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Budget for moving to Switzerland

What moving to Switzerland costs, even before the first rent: the fees set by official rules, and what to plan for every month.

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Official costs to plan for
ItemAmountWhen
EU/EFTA residence permit (B or L)CHF 65 per adult, CHF 30 per childWhen issued, then at each renewal
Radio and TV licence fee (Serafe)CHF 335 per household (2026), CHF 312 from 2027Every year
Rent depositUp to 3 months’ rentWhen you sign the lease, returned at the end
Exchanging a foreign driving licenceCHF 45 to CHF 500 depending on the cantonOnce, within 12 months
Basic health insurance (LAMal/KVG)Premium depends on the insurer and regionEvery month, to be taken out within 3 months
OASI for people not in workAt least CHF 530 a yearEvery year, if you are not working
Family allowances (received)At least CHF 215 per child, CHF 268 in educationEvery month, if you work

Your budget, month by month

CheckSwiss places the official fees in the right month, adds your income, rent and subscriptions, and shows you what’s left each month.

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Spending every month

  • Rent, often the biggest item, plus the rent deposit at the start.
  • Health insurance for every member of the household, compulsory from your arrival.
  • Groceries, transport (SBB travelcard, Half Fare), phone and internet.
  • Contents and liability insurance, compulsory for furniture in some cantons.
  • Everyday subscriptions: streaming, music, cloud storage, gym.
Registration and licence exchange, canton by canton
CantonRegistrationLicence exchange
AargauNo fee statedCHF 45
Appenzell AusserrhodenFreeCHF 60
Appenzell InnerrhodenCHF 20
per person, CHF 10 per child		CHF 110
Basel-LandschaftFreeCHF 70
Basel-StadtCHF 25
per person		CHF 140
BernNo fee statedCHF 120
FribourgCHF 20
per adult (in Fribourg)		CHF 50–150
GenevaIncluded in the permit applicationCHF 150
GlarusNo fee statedCHF 100–400
GrisonsNo fee statedCHF 80
JuraCHF 23
per adult, CHF 10 per child (in Delémont)		CHF 225.75
LucerneCHF 40
per person (in Lucerne)		CHF 95
NeuchâtelNo fee statedCHF 105
NidwaldenFreeCHF 100–140
ObwaldenNo municipal feeCHF 100–140
SchaffhausenCHF 30
per adult, main residence (in Schaffhausen)		CHF 90
SchwyzCHF 20
per adult, CHF 30 for a family or couple (in Schwyz)		CHF 80
SolothurnNo fee statedCHF 200–500
St. GallenFreeCHF 80–100
ThurgauCHF 30
per person (in Frauenfeld)		CHF 100
TicinoNo fee statedCHF 150
UriNo fee statedCHF 100
ValaisNo fee statedCHF 123.50
VaudCHF 30
per registration (in Lausanne)		CHF 45
ZugFreeCHF 105
ZurichNo municipal feeCHF 70

Registration: the capital’s or the canton’s fee for an EU/EFTA national arriving from abroad; each municipality sets its own. The residence permit is charged separately.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a B permit cost for an EU citizen?

At most CHF 65 per adult and CHF 30 per child, when issued and at each renewal (federal ceiling for EU/EFTA permits).

How much does exchanging a foreign driving licence cost?

Depending on the canton, CHF 45 to CHF 500, excluding any control drive or test. The exchange must be done within 12 months of settling.

Is the radio and TV licence fee compulsory?

Yes, every household pays it: CHF 335 a year in 2026, CHF 312 from 1 January 2027, billed by Serafe.

What rent deposit should I plan for?

At most three months’ rent, held in an account in the tenant’s name and returned when the lease ends.

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