Changing Address and Canton in Switzerland: What Do You Need to Do?
Changing your address or canton in Switzerland: mandatory deadlines, required documents, cantonal differences, and tax implications — a 2025–2026 guide for Hungarians.
Change of address vs. change of canton: what's the difference?
The two concepts are not synonymous, and the steps involved differ accordingly.
Change of address within the same canton (Umzug innerhalb des Kantons): You remain in the same canton — only your specific address changes, for example from the city of Zürich to Winterthur, or from one district of Lausanne to another. Your permit remains valid, your tax jurisdiction does not change, but you must register your new address and deregister from your old one at the Einwohnerkontrolle.
Change of canton (Kantonswechsel / Changement de canton): You are moving from one canton to another — for example from Zürich to Bern, or from Vaud to Genève. This is administratively more complex: your residence permit must be reissued by the migration authority of the new canton (Migrationsamt / Service de la population), your tax jurisdiction changes, and your health insurance premium may also be affected.
Most of the steps follow the same logic in both cases, but a change of canton involves more authorities and may require a longer processing time.
The address change process: documents and deadlines
When do you need to register?
The deadline for the registration requirement is generally 14 days from the date of arrival at your new place of residence, throughout Switzerland. In some cantons (e.g. Genève, Vaud) this may be 8 days. The exact deadline is always determined by the regulations of the relevant canton or municipality.
Where do you need to register?
The responsible office is the residents' registration authority at your new address, known as the Einwohnerkontrolle (in German), Contrôle des habitants (in French) or Controllo degli abitanti (in Italian). This is typically a department of the municipal office (Gemeindeverwaltung / Administration communale). Larger cities (Zürich, Bern, Basel, Genève) have a dedicated office, while in smaller municipalities this function is handled by the general administrative counter.
Required Documents
The following documents are generally requested, though the list may vary by canton and individual case:
Document | Notes |
|---|---|
Valid passport or national ID card | A passport is recommended for Hungarian nationals |
Residence permit (Ausländerausweis) | Permit type B, C, L or other |
Rental agreement (Mietvertrag / Contrat de bail) | To confirm your new address |
Completed registration form (Anmeldeformular) | Provided by the office or available for download on the municipality's website |
Where applicable: employer's certificate | Primarily required for L permit holders |
In many cases, deregistration (Abmeldung) from your previous address happens automatically once you register at the new one — however, it is worth confirming this in advance with both the old and new offices, especially when changing cantons.
Fees
The registration fee is generally between CHF 20–40 depending on the canton. Some municipalities process the procedure free of charge.
Changing cantons: permits, prerequisites and steps
How does it affect your residence permit?
As a Hungarian citizen — and thus an EU citizen under the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (FZA, Freizügigkeitsabkommen, 1999) — you are entitled to reside and work in Switzerland. This right does not lapse when you change cantons, but your permit must be reissued by the migration authority of the new canton.
Steps in the process when changing cantons:
Deregistering from your old address — at the Einwohnerkontrolle, in person or online (if the municipality offers this option).
Registering at your new address — at the Einwohnerkontrolle of the new canton, with the documents listed above.
Transferring your residence permit — the Einwohnerkontrolle forwards your details to the cantonal migration authority (Migrationsamt), which issues a new permit. The physical permit is usually received within 2–6 weeks, but during the transitional period your old permit and registration confirmation together serve as valid proof of status.
Notifying your employer — if the type or validity of your permit changes, your employer needs to be informed as well.
Switching from a B permit to a C permit and changing cantons
If you hold a B permit (Ausländerausweis B), and you change cantons, your permit's validity is not automatically extended as a result of the cantonal move. The validity period runs from the original date of issue. The C permit (Niederlassungsbewilligung / Autorisation d'établissement) is also transferred when changing cantons, but the entitlement itself does not lapse.
Holders of an L permit
For those holding a short-term residence permit (Ausländerausweis L), changing cantons can be more complex, as the L permit is typically tied to a specific employer or project. Before changing cantons, it is advisable to consult with the migration authority of the new canton.
Tax and social insurance implications when changing cantons
Tax residency
In Switzerland, income tax (Einkommenssteuer / Impôt sur le revenu) is levied at the cantonal and municipal level, and the amount varies significantly from canton to canton. When changing cantons, tax residency shifts to the new canton.
For the purposes of the tax year, the governing rule is: you are taxed by the canton where your registered address was on 31 December of that calendar year. If you move from Zürich to Zug on 1 November, you must file your tax return for that year in Zug.
Important: if you are subject to withholding tax (Quellensteuer) — which typically applies to employees without a C permit who earn below a certain income threshold — the rate of withholding tax deducted will change in line with the new canton's rates. Your employer must be notified of this without delay.
Health insurance (Krankenkasse / KVG)
The mandatory health insurance (Krankenversicherung / Assurance maladie obligatoire, KVG/LAMal) premium varies by canton, as insurers apply canton-specific rates. When changing cantons:
The health insurer must be notified of the new address.
The insurer will adjust the monthly premium (Prämie) according to the new canton's rates. If the premium is cheaper or more expensive in the new canton, this takes effect automatically.
The option to switch insurers once a year (deadline: 31 October, effective 1 January) is independent of a canton change — but it is worth comparing premiums when you do move cantons.
AHV/AVS and the second pillar
The first pillar (AHV/AVS, old-age and survivors' insurance) and the second pillar (berufliche Vorsorge / BVG, occupational pension) are not canton-specific — they are managed by your employer and pension fund, and a canton change does not affect them in itself. Your AHV number (SVA number) does not need to be changed.
Notifying public bodies and organisations: a checklist
The following institutions and organisations must be notified when you change address (those marked with an asterisk are especially critical when changing cantons):
☐ Einwohnerkontrolle (old and new address) ★
☐ Cantonal migration authority (Migrationsamt) ★
☐ Employer (HR department, payroll) ★
☐ Health insurer (Krankenkasse) ★
☐ Tax office (Steueramt / Administration fiscale) – old and new canton ★
☐ AHV/AVS fund (SVA / Ausgleichskasse) – if self-employed
☐ Second pillar fund (Pensionskasse) – if applicable
☐ Bank(s) – every bank where you hold an account
☐ Post office (Die Schweizerische Post / La Poste) – mail forwarding order (Nachsendeauftrag)
☐ Insurers (household, liability, life insurance, etc.)
☐ Vehicle Registration Office (Strassenverkehrsamt) – if you have a Swiss-registered vehicle ★
☐ Children's school / kindergarten
☐ Doctor, dentist, pharmacy
☐ Subscriptions (internet, mobile phone, magazines, streaming)
☐ Hungarian authorities – if you are still registered at an address in Hungary, it is advisable to notify the consulate
Cantonal differences: what you need to know
In Switzerland, the process of registering your address and changing cantons is governed at the federal level, but the details of implementation vary from canton to canton. The table below summarises the most common points of difference:
Aspect | Typical range | Example cantons |
|---|---|---|
Registration deadline | 8–14 days | Geneva, Vaud: 8 days; Zürich, Bern: 14 days |
Option to register online | In some major cities, yes | City of Zürich, Bern, Basel-Stadt |
Registration fee | CHF 0–40 | Some small municipalities: free of charge |
Processing time for permit transfer | 2–6 weeks | Faster in major cities |
Change in withholding tax rate | Immediately, from the next payroll | Each canton applies its own rate |
Canton of Zürich: Online registration is available through the zürich.ch portal, but a personal appearance may be required to collect the permit.
Canton of Geneva: The registration deadline is 8 days. The Office cantonal de la population et des migrations (OCPM) is responsible for residence permits.
Canton of Vaud: The Service de la population (SPOP) handles migration matters. Online registration is partially available.
Canton of Bern: The Migrationsdienst des Kantons Bern is the competent authority. The registration deadline is 14 days.
Zug canton: Due to its favourable tax environment, it is a popular destination for many relocating here; the process is similar to other cantons, but notifying the tax authority (Steuerverwaltung Zug) is of particular importance.
Important general note: the information above reflects the 2025–2026 situation, but cantonal regulations may change. Always check the official website of the relevant canton or municipality for up-to-date information, or visit the Einwohnerkontrolle in person.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Missing the registration deadline: This is the most common mistake. Missing the deadline can result in a fine (the amount varies by canton and can generally reach a few hundred CHF). It is advisable to complete the registration on the day of moving in or on the first working day thereafter.
Registering at the new address but failing to deregister from the old one: In some cases, automatic deregistration does not work, especially when changing cantons. Being registered at both addresses simultaneously can cause tax and insurance complications.
Failing to notify your employer in time: For correct withholding tax deductions, your employer must be aware of your new address and canton. If this is delayed, payroll may apply the wrong tax rate, which will need to be corrected retroactively.
Failing to notify your health insurer: Without notification, the Krankenkasse may continue to bill you at the premium rate of your previous canton. This may work in your favour or against you, but the omission will cause administrative problems.
Forgetting to notify the vehicle registration office (Strassenverkehrsamt): For vehicles with Swiss licence plates, the vehicle registration document and mandatory third-party liability insurance must be updated in accordance with the rules of the new canton. The deadline is generally also 14 days.
Failing to update your registration with Hungarian authorities: If you are still registered at an address in Hungary, it is advisable to update your Hungarian address records to reflect your new Swiss address and to notify the consulate. This is not required under Swiss law, but it is practical for dealings with Hungarian authorities (e.g. renewing documents).
Sources
ch.ch – the official information portal of the Swiss authorities: https://www.ch.ch
Federal Migration Secretariat (SEM – Staatssekretariat für Migration / Secrétariat d'État aux migrations): https://www.sem.admin.ch
Migration authority of the canton of Zürich (Migrationsamt Kanton Zürich): https://www.zh.ch/de/migration-integration.html
Canton of Genève – Office cantonal de la population et des migrations (OCPM): https://www.ge.ch/organisation/office-cantonal-population-migrations-ocpm
Canton of Vaud – Service de la population (SPOP): https://www.vd.ch/autorites/departements/deis/spop
Canton of Bern – Migrationsdienst: https://www.be.ch/de/start/dienstleistungen/migration-buergerrecht.html
Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (FZA): https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/de/home/themen/fza_schweiz-eu-efta.html
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In Brief
Changing your address within the same canton is straightforward: you only need to register with the Einwohnerkontrolle, the deadline is 14 days (8 days in some cantons), and the fee is CHF 20–40. Changing cantons is more complex: a new residence permit must be issued, your tax jurisdiction and health insurance premium will change, and several institutions (employer, tax office, insurer) must be notified.
Key Takeaways
- When changing address within the same canton, the registration deadline is 14 days (Genève, Vaud: 8 days); you must register in person or online at the Einwohnerkontrolle, and the fee is CHF 20–40.
- When changing cantons, you must obtain a new residence permit from the cantonal migration authority (Migrationsamt); this takes 2–6 weeks to arrive. During the transitional period, your old permit and registration confirmation are jointly valid.
- When changing cantons, your tax jurisdiction shifts to the new canton; within a given calendar year, the canton where you are registered on 31 December is the one that taxes you — the tax office must be notified immediately.
- Your health insurer (Krankenkasse) must be informed of your new address, as your monthly premium will be adjusted according to the new canton's rate schedule; the once-a-year option to switch insurers is independent of a canton change.
- Your employer must be notified immediately when you change cantons, as the withholding tax (Quellensteuer) deduction rate will change in line with the new canton's rates.
- Notifying the vehicle registration office (Strassenverkehrsamt) is critical if you have a Swiss-registered vehicle; the registration deadline is also 14 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between changing address and changing canton?
Changing address refers to moving within the same canton (e.g. from the city of Zürich to Winterthur), where your permit remains valid and you only need to register with the Einwohnerkontrolle. Changing canton means moving to a different canton (e.g. from Zürich to Bern), which requires a new residence permit, a change in tax jurisdiction, and notification of multiple institutions.
How much time do you have to register when changing address?
The registration obligation is generally 14 days from the date of arrival at your new place of residence. In some cantons (Genève, Vaud) this is 8 days. The exact deadline is governed by the regulations of the relevant canton or municipality. Missing the deadline may result in a fine.
What documents are required for registration?
A valid passport or national identity card (a passport is recommended for Hungarians), a residence permit (type B, C, or L), a rental agreement to confirm your new address, and a completed registration form. For L permit holders, a letter of confirmation from the employer may also be required. The exact list may vary by canton.
How does tax jurisdiction change when you change cantons?
Within a given calendar year, you are taxed by the canton where you were registered on 31 December. If you move from one canton to another on 1 November, you must file your tax return for that year in the new canton. The withholding tax (Quellensteuer) deduction rate changes immediately in line with the new canton's rates.
What impact does changing cantons have on health insurance?
Your health insurer must be notified of your new address. The insurer will adjust your monthly premium according to the new canton's rate schedule. The once-a-year option to switch insurers (deadline: 31 October) is independent of a canton change, but it is worth comparing premiums at that point.
How long is the permit valid after changing cantons?
Issuing a new residence permit takes 2–6 weeks. During the transitional period, your old permit and registration confirmation together serve as valid proof of status. For a B permit, the validity period runs from the original date of issue — changing cantons does not automatically extend it.
Which institutions need to be notified when changing cantons?
Critical: Einwohnerkontrolle (old and new), cantonal migration authority, employer, health insurer, tax office (old and new canton), vehicle registration office (Strassenverkehrsamt). Also important: AHV fund (for the self-employed), bank, post office (mail forwarding order), insurers, school, doctor, subscriptions, and the Hungarian consulate.
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