: a family of four moving from Singapore, with one child about to change school, may want help with the school search and the apartment, but handle the packing themselves. A couple arriving from Toronto might only want help with the rental file.
On the other hand, if you are single, flexible about dates, and comfortable reading official pages, you may manage most of it alone. Both choices are normal.
Questions to ask any relocation company
Whoever you speak to, a good first conversation covers these points:
- Which exact services are included, and which are optional?
- Who will be my contact, and how do we communicate?
- What do you do yourselves, and what do you hand to partners?
- How are fees structured, and when are they due?
- What happens if my plans or dates change?
- What do you need from me, and by when?
If you want to go deeper, read what a relocation agent actually does and how to choose a relocation agency. Some people move for a role that includes company-provided housing; if that is you, check what is covered before asking for extra help. You may also want to see what people earn in Switzerland and read the common myths about moving.
Services by city
Needs differ by place. A move to a big business hub is not the same as a move to a smaller city. See local guides such as relocation help in Zurich and relocation help in Lucerne.
Ready to talk to someone?
If you would like to be matched with a relocation company, tell us about your move. It takes a few minutes, and you can ask for one service or several.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a relocation service to move to Switzerland?
No. Many people move without one. A service is useful if you are short on time, moving with children, or arriving from far away, but it is a choice, not a requirement.
Are relocation services only for employees of big companies?
No. Companies are common clients, but private individuals and families can ask for help too. You can describe your own situation and ask for the support you need.
What does a relocation service usually cover?
Typically permits, home search, school search, the move itself and help with the first weeks. You can often pick only the parts you want.
How does the matching process work?
You send a request describing your move. It is reviewed, and you are introduced to a company that fits your needs, followed by a first conversation where you decide what happens next.
Does Relocation Swiss carry out the move?
No. We connect you with specialist companies. They do the practical work, and you agree the details with them.
Will a relocation company get me a permit?
No one can promise a permit. The authorities decide. A specialist can explain the rules that apply and help you prepare a clear, complete application.
Is the permit process different for EU and non-EU citizens?
Yes. There are two regimes, one for EU/EFTA nationals and one for third-country nationals (SEM). Which one applies to you shapes the steps and the paperwork.
What do I need to do when I arrive?
Register with your commune, generally within 14 days, and arrange basic health insurance within three months (ch.ch; FOPH). Your commune will confirm which documents to bring.
Can I get help with only one thing, such as finding an apartment?
Yes. Many people ask for a single service. Mention that in your request, and we will look for a company that offers it.
Can I get help if I have not chosen a city yet?
Yes. You can say that you are still deciding, and a specialist can talk through the differences between regions with you. Our city comparator is a good place to start.
What should I prepare before my first conversation?
A rough move date, who is coming with you, where you are leaving from, and the two or three things that worry you most. That is enough to get started.
Does a specialist give me tax, legal or insurance advice?
General rules can be explained, but advice on your own tax, legal or insurance situation needs a specialist to look at your case. Ask about this in your first conversation.