Moving to Switzerland with Family: What Hungarian Citizens Need to Know | svajc.com
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Moving to Switzerland with Family: What Hungarian Citizens Need to Know
As a Hungarian EU citizen, you can move to Switzerland with your family — but what are the exact requirements, what are the real costs, and how does the school system work? A fact-based guide.
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What permit is required, and how do family members obtain one?
As a Hungarian citizen, you are considered an EU national under Swiss law, so the stricter quota rules that apply to third-country nationals do not affect you. The permit most commonly issued to employees is either the L permit (Kurzaufenthaltsbewilligung) — for short stays of up to 12 months — or the B permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung B) — a 5-year renewable residence permit — depending on whether you have an employment contract of at least one year.
The permit is issued by the Migrationsamt (immigration authority) of the canton where your employer is based. The process begins with registration: you must register at the local Einwohnerkontrolle (residents' registration office) within 14 days of arrival.
How do family members obtain a permit?
Immediate family members of EU nationals — spouse, registered partner, children under 21, and dependent parents — are entitled to family reunification (Familiennachzug). The conditions are:
The primary applicant living with you holds a valid B or C permit.
The size of the accommodation is adequate for the family (cantons apply different standards, but as a general rule: at least 1 room per person).
The primary applicant's income covers the family's living costs without the need for social assistance.
For a non-EU spouse (e.g. a partner from a third country), the process is more complex — in such cases, the Migrationsamt carries out an individual assessment and the waiting period may be longer.
What level of income is needed to support a family in Switzerland?
There is no statutory minimum wage at the federal level in Switzerland (some cantons have one — for example, in the canton of Genève it was CHF 24.32 per hour in 2025), but the authorities do assess income to ensure that applicants will not need to rely on social assistance.
The table below is for guidance only and shows estimated minimum living costs based on the SKOS guidelines (Schweizerische Konferenz für Sozialhilfe — Swiss Conference for Social Assistance). These are not the same as the official income thresholds, but they serve as a useful reference:
Family composition
Estimated minimum monthly living costs (CHF)
Realistic monthly expenses (CHF)
2 adults
CHF 3,200–3,800
CHF 5,500–7,500
2 adults + 1 child
CHF 3,800–4,400
6,500–8,500
2 adults + 2 children
4,200–5,000
7,500–10,000
The "realistic monthly expenses" include rent, health insurance, groceries, transport, and school-related costs. Rent alone for a 3-bedroom apartment is around CHF 2,500–3,500 in Zürich, and CHF 1,500–2,200 in rural cantons.
How do people find housing, and how much does it cost?
The Swiss housing market is one of the tightest in Europe. The vacancy rate (Leerwohnungsziffer) was 1.08% at the federal level in 2024 — extremely low, especially in major cities.
A few practical points:
Rental market: most apartments are advertised on online portals (Homegate, ImmoScout24, Comparis). Demand is strong, so a rental application typically requires: a Swiss employment contract, the last 3 months' pay slips, a debt enforcement extract (Betreibungsregisterauszug), and references.
Security deposit (Mietkaution): usually 2–3 months' rent, which must be held in a blocked bank account.
Temporary solution: many people start out in a sublet or furnished apartment during the first few months (e.g. Airbnb, WG-Zimmer portal) while searching for permanent housing.
Cantonal differences: Zug, Zürich, and Genève are the most expensive; Jura, Thurgau, and certain rural areas of Bern are considerably more affordable.
How does the Swiss school system work, and how do children integrate?
Swiss public education is free and compulsory between the ages of 4 and 15 (with the starting age varying by canton). The school system is organised at the cantonal level, so the details — curriculum, grading, and conditions for changing schools — differ from canton to canton.
When and how do children enrol?
After registration, the local school automatically notifies the parents. The child is assigned to the school in their area of residence. There is no free choice of school at the primary or secondary level (except for private schools).
How does language integration work?
Most cantons operate reception classes (Aufnahmeklasse / classe d'accueil), where children intensively learn the local language of instruction (German, French, or Italian) before joining a mainstream class. The transition period generally ranges from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the child's age and language proficiency.
Hungarian-language education in Switzerland
In Zürich, Bern, Basel, and Genève, weekend Hungarian schools operate under the auspices of the Hungarian Cultural Institute or local community organisations, maintaining children's knowledge of the Hungarian language and culture. These typically hold sessions on Saturdays and operate on a cost-recovery basis.
Private schools and international schools
Switzerland has numerous English-language or multilingual international schools (e.g. IB-curriculum institutions). Their tuition fees range from CHF 20,000 to CHF 40,000 per year — a realistic option for very few Hungarian families in the first years.
What social benefits is a Hungarian family entitled to in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, minimum amounts are set at the federal level, but the actual sum varies by canton:
Child allowance (Kinderzulage): at least CHF 200/month per child (up to age 16).
Education allowance (Ausbildungszulage): at least CHF 250/month (for children aged 16–25 in training or education).
In some cantons (e.g. Zürich, Zug) the actual amounts are higher. The allowance is paid out by the employer together with the salary, financed through the Ausgleichskasse (compensation fund).
In case of unemployment
If you lose your job and have paid unemployment insurance contributions (ALV/AC) for at least 12 months, you are entitled to unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld), which amounts to 70–80% of your last salary, for up to 2 years.
Social assistance (Sozialhilfe)
In principle it can be claimed, however authorities take it into account when renewing a residence permit if someone has relied on social assistance. Prolonged use may result in the permit not being renewed, or being revoked.
How much does health insurance cost for a family in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, health insurance (Krankenversicherung / KVG, LAMal) is compulsory and individual — every person must have their own policy, including children. The premium is paid by each individual (it is not deducted from the salary by the employer).
Approximate monthly premiums (2025, national average)
Person
Monthly premium (CHF, approximate)
Adult (26+)
350–550
Young adult (19–25)
280–420
Child (0–18)
100–130
Premiums vary significantly by canton and insurer — Appenzell Innerrhoden is the cheapest canton, while Geneva is the most expensive. Health insurance for a Swiss family of four with two children can therefore cost CHF 900–1,300 per month.
Premium reduction (Prämienverbilligung / réduction de primes): lower-income households are entitled to cantonal subsidies. Eligibility and amounts vary by canton — it is worth enquiring at the local Sozialamt (social welfare office) immediately after settling in.
Hungarian social insurance deregistration: after moving to Switzerland, your Hungarian TAJ card and insurance held with the OEP must be suspended, and the fact of your foreign insurance coverage must be reported to NEAK. When visiting Hungary, your EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) can provide temporary coverage in Hungary.
How is a Swiss-Hungarian family taxed, and what deductions are available?
The Swiss tax system operates on three levels: federal, cantonal, and municipal. The effective tax burden ranges from 15–35%, depending on the canton and income level.
Withholding tax (Quellensteuer)
If you do not hold a C permit (permanent residence permit) and are a foreign national, your income will be taxed via withholding tax (Quellensteuer) — this is deducted automatically by your employer. This is not the same as your final tax liability: above a certain income threshold (in 2025, CHF 120,000/year at the federal level), filing a subsequent ordinary tax return (nachträgliche ordentliche Veranlagung) is mandatory, and below that threshold it can be requested voluntarily — which may result in a more favourable outcome.
Family deductions
Child deduction (Kinderabzug): at the federal level, CHF 6,700 per child can be deducted from the tax base (2025 figure); at the cantonal level, this amount may be higher.
Childcare cost deduction: a portion of documented nursery / day-care expenses can be deducted.
Hungarian–Swiss double taxation agreement
A double taxation agreement in force between Hungary and Switzerland (1981, with amendments) ensures that the same income is not taxed in both countries. If you are a Swiss tax resident, as a general rule you are not required to pay tax in Hungary on your Swiss income — however, the details (e.g. income from real estate or capital) require individual assessment.
What needs to be done in the first 6 months? — Checklist
The steps below follow a sequential order, though some procedures can run in parallel.
Weeks 1–2
[ ] Register with the local Einwohnerkontrolle (mandatory within 14 days)
[ ] Submit employment contract and personal documents at the Migrationsamt (applying for a B permit)
[ ] Take out health insurance (mandatory within 3 months of arrival, with retroactive effect)
[ ] Open a Swiss bank account (PostFinance, UBS, Raiffeisen, Neon, Yuh — the latter can be opened online)
[ ] Initiate school enrolment for children at the local school
[ ] Notify NEAK of your foreign insurance coverage (deregistering from the Hungarian social insurance system)
Months 2–3
[ ] Search for permanent accommodation and sign a rental agreement
[ ] Apply for child allowance through your employer
[ ] Apply for premium reduction at the cantonal Sozialamt (if eligible)
[ ] Tax number and tax registration (usually handled by the employer, but worth double-checking)
Months 4–6
[ ] Exchange your Swiss driving licence (a Hungarian licence is valid for 12 months, after which it must be exchanged at the cantonal Strassenverkehrsamt)
[ ] Renew Hungarian documents / register your address at the Hungarian consulate
[ ] Monitor children's integration and arrange any additional tutoring if needed
As a Hungarian moving to Switzerland, you will need a B permit (5-year residence permit), issued by the immigration office (Migrationsamt) of your employer's canton. A family of four needs CHF 5,500–10,000 per month for living expenses, and health insurance costs CHF 900–1,300 per month. In the first 6 months, your priorities are registering with the authorities, securing a work contract, finding housing, and enrolling your children in school.
Key Takeaways
Obtain your B permit (5-year residence permit) from the Migrationsamt of your employer's canton, and register with the Einwohnerkontrolle within 14 days — without these, you cannot legally work.
Factor health insurance into your monthly budget (CHF 900–1,300 for a family of four), along with rent (CHF 2,500–3,500 in Zürich, CHF 1,500–2,200 in rural areas) and groceries — a realistic total monthly expenditure is CHF 5,500–10,000.
Open a Swiss bank account by the end of your first month, and take out health insurance within 3 months of arrival — the latter can be arranged with retroactive effect.
Search for housing on online portals (Homegate, ImmoScout24), but be prepared to provide a work contract, 3 months of pay slips, a debt clearance certificate, and references — a sublet or furnished apartment is recommended for the initial period.
Enrol your children in school following the automatic notification from the school — most cantons offer reception classes (Aufnahmeklassen) for learning the local language (6 months to 2 years).
Apply for child allowance (at least CHF 200 per month per child) through your employer, and enquire about premium reductions from the cantonal social welfare office if you are on a lower income.
Frequently Asked Questions
What permit does a Hungarian citizen need to move to Switzerland?
As an EU citizen, you need a B permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung B) — a renewable 5-year residence permit — provided you have a work contract of at least one year. The L permit (valid for up to 12 months) is used for shorter stays. The permit is issued by the Migrationsamt of your employer's canton.
How can a family (spouse, children) move to Switzerland?
The immediate family members of an EU citizen (spouse, children under 21, dependent parents) may move through family reunification, provided the primary applicant holds a valid B or C permit, has adequately sized accommodation, and has sufficient income to support the family without recourse to social assistance. For non-EU partners, the process is more complex and takes longer.
How much does it cost for a family of four to live in Switzerland each month?
A realistic monthly expenditure for a family of four (2 adults + 2 children) ranges between CHF 7,500 and CHF 10,000, covering rent (CHF 2,500–3,500 in Zürich), health insurance (CHF 900–1,300), groceries, transport, and school-related costs. In rural cantons, rent is lower (CHF 1,500–2,200).
What steps need to be taken in the first 6 months?
In the first 2 weeks: register with the Einwohnerkontrolle (mandatory within 14 days), submit your work contract to the Migrationsamt, and arrange temporary accommodation. In the first month: take out health insurance, open a Swiss bank account, enrol your children in school, and transfer your social security registration. In months 2–6: find permanent housing, apply for child allowance, register for tax purposes, and exchange your driving licence.
Related guides
🔒 How to Move to Switzerland with a Family? A Step-by-Step Guide
How does health insurance work in Switzerland for Hungarian families?
Health insurance (KVG/LAMal) is compulsory and individual — each family member must have their own policy. Monthly premiums range from CHF 350–550 per adult and CHF 100–130 per child (2025 federal average). Lower-income households are entitled to cantonal premium reductions. Insurance must be taken out within 3 months of arrival.
What social benefits is a Hungarian family entitled to in Switzerland?
Hungarian EU citizens in employment are entitled to child allowance (at least CHF 200 per month per child), education allowance (CHF 250 per month for children in training), and unemployment benefit (70–80% of the last salary, for up to 2 years). However, claiming social assistance may jeopardise the renewal of your residence permit.
How do children integrate into the Swiss school system?
Children are automatically assigned to the school in their area of residence. Most cantons run reception classes (Aufnahmeklassen) where children intensively learn the local language of instruction (German, French, or Italian) for between 6 months and 2 years. Hungarian weekend schools also operate in Zürich, Bern, Basel, and Genève to help maintain children's Hungarian language skills.
