Temporary accommodation in Switzerland
A comfortable solution for your first weeks, while you find your permanent accommodation.
When you arrive in Switzerland, it is rare to immediately have permanent accommodation. Search times, termination notices and lease entry dates mean that most expatriates go through a temporary housing phase. We offer solutions adapted to your budget and your needs: furnished apartments, serviced residences, apart-hotels or shared accommodation.
Our selection covers all major Swiss cities and offers flexible durations, from two weeks to six months. Each accommodation is checked by our team and has complete equipment for immediate installation.
Why temporary accommodation is essential when you arrive
Finding permanent accommodation in Switzerland takes on average 4 to 8 weeks in big cities, and sometimes longer in very tense areas like Geneva or Zurich. Temporary accommodation allows you to settle in peacefully, visit neighborhoods and build up your rental file on site.
In addition, to complete your municipal registration – an essential step in obtaining your residence permit – you must have an address in Switzerland. Temporary accommodation meets this condition and allows you to immediately launch all administrative procedures.
The importance of the address for your procedures
Without an address in Switzerland, it is impossible to register with the Residents' Control, a preliminary step to obtaining your residence permit. Temporary accommodation — even a hotel room or Airbnb apartment — can serve as a temporary address for this formality. However, check with your municipality that the type of accommodation chosen is accepted for registration.
Temporary accommodation options compared
Several solutions are available to you for a stay of a few weeks to a few months. The choice depends on your budget, the expected duration, the size of your family and the level of comfort desired.
| Type of accommodation | Typical duration | Estimated monthly cost | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furnished apartment | 1 – 6 months | CHF 2,500 – 5,000 | Independence, equipped kitchen, fixed address |
| Hotel residence (apart-hotel) | 2 weeks – 3 months | CHF 3,000 – 7,000 | Services included, flexibility, cleaning |
| Furnished shared accommodation | 1 – 3 months | CHF 1,200 – 2,500 | Advantageous price, social integration |
| Hotel | A few days – 2 weeks | CHF 150 – 350/night | Immediate availability, no commitment |
| Airbnb / short-term rental | 1 week – 3 months | CHF 2,000 – 6,000 | Wide choice, flexibility of dates |
Legal and practical aspects
Temporary rentals in Switzerland are subject to specific rules. Unlike a traditional lease, a short-term sublet or furnished rental contract may include special conditions in terms of notice and guarantee.
For a stay of less than 3 months, a tourist tax may apply (similar to hotel tax). This tax varies from CHF 1 to CHF 6 per night and per person depending on the municipality. For longer stays, municipal registration generally exempts you from this tax.
In the event of a dispute with a sub-lessor or an owner, you can contact the Conciliation Authority for leases and rents in your canton. This procedure is free and constitutes a mandatory prerequisite before any legal action.
- • Verify that the sublessor has written permission from the landlord to sublet
- • The guarantee for temporary accommodation is generally 1 month's rent
- • The contract must specify the end date, the rent including charges and the inventory of furniture
- • Household insurance is not obligatory but strongly recommended (from CHF 15/month)
- • Some owners require proof of income even for a temporary rental
Facilities and services to check before booking
Not all temporary accommodation is equipped in the same way. For a stay of several weeks, it is essential to check certain elements before booking, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises and additional costs.
Quality furnished apartments generally include bedding, towels, full crockery, a washing machine, Wi-Fi and a work space. Charges (electricity, water, heating, Internet) are often included in the rent for short-term rentals.
- • High-speed Wi-Fi connection (essential for teleworking)
- • Washing machine and dryer (or communal laundry room in the building)
- • Kitchen equipped with oven, hob, refrigerator and dishwasher
- • Parking or parking space (if you own a vehicle)
- • Access to public transport less than 10 minutes on foot
- • Charges included in the rent (check what is covered)
- • Flexible cancellation conditions (in case of change of plan)
Recommended platforms and providers
Several specialized platforms offer furnished accommodation for expatriates and people relocating. It is important to favor established providers to avoid scams, which are unfortunately common in online advertisements.
| Provider | Speciality | Geographic area |
|---|---|---|
| VISIONAPARTMENTS | High-end furnished apartments | Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne |
| Furnished Zurich | Studios and apartments | Greater Zurich |
| Homelike | Corporate housing | All of Switzerland |
| Wunderflats | Medium term rental | Zurich, Geneva |
| HousingAnywhere | Rooms and apartments | Main Swiss cities |
Our transitional housing service
We take care of finding and booking your temporary accommodation, taking into account your budget, the desired location and the composition of your family. Our network of partners allows us to offer preferential rates and guaranteed availability.
We also ensure that your temporary accommodation meets Swiss administrative requirements, particularly for municipal registration. You can therefore begin your procedures from the first day of your arrival.
What's Included
- Personalized search according to your criteria (neighborhood, budget, duration)
- Selection of verified and equipped accommodation
- Negotiation of rates for long stays
- Coordination of arrival (key handover, reception)
- Assistance during the stay if needed
- Transition vers le permanent housing
Steps and Timeline
Analysis of your needs
We define together the duration, the ideal location, the budget and the necessary equipment (Wi-Fi, washing machine, proximity to transport).
Proposed solutions
We present to you 2 to 3 options corresponding to your criteria, with photos, prices and reservation conditions.
Reservation and coordination
We reserve the accommodation, organize the handover of the keys and provide you with all the practical arrival information.
Monitoring and transition
During your stay, we remain available for any problems and at the same time prepare your search for permanent accommodation.
Common Mistakes
- Book via Airbnb long term without checking the cancellation conditions
- Choosing temporary housing far from your future workplace
- Not providing sufficient budget for the transitional phase
- Forgetting that registration in the municipality is obligatory even in temporary accommodation
Useful Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does temporary housing cost in Switzerland?
How long do you recommend for temporary housing?
Can I register with the municipality using a temporary housing address?
Are the temporary accommodations furnished and equipped?
Ready to Start Your New Life in Switzerland?
Contact us for a free pre-assessment of your situation. Our team will respond within 24 hours.