Bern and Central Switzerland: what needs to be done step by step?
A Hungarian guide to the full process of settling in Bern: permits, registration, health insurance, bank account setup and tax registration — step by step, according to the 2024–2026 rules.
Before arrival: which documents should be prepared?
Preparation makes the first few weeks easier and helps avoid delays in administrative procedures.
Required documents before arrival:
Document | Note |
|---|---|
Valid passport or identity card | Both are accepted as an EU citizen |
Employment contract or employer confirmation | If the purpose is employment |
Required for registration | |
Birth certificate (certified with apostille) | For proof of civil status and official procedures |
Marriage certificate (if relevant, with apostille) | Also required when a spouse joins later |
Insurance documents (previous health insurance certificate, S1 form) | To suspend the Hungarian TAJ number and prove temporary health coverage |
Photographs (passport-sized) | Required for several administrative procedures |
Some of the documents can also be obtained later in Switzerland, but preparing them in advance can save weeks.
What types of residence permits are available in Bern?
As a Hungarian citizen, the following permit types may apply under the FZA:
Short-term stay: L permit (Kurzaufenthaltsbewilligung)
The L permit (Ausländerausweis L) can be issued for employment lasting 3–12 months. It is automatically renewed if the employment relationship continues. It does not automatically grant free choice of residence within Switzerland.
Longer stay: B permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung B)
The B permit (Ausländerausweis B) is the standard permit for EU citizens if the employment contract is for at least 12 months, or if the person arrives as a self-employed person, student, or someone with sufficient financial means. It is initially valid for 5 years and can be renewed.
Settlement permit: C permit (Niederlassungsbewilligung C)
The C permit (Ausländerausweis C) can be applied for as an EU citizen after 5 years of continuous, lawful residence. This permit is not tied to employment and is one step on the path to Swiss citizenship.
Where to apply for the permit in Bern: the Kanton Bern Migrationsamt (Migrationsdienst des Kantons Bern). The procedure can also be initiated by the employer, but collecting the permit card requires a personal appearance.
How do you register in Bern and the surrounding cantons?
What is the Einwohnergemeinde, and why is the 14-day deadline critical?
Registration (Anmeldung) is the foundation of Swiss administration. Every person arriving in Switzerland — including EU citizens — must, within 14 days you must register with the Einwohnergemeinde (local municipal office) in your place of residence.
In the city of Bern, this falls under the responsibility of Einwohnerdienste, Steueramt und Stadtarchiv (ESTA). Without registration, all other procedures — permit applications, health insurance, bank account opening — may be delayed or refused.
Documents required for registration:
Valid passport or identity card
Rental agreement or proof of accommodation
Completed registration form (downloadable from the relevant Gemeinde website)
Employment contract (if available)
Photograph (in some Gemeinden)
The registration fee varies by Gemeinde, typically around CHF 20–30.
How do the cantons of Central Switzerland differ from Bern?
In addition to Bern canton, the term “Central Switzerland” in practice usually refers to the following cantons: Luzern, Zug, Schwyz, Uri, Obwalden, Nidwalden. In all of them, the basic logic of the registration procedure is the same (based on FZA), but the exact office name, processing time and speed of permit issuance may differ.
Zug canton, for example, is known for its fast administration and lower tax burden, which makes it attractive for entrepreneurs and higher-income earners. Luzern and Bern, by contrast, offer well-developed infrastructure for employees and families.
How do you arrange health insurance (KVG/LAMal)?
When and how must you take out compulsory health insurance?
In Switzerland, health insurance (Krankenversicherung, KVG / loi sur l'assurance-maladie, LAMal) is mandatory and must be arranged within 3 months of arrival. The insurance applies retroactively from the date of arrival — meaning that if someone takes out insurance in the third month, premiums are due from day one.
You may freely choose the insurer; the content of the basic package (Grundversicherung) is set by law, but the price varies by insurer and canton. In Bern canton, based on 2024 data, the monthly premium for basic insurance for adults typically ranges from CHF 350 to CHF 550, but this also depends on the chosen franchise (deductible) level and the insurer.
For comparison, the federal Priminfo calculator (admin.ch) can be used.
What should be done with the Hungarian TAJ number?
When moving to Switzerland, the insurance relationship based on the Hungarian Társadalombiztosítási Azonosító Jel (TAJ) ends, and this must be reported to the Nemzeti Egészségbiztosítási Alapkezelőnél (NEAK). For a short transitional period, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may provide limited coverage, but it does not replace Swiss compulsory insurance.
How does employment and tax registration work in Bern?
What is withholding tax, and who does it apply to?
Foreign employees who do not hold a C permit and are not Swiss citizens are generally subject to withholding tax (Quellensteuer). This means that the employer deducts the tax directly from the gross salary and pays it to the cantonal tax office — in most standard cases, the person concerned does not need to file a tax return independently.
In Bern canton, the withholding tax rate is determined based on income, marital status and the number of children. The tax rates can be checked on the website of the Bernische Steuerverwaltung (BStV).
Important: if annual gross income exceeds CHF 120 000, a subsequent ordinary tax assessment (nachträgliche ordentliche Veranlagung, NOV) must be filed, regardless of the type of permit.
What should be done regarding AHV/AVS and the second pillar?
In Switzerland, the social insurance system is based on three pillars:
First pillar: AHV/AVS (Alters- und Hinterlassenenversicherung / assurance-vieillesse et survivants) — state old-age and survivors’ insurance. Contributions are deducted automatically from the salary; the employer registers the new employee.
Second pillar: BVG/LPP (occupational pension / prévoyance professionnelle) — employer-sponsored pension scheme. Mandatory if annual salary exceeds the entry threshold (CHF 22 050 in 2024). The employer automatically enrolls the employee in its own Pensionskasse.
Third pillar: Säule 3a/3b — voluntary private savings with tax advantages.
As a Hungarian citizen, you should take into account the Hungarian–Swiss social security agreement, which coordinates the pension systems of the two countries. AHV entitlements accrued in Switzerland and entitlements accumulated with the Hungarian ONYF may be combined when calculating the pension.
How can you find an apartment in Bern?
What is the Bern rental market like?
Bern and its surrounding area have a tight rental market. The vacancy rate (Leerwohnungsziffer) in Bern canton was around 1% in 2024, which indicates limited supply. In the city, rents for a 3.5-room apartment (according to the Swiss room-counting system) typically range from CHF 1 800 to CHF 2 800 per month, depending on the district and the condition of the property.
What should you pay attention to in the rental contract?
A Swiss rental contract (Mietvertrag) is usually open-ended, with a notice period of 3 months. When moving in, a security deposit (Kaution / Depot de garantie) must be paid, which may be no more than 3 months’ net rent. The deposit must be placed in a blocked bank account (Mietkautionskonto) — it is not paid directly to the landlord.
Apartment search platforms:
homegate.ch
immoscout24.ch
comparis.ch (comparison)
wgzimmer.ch (shared accommodation)
Competition for rental listings is strong; the application dossier (Bewerbungsdossier) usually requires: a CV, employment contract, salary statement, debt history extract (Betreibungsregisterauszug — this can be obtained in Switzerland after arrival), and reference letters.
How can you open a bank account in Bern?
Which bank is recommended, and what should newcomers expect?
In Switzerland, opening a bank account as an EU citizen is in principle straightforward, but in practice newcomers may face a few obstacles: some banks require proof of Swiss residence and/or proof of employment.
Main options:
PostFinance — the financial services provider of the Swiss Post; for many people, the first and simplest option, with branches available throughout the country.
Cantonal bank (Berner Kantonalbank, BEKB) — a regional cantonal bank with in-person service.
UBS, Raiffeisen, Credit Suisse (now UBS) — major banks with a broader product range.
Neobanks (Neon, Yuh, Revolut) — faster account opening, but with limited features; not every employer accepts these for payroll purposes.
For account opening, you will usually need: a passport or ID card, proof of address (Anmeldebestätigung from the Gemeinde), and in some cases proof of employment.
What other administrative tasks are there in the first few weeks?
Public transport pass and local services
Bern and its surrounding area are part of the Libero fare zone. On the ZVV (Zürich) and BLS/RBS (Bern) networks, the annual pass (Generalabonnement, GA) is worthwhile in most cases if you travel regularly. The GA can be purchased at SBB (Schweizerische Bundesbahnen) ticket offices and online.
Motor vehicle and driving licence
With a Hungarian driving licence, you may drive in Switzerland indefinitely under the EU agreement, but once you have obtained a residence permit, you must exchange it for a Swiss driving licence within 12 months. The exchange can be arranged at the cantonal road traffic office (Strassenverkehrsamt, StVA).
Schooling for children
In Switzerland, education is a cantonal responsibility. In the canton of Bern, compulsory schooling applies from the age of 4 (Kindergarten). Enrolment is handled through the Gemeinde, typically at the same time as you report your arrival. Hungarian weekend schools also operate in Bern and Zürich — you can find their contact details in the community section of svajc.com.
Sources
Swiss federal administration portal: https://www.ch.ch
Cantonal Migration Service of Bern: https://www.be.ch/migration
Bern Tax Administration (tax office): https://www.taxinfo.sv.fin.be.ch
Federal health insurance comparison tool (Priminfo): https://www.priminfo.admin.ch
SBB timetables and passes: https://www.sbb.ch
Bern cantonal Strassenverkehrsamt (driving licence): https://www.be.ch/strassenverkehr
AHV/AVS information: https://www.ahv-iv.ch
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM): https://www.sem.admin.ch
Homegate (housing search): https://www.homegate.ch
Immoscout24 (housing search): https://www.immoscout24.ch
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In Brief
When moving to Bern or Central Switzerland, the key to the first few weeks is the order of tasks: registration within 14 days, mandatory health insurance within 3 months, then sorting out permit, tax and banking matters. After leaving Hungary, the termination of your TAJ social insurance status must be reported to NEAK; most employees in Switzerland are subject to withholding tax, and an annual gross income above CHF 120,000 also triggers a subsequent tax return.
Key Takeaways
- Before arrival, prepare your passport or ID card, employment contract, proof of accommodation and insurance documents, as these speed up the administrative process.
- You must register with the Einwohnergemeinde at your place of residence within 14 days of arrival; otherwise permit, insurance and banking matters may also be delayed.
- Health insurance must be arranged within 3 months, and coverage applies retroactively from the day of arrival.
- The type of residence permit depends on the length of employment and the situation: L for short stays, B for longer residence, C after 5 years of lawful residence.
- The termination of your Hungarian TAJ social insurance status must be reported to NEAK; the EHIC only provides temporary, limited coverage.
- Most foreign employees without a C permit are subject to withholding tax, and an annual gross income above CHF 120,000 makes a subsequent tax return mandatory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents should be prepared before arriving in Bern?
At minimum, it is advisable to prepare a valid passport or ID card, the employment contract or employer confirmation, the rental contract or proof of accommodation, and insurance documents. A birth certificate and marriage certificate authenticated with an apostille may also be required for official procedures.
Why is registration within 14 days important?
In Swiss administration, registration is the basis for almost all further procedures. If it is missed, the permit application, health insurance and opening a bank account may also be delayed or rejected.
Which residence permits may apply as a Hungarian citizen?
For short-term employment, the L permit may be relevant; for employment of at least 12 months or on another qualifying basis, the B permit; and after 5 years of lawful residence, the C permit. In Bern, permits are handled by the Kanton Bern Migrationsamt.
When do I need to take out Swiss health insurance?
Swiss health insurance must be arranged within 3 months of arrival. Coverage applies retroactively from the day of arrival, so taking out the policy later does not reduce the premium due for the initial period.
What happens to the Hungarian TAJ number after moving abroad?
Hungarian social insurance coverage ends, and this must be reported to NEAK. In the meantime, the European Health Insurance Card may provide limited coverage, but it does not replace Swiss mandatory health insurance.
Who is subject to withholding tax in Bern canton?
Foreign employees who are not Swiss citizens and do not hold a C permit are typically subject to withholding tax. In such cases, the employer deducts the tax from the gross salary and pays it to the cantonal tax office.
When is a subsequent tax return mandatory?
In Bern canton, a subsequent tax return is mandatory if annual gross income exceeds CHF 120,000. This requirement applies regardless of the type of permit.
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