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Tips for Expats Moving to Another Canton in Switzerland

Planning a move to another canton in Switzerland? Our guide for expats covers all the essential steps and tips you need to make your relocation smooth and hassle-free. From handling paperwork to finding a new home and understanding the differences between cantons, we’ve got you covered.

Moving within Switzerland can be a unique experience, especially for expats. Each canton has its own set of rules, regulations, and cultural nuances. At Umzugsfirma in Basel Classic Umzüge, we understand the intricacies of relocating and have compiled a list of essential tips to help make your move as smooth as possible. Let’s dive into some Reddit-style conversation tips from fellow expats who have been there and done that!

Tips for Expats Moving to Another Canton
Essential tips for expats moving to another canton.

Checklist for Moving from One Canton to Another

Before moving, inform of address change:

  • Inform Die Post
  • Inform home internet provider of contract termination (if you don’t want to carry it over to your new address)
  • Gemeinde de-registration from Canton A
  • Inform employer of address change
  • Inform bank of address change

After moving, inform of address change (within 1-2 weeks):

  • Gemeinde registration in Canton B (they ask for proof of deregistration from Canton A)
  • Inform AHV (this is the link)
  • Inform health insurance
  • Go to Strassenverkehrsamt of Canton B to change license plates for your car
  • Inform car insurance

Check What People Say About a Move to Another Canton in Switzerland

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Sara: Hey everyone, I’m moving from Zurich to Geneva soon. Any tips on what I should keep in mind during this move?
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Mark: Hi! I moved from Bern to Lausanne last year. One thing I found really helpful was notifying all the relevant authorities early on. Make sure to deregister at your current Gemeinde (municipality) and register at the new one. The process can vary slightly between cantons, so check the specific requirements for Zurich and Geneva.
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Emma: Agreed! Also, if you have kids, remember that school systems can differ. Make sure to contact the local education department in Geneva to understand the enrollment process.
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Alex: Don’t forget about health insurance! When you move cantons, you might need to update your health insurance provider. Some providers have different coverage options depending on the canton, so it’s worth looking into this ahead of time.

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Lily: Any advice on finding a new place to live? I’ve heard Geneva’s housing market can be tricky.
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James: Yes, Geneva can be a bit competitive. I’d recommend starting your search as early as possible. Websites like Homegate and Comparis are great for finding rental properties. Also, consider reaching out to local real estate agents who might have leads on upcoming listings.
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Chloe: And when you do find a place, make sure you understand the rental terms. Geneva has stricter rental laws than some other cantons, so read the contract carefully and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

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Oliver: How about the actual moving process? Any tips on logistics?
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Liam: Hiring a professional moving company like Umzugsfirma in Basel Classic Umzüge can really take the stress out of the move. They handle everything from packing to transporting your belongings safely.
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Isabella: Seconding this! I used Classic Umzüge for my move from Zurich to Basel and it was worth every franc. They were super efficient and careful with all my stuff.
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Noah: Also, if you’re moving during winter, be prepared for the weather. Some cantons can have pretty harsh winters, which might affect your moving day. Check the forecast and plan accordingly.

🗨️
Emily: What about cultural differences? Anything to watch out for?
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Lucas: Definitely. Each canton has its own cultural quirks. For example, Geneva is more international with a significant French influence, while Zurich is more business-oriented. Try to learn a bit about the local culture and language (if it’s different from what you’re used to). It can go a long way in helping you settle in.
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Ava: And speaking of language, if you’re moving to a canton with a different official language, like from German-speaking Zurich to French-speaking Geneva, brush up on your language skills. It can make everyday interactions much smoother.

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Charlotte: Any tips for settling into the new canton after the move?
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Henry: Get involved in the community! Join local clubs or expat groups to meet new people. Websites like Meetup and Internations are great for finding events and activities.
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Ella: Also, make an effort to explore your new surroundings. Take time to visit local attractions, parks, and restaurants. It will help you feel more at home.
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Jack: Don’t forget about updating your address with all necessary services. This includes your bank, insurance, employer, and even subscription services. It’s a bit of a hassle, but it’s important to make sure you don’t miss any important mail.

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Grace: For those who’ve moved, what were the most important steps you took to ensure a smooth transition?
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Daniel: For me, it was all about preparation. I made checklists for everything – from paperwork to packing. Staying organized really helped.
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Sophia: Same here. Also, communicating with my new landlord and employer ahead of time made the transition smoother. They were very understanding and helped me with local information.
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Michael: I’d say having a good support network was key. Whether it’s friends, family, or a moving company like Umzugsfirma in Basel Classic Umzüge, having people to rely on made a big difference.

To Wrap It Up about Moving to Another Canton

Moving to another canton in Switzerland can be a rewarding experience if you’re well-prepared. Each canton has its own unique charm and regulations, so doing your homework is crucial. From handling paperwork to finding a new home and understanding cultural differences, these tips from fellow expats and Umzugsfirma in Basel Classic Umzüge will help ensure a smooth transition. If you need assistance with your move, send us an inquiry, and we will send you a free moving quote without obligation.

FAQs

  • What paperwork do I need when moving to another canton?
    • You’ll need to deregister at your current Gemeinde and register at the new one. Check for specific requirements in your new canton.
  • How can I find a new place to live in a different canton?
    • Use websites like Homegate and Comparis, and consider contacting local real estate agents.
  • Do I need to update my health insurance when moving cantons?
    • Yes, some health insurance providers have different coverage options depending on the canton, so update your provider.
  • How do I handle the logistics of moving to another canton?
    • Hiring a professional moving company can help manage the logistics and ensure your belongings are transported safely.
  • What are some tips for settling into a new canton?
    • Join local clubs, explore your new surroundings, and update your address with necessary services.

Moving within Switzerland can be seamless with the right preparation and support. Welcome to your new canton!

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2 Comments

Join the discussion and tell us your opinion.

  1. Michelle

    I’ve recently made a move from canton of Zurich to canton of Basel. I have a car and I need to change the plates. I am not sure how does it work? Should I deregister my car firstly in Zurich and after register in Basel or the other way around?

    Thanks!

    • Classic Umzüge

      First, register your residency at the town hall. Then, contact your car insurance company for a new quote. Next, register your car with the new canton’s MFK/SAN/StVA (*). Finally, return the old license plates to your previous canton.

      (*) This can be done by mail, but you cannot leave the country until you receive the new gray card and plates.

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