Leaving Switzerland: the complete checklist

6 months before departure

Check the conditions for terminating your lease: official dates (March 31, June 30, September 30 in most cantons), length of notice (generally 3 months) and earliest termination date. If you want to leave before the next official date, start looking for a buyer acceptable to the management.

Inform your employer and discuss the terms of end of contract: notice, vacation pay, employment certificate. Find out about your rights regarding the withdrawal of the 2nd pillar (LPP) and the 3rd pillar (3a). Request quotes for the return move from 2-3 companies.

• • Check the lease termination dates and conditions
• • Find a lease taker if you leave early
• • Inform the employer and check the contractual notice period
• • Find out about the withdrawal of the 2nd and 3rd pillar
• • Request quotes for international moving
• • Check the schooling of children in the country of destination

3 months before departure

Send the lease termination letter by registered mail, signed by all the lease holders (both spouses if the lease is in both names). Cancel insurance that requires 3 months' notice: household insurance, private liability, legal protection.

Obtain final moving quotes and confirm your choice. Inform the child's school and request school records. Make an appointment for the exit inventory with the management. Start selling or donating the furniture you don't want to move.

• • Lease termination by registered mail (all lease holders)
• • Termination of insurance with 3 months’ notice
• • Confirmation of the mover
• • School information and request for school records
• • Appointment for the exit inventory
• • Sorting and sale/donation of unmoved items

1 month before departure

Cancel your telecom subscriptions (Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt – 30 to 60 days notice), internet, public transport (CFF, TPG, ZVV). Organize end-of-lease cleaning: in Switzerland, the accommodation must be left in an impeccable state of cleanliness, often including professional cleaning with invoice. Count CHF 500 to 1,500 depending on the size of the accommodation.

Announce your departure to the municipality (Resident control). Terminate the LAMal with proof of departure (certificate from the employer or employment contract abroad). Close or transfer your bank accounts — keep at least one account for final transfers and deposit repayment.

The last week

Exit inventory with management: be present and document everything. Delivery of keys (all copies, including those of cellars and mailboxes). Official unregistration at the municipality with your new address abroad.

Mail redirection via Swiss Post (CHF 45 for 4 months, CHF 240 for 2 years). Last interim tax declaration to the cantonal tax administration. Communicate your destination address for receipt of final statements (statement of charges, taxes, deposit).

Foresight and finances at the start

Leaving Switzerland has significant implications for your pension assets. The 2nd pillar (LPP) can be transferred to a vested benefits account if you stay in the EU/EFTA, or paid in cash (5-10% withholding tax) if you leave outside the EU. The 3rd pillar (3a) can be withdrawn with withholding tax.

For the 1st pillar (AVS/AI), contributions paid in Switzerland are either taken into account in the calculation of your retirement in your country (bilateral agreement), or refundable (outside EU/EFTA, under conditions). Consult a pension advisor to optimize your situation.

The departure tax return

When you leave Switzerland during the year, you must complete a tax declaration covering the period from January 1 to your departure date. This declaration is sent by the cantonal tax administration to your new address abroad.

Taxes are calculated in proportion to the number of days of residence. If you were taxed at source, your employer will make the final deduction. Keep all your supporting documents (salary slips, insurance certificates, deductible expenses) because you will not be able to request them from abroad.