Relocation services in Switzerland are the practical support packages that help a transferee move from another country and settle. They are bought by employers, not by the employee. This page is for the HR or mobility manager who must decide which parts of a move to outsource and which to keep.
Swiss Relocation Agency is a matching service. It does not carry out the work itself. It reads your request and puts you in touch with the relocation company that fits the need.
What relocation services usually cover
Most providers organise their offer in modules. You can buy one module or several. The names vary, but the scope is stable.
- Immigration support. Preparing the permit file with the employer, tracking the application, and explaining the next step to the transferee. See immigration support.
- Home search. Briefing on neighbourhoods, viewings, the rental file and the lease. See home search.
- International moving. Packing, transport and customs paperwork for household goods. See international moving.
- Settling-in. Local registration, bank account, insurance and transport on arrival. See settling-in.
- School search. Matching a child to a school and handling the application. See school search.
- Spouse and partner support. Orientation, networks and career guidance for the accompanying partner. See spouse support.
- Departure. Deregistration, notice periods and exit logistics. See departure service.
A full package that combines these is often called a managed service. A lump sum is different: the employee receives a budget and arranges the move alone. Your policy decides which model applies to which grade.
What you keep in-house
Some decisions cannot be delegated. They stay with your company.
- Policy. Eligibility, budget, grade tiers and the choice between managed service and lump sum.
- The employment contract. Start date, role and conditions.
- Employer duties in the permit process. The authorities decide on permits. A provider can prepare and follow a file, but it cannot decide the outcome, and no provider can promise one.
- Tax and payroll treatment. Your own advisers set how allowances are taxed. A relocation company explains the general rules only.
- Duty of care. You remain responsible for your employee, whoever carries out the tasks.
Why the permit route shapes the whole plan
Switzerland applies two regimes. Nationals of the EU and EFTA follow the free movement route. Nationals of other countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, India, China, Japan, the UAE, Canada and Australia, fall under the third-country regime. Conditions differ between them, so the permit route sets the timeline for every other service. Check the current rules on the official page of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). Our permit finder gives a first orientation.
Deadlines that arrive with the transferee
Two obligations start on arrival, and both belong in the briefing you give your employee.
- Registration with the commune. Arrivals must register with the commune where they live, in general within 14 days. The exact period can vary by commune or canton. The employee brings 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 no later than three months after taking up residence. If the deadline is met, cover is backdated to the date of residence, and premiums are due from that date. If it is missed, cover starts at enrolment, and a premium surcharge may apply for an unexcused delay. The canton may also assign an insurer.
A provider can remind your employee of these steps. It cannot choose an insurance product for them or advise on their personal tax or legal position. A specialist reviews each case.
How the matching works
The service works in three steps.
Use the relocation request form at the bottom of the page. Our how it works page describes the process in more detail.
Questions to ask any provider
Before you commit, put these to the company you are introduced to.
- Which modules are included, and which are optional?
- Who handles the permit file, and who signs what?
- How is the transferee supported on arrival, and for how long?
- How are third-party costs reported to your team?
- What happens if the start date moves?
- How does the provider handle data protection for your employee?
Ask for the answers in writing. Compare them with your policy before signing.
Corporate and city-specific support
For multi-employee transfers, see corporate relocation service. If the move is to a particular city, the local picture matters. See relocation services in Zürich or relocation in Lucerne. The relocation calendar and the personalised checklist help you sequence the steps.
Frequently asked questions
What are relocation services in Switzerland?
They are modular support services for people moving to Switzerland: immigration, housing, moving, schooling and settling-in. Employers usually buy them for a transferee.
Does an agency decide whether my employee gets a permit?
No. The authorities grant permits. A provider prepares and follows the file but cannot promise an outcome.
Do EU and non-EU employees need different support?
Yes, the route differs. Two regimes exist: EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals. The permit route sets the timeline for other services.
Can we buy only one service?
Usually yes. Most providers sell modules separately, such as home search or settling-in, as well as full packages.
What is the difference between a managed service and a lump sum?
In a managed service, a provider arranges the tasks. With a lump sum, the employee receives a budget and organises the move alone. Your policy decides which applies.
What should my employee do on arrival?
Register with the commune, in general within 14 days, though this can vary. Bring an identity document, the permit and proof of health insurance.
How long does the employee have to take out health insurance?
No later than three months after taking up residence. If met, cover is backdated to the residence date. A late start may bring a surcharge.
Does Swiss Relocation Agency carry out the move?
No. We are a matching service. We introduce you to the relocation company that fits your request.
Do you recommend a specific provider?
We match according to your request. We do not name companies on this site, and the choice remains yours.
Can a provider give personal tax or legal advice?
Not as part of general relocation support. Tax, legal and insurance questions go to a specialist who reviews the individual case.
Is there a cost to submit a request?
Pricing is agreed between you and the provider you are introduced to. Ask for a written scope and fee statement before you commit.