What is the difference between a change of address and a change of canton?
The two concepts are not synonyms, although many people use them interchangeably in everyday speech.
Change of address (Adressänderung / changement d'adresse) means that you are moving from one residence to another within the same canton — for example, from the city of Zürich to Winterthur, or from Lausanne to Renens. The administration remains within the canton, and the authority responsible for your permit does not change.
Change of canton (Kantonswechsel / changement de canton), on the other hand, means that you are moving from one canton to another — for example, from Zürich to Bern, or from the canton of Vaud to Basel. In this case, the issuing authority also changes: you must re-register with the cantonal migration authority (Migrationsamt / Service de la population) in the new canton, and your permit is physically transferred to the new canton.
The difference between the two processes is not merely administrative: when changing cantons, your tax jurisdiction, compulsory health insurance premiums, and certain social benefits may also change.
Change of address: required documents and deadlines
When and where do you need to register?
In Switzerland, a change of address must be reported in most cantons within 14 days to the residents' registration office at your new place of residence (Einwohnerkontrolle; in French: contrôle des habitants, in Italian: controllo abitanti). In some cantons, this deadline is 8 days (e.g. in several municipalities of the canton of Zürich).
Registration takes place at the new address — at the same time, you must deregister (Abmeldung / départ) from your previous address. In many municipalities this happens automatically if the new address is within the same canton, but this should never be assumed: always check the procedure of the specific municipality.
Required documents for a move within the same canton
The following documents are generally required, but the exact list may vary by municipality:
Document | Note |
|---|
Valid passport or national identity card | Hungarian passport accepted |
Current residence permit (Ausländerausweis) | B, C, L or G permit |
Rental agreement or proof of ownership | To confirm your new address |
Completed registration form | Available for download on the office's website, or obtainable in person |
In some cities (e.g. Zürich, Bern, Genève), online registration is also possible through the city portal.
What fees should you expect?
The fee for a change of address within the same canton is typically CHF 0–30 and is free of charge in many municipalities. The exact fee varies by municipality.
Changing cantons: permits, costs and administrative steps
What are the steps involved in changing cantons?
The administrative process for changing cantons consists of the following key steps:
Deregistration from the old canton (Abmeldung): in person at the residents' registration office (Einwohnerkontrolle) of the canton you are leaving, or — where the office permits it — online.
Registration in the new canton (Anmeldung): at the residents' registration office of your new place of residence, within the required deadline (typically within 14 days of moving in).
Transfer of residence permit: the permit must be transferred at the immigration authority (Migrationsamt) of the new canton. The permit type (B, C, L) does not change when switching cantons, but the permit is physically transferred to the new canton. To complete the transfer, you will generally need to present your current permit, passport, and proof of your new address.
Health insurance check: under KVG (Krankenversicherungsgesetz / loi sur l'assurance-maladie, LAMal), the mandatory basic health insurance premium varies by canton — when moving to a new canton, it is worth reviewing your insurer and your premium.
Tax registration: your tax liability transfers to the new canton; you can read more about this in the taxation section.
What documents are required when changing cantons?
Document | Notes |
|---|
Valid passport or national identity card | Hungarian passport accepted |
Current residence permit (Ausländerausweis) | Will be surrendered; the new canton issues a replacement |
Rental agreement or proof of ownership | To verify your new address |
Employment contract (if applicable) | Some cantons request this, particularly for B permit holders |
Completed registration form | Form from the new canton's immigration authority (Migrationsamt) |
How much does a canton change cost?
The administrative fees for a canton change typically consist of the following items:
Item | Typical amount |
|---|
Deregistration fee (old canton) | CHF 0–30 |
Registration fee (new canton) | CHF 0–50 |
Permit transfer fee (Migrationsamt) | CHF 20–100 |
Total (estimated range) | CHF 20–180 |
Exact fees vary by canton and administrative unit. In several cities in the canton of Zürich, the registration fee is around CHF 20–30; in the canton of Vaud, the process is partly free of charge, but a separate fee may be charged for the permit transfer.
Taxation and social insurance during a canton change
How does tax residency change when you move cantons?
In Switzerland, income tax (and wealth tax) is levied by the canton where you are registered on the last day of the tax year — i.e. 31 December. So if you move from Zürich to Bern on 1 November, you must file your entire annual tax return in the canton of Bern.
This is an important consideration, because cantonal tax burdens can differ significantly: The tax rates in the cantons of Zug and Schwyz are among the lowest in Switzerland, while those of Geneva and Vaud are among the highest. For an average income, the difference can amount to several thousand francs per year.
What about withholding tax (Quellensteuer)?
Foreign employees who do not hold a C permit (permanent residence permit / Niederlassungsbewilligung) and whose annual gross income does not exceed CHF 120,000 are subject to withholding tax (Quellensteuer / impôt à la source). When changing cantons, the employer must report the new place of residence, as the withholding tax rate must be applied according to the rules of the new canton.
If the canton change occurs mid-year, the withholding tax settlement may be split: the employer is required to remit the tax to the canton of the current place of residence. The administrative burden falls primarily on the employer, but it is worth checking your payslip to ensure the correct canton is listed.
Does AHV/AVS contribution change when changing cantons?
AHV (Alters- und Hinterlassenenversicherung / assurance-vieillesse et survivants, AVS) and mandatory social insurance contributions are uniform at the federal level — these do not change when you move to a different canton. In 2026, the contribution rate for employees is 6.35% of gross salary (the employer pays the same amount), and it is deducted automatically by the employer.
Mandatory health insurance premiums may change
The premium for basic insurance under KVG (Grundversicherung / assurance de base) varies by canton and insurer. When changing cantons, you have a 3-month notice period with your current insurer, and you have the right to choose a new insurer based on the rates applicable in your new canton. It is worth taking advantage of this opportunity: the annual premium difference between certain cantons can reach CHF 600–1,200 for one adult.
Common mistakes and their consequences
The following mistakes occur most frequently in connection with changing address and canton:
Missing the registration deadline: The most common mistake. Failing to meet the 14-day (in some places 8-day) deadline can result in a fine. The amount of the fine varies by administrative unit, but typically falls between CHF 50 and CHF 200. In the case of repeated non-compliance, a higher amount may be imposed.
Registering only at the new location without deregistering from the old one: In Switzerland, only one registered address can exist at a time. If someone fails to deregister, they may end up in a dual registration, which can cause problems with taxes and permit administration.
Failing to re-register your residence permit when changing cantons: Many people assume it is enough to register with the residents' registration office (Einwohnerkontrolle) when moving. However, when changing cantons, you must also submit a permit re-registration request to the cantonal migration authority (Migrationsamt). Failing to do so results in invalid permit records, which can cause problems during employer checks or when crossing borders.
Not notifying your employer: Your employer must be informed of your new address, especially if you are subject to withholding tax (Quellensteuer). Failing to notify them can lead to incorrect tax deductions that will need to be corrected retroactively — creating an administrative burden and potentially requiring additional payments.
Failing to review your health insurance: When changing cantons, many people miss the opportunity to switch health insurer and continue paying higher premiums than necessary.
Using a P.O. box address as your residential address: In Switzerland, your registered address must be a genuine place of residence. A P.O. box or employer address is not accepted. This is particularly problematic if someone is in temporary accommodation and does not yet have a permanent rental agreement.
Costs: what fees should you expect in total?
The table below summarises the expected administrative costs:
Case | Estimated total fee |
|---|
Change of address within the same canton | CHF 0–30 |
Change of canton (registration + permit re-registration) | CHF 20–180 |
Late fine (missed deadline) | CHF 50–200 (sometimes more) |
Health insurance switch administration | Typically free of charge (may vary by insurer) |
These fees cover only official and administrative items. The actual moving costs (transport, deposit, agency fees) are in addition to these.
Hungarian perspectives: what ch.ch doesn't cover
A few points that may be particularly relevant for Hungarian citizens:
Residence permit and the FZA: As a Hungarian citizen, you live in Switzerland under the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons applicable to EU/EFTA nationals (Freizügigkeitsabkommen, FZA, 1999). This means that when changing cantons, the permit type does not change, and the new canton cannot refuse the transfer as long as the original conditions (employment, self-sufficiency, etc.) remain in place.
Tax implications and the double taxation treaty: If you travel to Hungary regularly or have income there, tax residency must be determined under the Hungarian–Swiss double taxation treaty (1981, as amended). Changing cantons does not in itself affect this treaty, but if your living circumstances change (e.g. you also maintain a residence in Hungary), it is worth reviewing your tax situation.
Hungarian community contacts: If your canton move takes you to a new city, it is worth reaching out to the local Hungarian community. Active Hungarian communities operate in Zürich, Bern, Genève, and Basel, and can provide practical support with settling in.
When to bring in an advisor
This article outlines the general procedure. However, in the following situations it is worth seeking individual advice:
If you are changing employers at the same time as changing cantons, and the withholding tax settlement involves a split tax year.
If you have a registered address or income in Hungary, and the application of the double taxation treaty is uncertain.
If you are approaching a C permit and the canton change may affect the conditions for granting the permit.
If you are moving as a self-employed person or company director, and the canton change has business tax implications.
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