When should you start preparing?
Most processes – especially finding accommodation and enrolling children in school – take longer in Switzerland than in Hungary. Experience shows that a realistic preparation window is 3–6 months before arrival. Those organising the move independently, without employer support, should plan for closer to 6 months.
Below, we walk through each step in the generally recommended order.
Preparation: what documents will you need?
Swiss authorities expect you to register at the local residents' registration office (Einwohnerkontrolle / Contrôle des habitants) within 14 days of arrival. The following documents are typically required:
Valid passport or national identity card (for every family member)
Employment contract or proof of self-sufficiency (bank statement, business registration)
Rental agreement or proof of accommodation
Birth certificates (for children)
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Passport-sized photographs (typically 2–4)
Hungarian civil registry documents must be submitted with an apostille and a certified translation into German, French, or Italian if the canton requires it. Translation and certification requirements may vary by canton.
What permit will a Hungarian citizen and their family receive?
As a Hungarian citizen – and therefore an EU citizen – you may stay in Switzerland for the first 3 months without any registration obligation. If you take up employment, you must apply for a B permit (Ausländerausweis B) which is issued by the cantonal immigration authority (Migrationsamt / Office cantonal de la population). The permit is initially valid for 5 years if the employment contract is open-ended; for fixed-term contracts, it is issued for the duration of the contract.
A spouse and children accompanying the employee are also entitled to a B permit, even without their own employment, on the basis of the primary applicant's status. Important: the spouse's permit also entitles them to take up independent employment.
Work permit and the situation of family members
The application for a B permit is typically initiated by the employer at the cantonal Migrationsamt, but it is also possible for the employee to submit it themselves within 14 days of arrival. The process works as follows:
The employer notifies the Migrationsamt (in many cantons, via an online portal).
The employee and family members appear in person at the Einwohnerkontrolle.
The permit is sent by post; processing time is typically 2–6 weeks, varying by canton.
For a spouse from a third country (e.g., a non-EU/EFTA citizen), the process is more complex: a visa is required, and the application must be initiated at the Swiss embassy before relocating. This case requires separate guidance.
Finding accommodation and signing a lease
The Swiss rental market — particularly in the greater Zürich, Genève, Basel, and Bern areas — is extremely tight. Supply is low, demand is high, and landlords require detailed documentation from applicants.
What do you need to know when applying for a rental?
A Swiss landlord will typically ask for the following:
Betreibungsregister extract (debt enforcement register — a certificate showing no negative entries; for newcomers to Switzerland this is not yet available, and an employer's reference letter can partially substitute for it)
Proof of the last 3 months' salary or a copy of the employment contract
Copy of identity card / passport
Completed application form (Bewerbungsformular)
For newcomers, the absence of a Betreibungsregister extract is a disadvantage. It is worth obtaining an employer's reference letter and, if possible, a Swiss reference.
How much is the deposit (Mietkaution)?
Under Swiss law, the deposit (Mietzinskaution) may not exceed 3 months' rent. It must be held in a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto), which the tenant cannot access until the end of the lease. This represents a one-off but significant capital requirement at the time of moving in.
What should you expect in terms of rental prices?
The rental prices vary considerably by city and canton. Indicative monthly rents based on 2024–2025 data for a 3–4 room apartment (approx. 70–90 m²):
Zürich (city): CHF 2,800 – 4,500
Genève (city): CHF 2,600 – 4,200
Basel (city): CHF 2,000 – 3,200
Bern (city): CHF 1,800 – 3,000
Small town / rural canton: CHF 1,400 – 2,200
These are approximate figures; the current market conditions and the condition of the property can significantly affect them.
Schooling for children: from kindergarten to secondary school
In Switzerland, education falls under cantonal jurisdiction, so the details of the system — the starting age, grading, and secondary school selection — vary from canton to canton. A few points that apply generally:
Compulsory school age typically begins at 4–5 years old (at the Kindergarten / école enfantine level) and continues until the age of 15–16.
Schooling is free and compulsory in the public sector.
Enrolment takes place at the local school authority (Schulamt / Direction scolaire), typically at the same time as or shortly after registering your address.
Children may undergo a language assessment and, if needed, be placed in an integration class (Aufnahmeklasse / classe d'accueil), where they receive intensive language preparation before joining a mainstream class.
Hungarian-language education and weekend schools
Several cities in Switzerland have Hungarian weekend schools, which hold classes based on the Hungarian national curriculum. Such institutions exist in Zürich, Bern, and Genève. These do not replace state schooling, but they help children maintain their connection to the Hungarian language and culture.
Private schools and international schools
Switzerland has numerous private and international schools (e.g. English-, French-, or German-language), which can be an alternative — particularly for shorter stays or when a child does not yet speak the local language. Their annual fees typically range from CHF 15,000 to CHF 40,000, and they do not receive state funding.
Health insurance for the family
In Switzerland, health insurance (Krankenversicherung / assurance maladie) is compulsory and provided by the private sector. The system is governed by the federal KVG/LAMal (Bundesgesetz über die Krankenversicherung).
When must it be taken out?
You are required to choose a health insurer within 3 months of registering; the coverage is valid retroactively from the date of registration. If someone fails to take out insurance, the canton will assign one to them and recover the premiums afterwards.
How much is the monthly premium?
The premium depends on age, canton, the insurer chosen, and the level of the deductible (Franchise / franchise). Indicative figures for 2025:
Adult (26+): CHF 350 – 600
Young adult (19–25): CHF 250 – 450
Child (0–18): CHF 90 – 150
Premiums can vary by as much as 40–50% between cantons. Zürich and Genève tend to be the most expensive, while the central cantons (e.g. Appenzell, Uri) are cheaper.
Deductible (Franchise) and co-payment (Selbstbehalt)
The annual deductible for adults can be chosen between CHF 300 and CHF 2,500. A higher deductible means a lower monthly premium, but greater out-of-pocket costs in the event of illness. For children, the deductible can be CHF 0.
Supplementary insurance (Zusatzversicherung / assurance complémentaire)
Basic KVG/LAMal coverage only includes essential care. Dental, optical, a private hospital room, or treatment abroad — for these, supplementary insurance is worth considering, though it is neither mandatory nor standardised.
Hungarian social security and NEAK (OEP)
Upon moving to Switzerland, your entitlement under your Hungarian social security number (TAJ) ceases. You must notify NEAK (formerly OEP) of your relocation abroad. When visiting Hungary, it is also possible to obtain an EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) issued by Switzerland — however, the Swiss system is not built around the EHIC; KVG/LAMal is the basic insurance there.
Social benefits and family allowances
Child allowance (Kinderzulage / allocations familiales)
In Switzerland, every parent in employment is entitled to a child allowance (Kinderzulage). The amount varies by canton, but the federal minimum since 2023 is:
Some cantons pay higher amounts. The allowance is paid by the employer together with the salary, and the employee claims it through the cantonal Familienausgleichskasse (FAK) system.
Maternity and paternity leave
Maternity leave (Mutterschaftsurlaub): 14 weeks, 80% of salary (maximum CHF 220/day), through the APG/RPC system.
Paternity leave (Vaterschaftsurlaub): 10 working days (2 weeks), also with 80% income replacement.
Social assistance (Sozialhilfe)
EU citizens' entitlement to social assistance in Switzerland is limited: if someone is unable to support themselves and requires social assistance, this can affect the renewal of their residence permit. This is an important risk factor to consider during the planning phase.
Budget planning: what should a family expect?
The table below estimates the monthly expenses of a family of 2 adults and 2 children living in the Zürich area, based on 2025 data. These are indicative figures; actual expenses may vary significantly depending on location, lifestyle, and age.
Expense item | Estimated monthly amount (CHF) |
|---|
Rent (3–4 rooms, Zürich agglomeration) | CHF 2,500 – 3,500 |
Health insurance (4 people) | CHF 900 – 1,400 |
Groceries | CHF 800 – 1,200 |
Transport (pass, without a car) | CHF 400 – 600 |
Childcare / nursery | CHF 800 – 2,000 |
Other (clothing, leisure, phone, internet) | 500 – 900 |
Total (approximate) | 5,900 – 9,600 |
The cost of daycare (Krippe / crèche) is one of the most significant variables: at full price it can reach CHF 2,000–3,000 per month, but income-based subsidies (Subventionierung) can substantially reduce this.
Integration opportunities: community, language learning, work
Language integration
In Switzerland, the official language depends on the canton of residence: in the eastern cantons (Zürich, Bern, Basel, Aargau) it is German, in the western cantons (Genève, Vaud, Neuchâtel) it is French, and in the canton of Ticino it is Italian. Swiss German (Schweizerdeutsch) is the language of everyday communication and differs significantly from standard written German — this can be a real challenge at first.
Many cantons offer free or subsidised integration language courses. It is worth checking the Migrationsamt website for local opportunities.
Hungarian communities in Switzerland
Active Hungarian communities, cultural associations, and church organisations operate in Zürich, Bern, Genève, and Basel. They organise regular events and can serve as a valuable informal network for newcomers.
Employment for spouses
A spouse holding a B permit — even if obtained on the basis of the primary applicant's status — may work independently in Switzerland without requiring a separate work permit. This is an important distinction compared to other immigration systems.
Sources
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