Moving to Switzerland: The EU Citizen's Guide

Moving to Switzerland offers a blend of stunning alpine landscapes, high quality of life, and a robust economy, making it an attractive destination for many EU citizens. Thanks to the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Switzerland and the EU/EFTA, relocating is relatively straightforward compared to non-EU nationals.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the requirements and process for EU citizens. Additionally, we'll dive into the unique considerations for freelancers moving from another EU country, including how business practices might evolve, tax implications, VAT rules, and more.
Whether you're seeking employment, starting a new life, or bringing your freelance business along, this article provides clear, step-by-step insights based on current regulations as of 2025.

Understanding the Basics

Why EU Citizens Have an Easier Path

Switzerland, while not an EU member, participates in the Schengen Area and adheres to free movement principles for EU/EFTA citizens. This means you can enter Switzerland without a visa and stay for up to three months for tourism, job searching, or initial setup. If your stay exceeds three months or involves work, you'll need a residence permit. The key advantage is that EU citizens don't face the strict quotas or labor market tests that apply to third-country nationals. Croatian nationals, as of January 1, 2025, now enjoy full access to the Swiss labor market, aligning them with other EU citizens.

The process emphasizes self-sufficiency: you must prove you won't become a burden on the social welfare system. This includes having sufficient financial resources, comprehensive health insurance, and, if applicable, employment or self-employment arrangements. Switzerland's federal structure means procedures can vary slightly by canton, so always check with local authorities for specifics.

Step-by-Step Process for Moving to Switzerland

Entry and Initial Stay

As an EU citizen, you can enter Switzerland with a valid national ID card or passport—no visa required.
For stays under three months, no formal registration is needed unless you're working. If job hunting, you can extend this to six months with proof of active searching and financial means. During this period, secure housing, as a lease agreement is often required for longer-term permits.

Finding Accommodation and Registering

Housing in Switzerland can be competitive, especially in cities like Zurich or Geneva. Start your search on platforms like Homegate or Immoscout24.
Once you have an address, register at the local residents' registration office (Einwohnerkontrolle or contrôle des habitants) within 14 days of arrival if staying longer than three months. Bring your ID, rental contract, and any employment details. This registration triggers the residence permit application.

Applying for a Residence Permit

Permits are issued by cantonal migration offices but follow federal guidelines. Common types for EU citizens include:

L Permit (Short-Term): For stays between three months and one year, often tied to a specific job contract or temporary assignment. Renewable if conditions persist.
B Permit (EU/EFTA Residence Permit): Valid for five years, renewable, for those with employment, self-employment, or sufficient funds (e.g., retirees or students). Requires proof of health insurance and financial stability.
C Permit (Settlement Permit): After five uninterrupted years on a B permit, you can apply for permanent residency, offering unlimited stay and work rights.

For employed individuals, your employer typically handles the application, providing a work contract. Submit it online via the cantonal portal or in person, along with your ID and health insurance proof. Processing takes 2-8 weeks.

If unemployed but financially secure (e.g., with savings or passive income), you can still apply for a B permit by proving adequate resources and health coverage—no work required.

Health Insurance and Social Security

Health insurance is mandatory and must be obtained within three months of arrival from a Swiss provider (e.g., basic coverage starts around CHF 300/month). EU health cards (EHIC) cover emergencies but not long-term stays.
You'll also join the Swiss social security system (AHV/AVS) for pensions, automatically deducted from salaries or self-paid if self-employed.

Banking, Driving, and Daily Essentials

Open a Swiss bank account for salary deposits—bring your permit and ID. Your EU driving license is valid for one year; after that, exchange it for a Swiss one. Register for taxes via the cantonal tax office, as Switzerland has federal, cantonal, and municipal income taxes.

Family Reunification

Spouses, children under 21, and dependent parents can join you. They apply for permits based on your status, proving family ties and shared housing.

Special Considerations for Freelancers Moving from Another EU Country

If you're a freelancer relocating your business to Switzerland, the process builds on the general EU pathway but adds layers related to self-employment. As an EU citizen, you qualify for self-employed status under the free movement agreement, allowing you to live and work without quotas. However, expect adjustments in business practices, from administrative compliance to financial obligations. Many EU freelancers successfully operate remotely for international clients while based in Switzerland, but thorough planning is key to avoid pitfalls.

Establishing Self-Employment in Switzerland

To freelance legally, apply for a B permit as a self-employed person. Submit proof of your activity, such as a business plan, client contracts, or registration as a sole proprietorship (Einzelunternehmen). If your annual income exceeds CHF 2,300, register with the cantonal compensation office for social security. No need for a separate work permit—your residence permit covers it. If your business is small, you might not need commercial register entry unless turnover hits CHF 100,000.

Freelancers can work for foreign companies, but ensure it's genuine self-employment to avoid reclassification as employment, which could trigger different rules. For remote work, if less than 50% of your time is for Swiss clients, you might remain under your home country's social security via EU agreements, but consult a specialist.

Tax Implications for Freelancers

Switzerland's tax system is multi-tiered: federal income tax (progressive, up to 11.5%), plus cantonal and municipal rates varying by location (e.g., lower in Zug, higher in Geneva). As a freelancer, deduct business expenses like home office costs, travel, and social contributions from your income. File annually; expect to pay quarterly advances. If relocating mid-year, handle double taxation risks via EU-Switzerland treaties.

Pillar 3a retirement savings allow deductions up to CHF 35,280 in 2024 (adjusting annually) if not in a pension fund. Overall, taxes might be lower than in some EU countries, but the system requires meticulous record-keeping.

Social Security and Insurance for Freelancers

Self-employed freelancers must contribute to AHV/AVS (old-age pension) at 10.6% of income, plus optional occupational pension (BVG) for those earning over CHF 22,050. Health insurance remains private and mandatory—budget CHF 300–600/month. Accident insurance (UVG) is required if working over eight hours weekly. These contributions are deductible, but they're self-paid, unlike employer-handled in some EU countries.

How Business Practices Might Change

Moving your freelance business means adapting to Swiss precision: expect stricter invoicing (e.g., in CHF, with detailed breakdowns) and emphasis on contracts. Swiss clients value punctuality, discretion, and high-quality work—network via LinkedIn or local events. If handling data, comply with Swiss Federal Data Protection Act, similar but not identical to GDPR.

Administrative burden increases: register for VAT if applicable, file quarterly social security payments, and possibly hire an accountant for cantonal nuances. Currency fluctuations (CHF vs. EUR) could impact earnings from EU clients—consider hedging. The EU Platform Work Directive (effective 2025) might indirectly affect gig freelancers via transparency rules, but Switzerland adapts selectively.

Positively, Switzerland's stability and low unemployment can boost client acquisition, but higher living costs (rent, food) mean adjusting rates accordingly.

Final Tips and Resources

Budget for relocation: expect CHF 5,000–10,000 for initial setup, including deposits and insurance. Learn basic German, French, or Italian depending on the region. For personalized advice, consult the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) website or a relocation service. Freelancers should engage a tax advisor early to navigate dual-country obligations.

Switzerland rewards preparation with unparalleled opportunities.
With the right steps, your move can be seamless and rewarding. Safe travels! ✈️