If you ask how a Swiss relocation service works, the short answer is this. You describe the assignment once. We pass it to the relocation company in Switzerland that fits the need. That company then takes over the practical work with your transferee.
This page explains the sequence, the information you should have ready, and where responsibility sits at each stage.
What this service is, and what it is not
Swiss Relocation Agency is a matching service. We work with the leading relocation companies in Switzerland. Depending on your request, we put you in touch with the one that suits it.
We do not run permit applications, search for homes or give advice ourselves. The relocation company does that work, once you have agreed terms with it directly. Authorities, not providers, decide whether a permit is granted.
The path from request to first conversation
Step one: your request
The request form is at the bottom of the page. Open Request relocation support for the full form. Give the facts a provider needs to scope the work, not a full file.
Useful details include:
- the transferee's nationality and country of departure;
- the Swiss destination and expected start date;
- the family situation, in general terms;
- the services you want: immigration, home search, schools, settling-in;
- whether your policy is lump sum or managed service.
Step two: review and matching
We read the request and look for gaps. A request that says only "relocation to Switzerland" cannot be matched well. A request that names the destination, the permit route and the services can.
Matching depends on the destination, the services and the size of the move. A single assignee and a group move are different jobs.
Step three: introduction and first conversation
The selected company receives your request. It then contacts you to confirm scope. This is where you discuss the programme, who pays for what, and how your policy applies. Terms are agreed between you and the company.
What to prepare before you send the request
Your employee will be asked for the same facts again by the provider and by the authorities. Settle them early.
- Permit route. Swiss law has two regimes: EU/EFTA nationals under the free movement agreement, and nationals of third states. See Swiss work permits for the difference. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) confirms that both regimes exist; detailed conditions for third-state nationals are set out on its admission page.
- Arrival duties. On arrival, your employee must register with the municipality within 14 days, according to ch.ch. This can vary by municipality or canton. Expect to show an identity document, the residence or work permit and proof of health insurance.
- Health insurance. Anyone resident in Switzerland must take out basic health insurance within three months of taking up residence, according to the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). If the deadline is met, cover is backdated to the date of residence.
- Housing. Decide whether your policy covers temporary housing, a home search or both. See renting in Switzerland.
- Family. Decide early what the policy covers for partners and children, including school search.
For a dated plan, use the relocation timeline and the checklist before departure.
Who is responsible for what
| Stage | Employer or HR | Relocation company |
|---|---|---|
| Policy and budget | Decides | Applies |
| Permit application | Sponsors and signs | Prepares and tracks, where agreed |
| Home search | Sets the allowance | Searches and accompanies |
| Registration on arrival | Informs the employee | Assists, where agreed |
| Compliance | Remains responsible | Supports |
The employer stays accountable for compliance. A provider supports the process but does not replace your own duties.
Frequently asked questions
How does a Swiss relocation service work?
You send one request describing the assignment. We match it to a relocation company in Switzerland, and that company contacts you to agree the scope. The practical work then happens between you and the company.
Is there a charge to send a request?
The request itself is a request for a match. Any fees are set by the relocation company and agreed with you in the first conversation. We do not state prices here.
Do you name the companies you work with?
No. We match each request to the company that fits the need. You learn who it is when the introduction is made.
Can you guarantee a permit or a home?
No. Permits are decided by the authorities, and the housing market has its own limits. A provider can prepare and support the process, nothing more.
Can you advise on my employee's tax or legal position?
No. We explain general rules. A specialist reviews the individual case once you are in contact with a provider. See common mistakes for the points most often missed.
How much information do I need to send?
Enough to scope the work: nationality, departure country, destination, start date and the services needed. Sensitive personal documents are not needed at this stage.
Does this work for group moves?
Yes. Say in the request how many people move and over what period. Group moves are scoped differently from a single assignment.
What happens if the first match is not suitable?
Tell the company what is missing. Scope can be adjusted in the first conversation, before any services begin.