Entry and residence regulations for Switzerland: Your move made easy

Moving to Switzerland is an attractive goal for many Germans – thanks to the high quality of life, strong economy and central location in Europe. As a leading moving company, KOCH Moving Logistics is by your side. Here you will find all the important information about entry and residence regulations in Switzerland, specifically for German citizens.

German citizens can enter Switzerland visa‑free for short stays of up to 90 days per 180‑day period, as Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area. This regulation applies to tourist trips, business trips, conference visits and family visits.

Note on ETIAS: From the end of 2026 (expected), an ETIAS travel authorisation (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will be required for visa‑free stays. This costs €20 and is valid for three years. The European Union will announce the exact date several months before its introduction..

 

Thanks to the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (FZA) between Switzerland and the EU, which has been in force since 1 June 2002, German citizens can live and work in Switzerland under simplified conditions..

For employment of up to three months per calendar year , no residence permit is required – however, there is a duty to notify the employer or to use the online notification procedure of the cantonal authorities.

For employment lasting more than three months , you must register in person with your municipality of residence within 14 days of your arrival and apply for a residence permit. Required documents include a valid identity card or passport, as well as a written employment confirmation from the employer (e.g., employment contract stating the duration and workload)..

Pensioners, private individuals and non‑employed persons from the EU/EFTA are also entitled to a B EU/EFTA residence permit if they can prove sufficient financial means and valid health and accident insurance..

The most relevant residence permits for German citizens are:

 

– Short‑term residence permit (L EU/EFTA permit): For employment relationships lasting up to 364 days in total. The validity corresponds to the duration of the employment contract..

 

– Residence permit (B EU/EFTA permit): For employees with an unlimited employment contract or one fixed for at least 365 days. The permit is generally valid for five years and is renewed as long as the conditions continue to be met. The B permit is also possible for students or non‑employed persons with sufficient financial means.

 

– Settlement permit (C permit): The permanent residence permit. As a rule, EU/EFTA citizens have a legal entitlement to the C permit after five years of uninterrupted and lawful residence with a B permit, subject to certain conditions. The C permit is not purpose‑bound and, in many areas, places holders on an equal footing with Swiss citizens.

 

– Cross‑border commuter permit (G EU/EFTA permit): For persons who live in an EU/EFTA state and work in Switzerland, returning to their primary foreign residence at least once a week. For EU/EFTA citizens, there is no longer any restriction to border zones – they can work anywhere in Switzerland. The G permit is valid for five years, provided there is an unlimited employment contract or one valid for longer than one year..

The C permit is the permanent and unlimited residence permit in Switzerland. As a rule, EU/EFTA citizens have a legal entitlement to the C permit after five years of uninterrupted residence with a proper residence permit (B permit). The authorities assess integration, language skills (at least level A2 written, B1 spoken) and lack of social welfare dependency. The C permit is unlimited and entitles the holder to unrestricted residence and employment. It can only be lost in the event of serious criminal offences or permanent social welfare dependency. If you stay abroad for longer periods (more than six consecutive months), the C permit may lapse.

 

Naturalisation in Switzerland is possible under certain conditions:

– Ordinary naturalisation: At least ten years of residence in Switzerland (including three years during the last five years before application), possession of a C settlement permit, integration into Swiss society, language skills (at least level B1 spoken / A2 written in a national language) and no criminal record. · Facilitated naturalisation: Possible for spouses of Swiss citizens (after three years of marriage and five years of residence) or for third‑generation foreigners..

 

– Facilitated naturalisation: Possible for spouses of Swiss citizens (after three years of marriage and five years of residence) or for third‑generation foreigners

 

Very important: Switzerland recognises dual citizenship without restrictions. Germans who acquire Swiss citizenship can retain their German nationality without needing a retention permit. Dual citizenship is generally possible without problems for Germans.

A double taxation agreement exists between Germany and Switzerland, which prevents income and assets from being taxed in both countries. Individual tax advice is recommended to correctly assess personal circumstances.

Switzerland offers a fascinating but in some respects also challenging cultural environment. From mentality to business practices, several things differ from Germany – such as more direct communication, the high value placed on punctuality, or the pronounced federalism. Those wishing to emigrate to Switzerland should be prepared for these differences and be willing to adapt.

Swiss work culture is shaped by precision, reliability and direct communication. Punctuality is paramount, and promises are taken very seriously. At the same time, a clear separation between professional and private life is valued, and leisure time has high priority. International skilled professionals benefit from the stable economy and numerous opportunities for career development.

The residence permit application is made after entry , within 14 days, at the responsible municipality of residence in Switzerland. The application should be submitted promptly after arrival. Required documents include a valid identity card or passport, a written confirmation from the employer (employment contract stating duration and workload) and, if applicable, other documents (e.g., rental agreement, marriage certificate for family reunification). Processing time varies depending on the canton and the workload of the migration authorities.

As German citizens do not require a visa for entry, there are no visa fees. The cantons levy administrative fees for issuing the residence permit, which may vary by canton. Detailed information is provided by the relevant cantonal migration authorities..

Moving to Switzerland requires careful planning and a good understanding of the entry and residence regulations. We at KOCH Moving Logistics are by your side to make your dream of emigrating to Switzerland as smooth as possible.