Removals to Switzerland after Brexit

Advance Moves April 24, 2020 All Posts Comments Off on Removals to Switzerland after Brexit

With the UK leaving the EU but Switzerland not actually being a member of the EU how does this affect you moving to Switzerland and the process of Removals to Switzerland after Brexit. The Advance moves relocations team have put together a quick guide to help you through it all.

UK-Swiss agreement

Well the UK government has been busy and there is already a UK-Swiss Citizens rights agreement that protects the rights of UK nationals resident in Switzerland by the end of the transition period that is currently on the 31 December 2020. During this time, nothing will change for UK nationals who can continue to live, work and undertake Removals to Switzerland after Brexit.

The agreement protects UK Citizens rights to live and work, including frontier workers, and access to healthcare. It also protects social security benefits, access to an uprated state pension and export benefits, as well as the continued recognition of professional qualifications.

Your removals to Switzerland after Brexit

If your removal to Switzerland is before the end of the transition period then you must obtain Swiss residency to be able to stay. If you move to Switzerland, you must register at your local office of resident services (Einwohnerdienste or Centre du contrôle des habitants) within 14 days of arriving.

More details on that can be found at the guidance link by the Swiss government on notification of departure and registration.

Residency in Switzerland

If you stay and are employed for more than 3 months, then you will need to apply for a residence permit from your local cantonal authority (Einwohnerdienste or Centre du contrôle des habitants).

You should reapply for a new permit before your existing one expires, as usual. This applies whether you hold a short or long stay permit, or even a frontier worker permit.

There are no restrictions for those coming to Switzerland to work for less than four months.

International permits (cartes de légitimation)

International permits (cartes de légitimation) will not be affected by the UK leaving the EU. Special provisions will continue to apply to international permit holders wishing to retire and remain in Switzerland.

UK nationals with an international permit are not in the scope of the UK-Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement.

Passports and travel for moving to Switzerland

The rules on travel will stay the same until the end of the transition period that currently ends on 31 December 2020. During this time you can continue to travel to Switzerland with your UK passport.

Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.

Swiss Visas and Moving to Switzerland after Brexit

If you hold a British Citizen passport, you don’t need a visa to enter Switzerland. If you’re planning to stay longer than 3 months, then check out the UK government Living in Switzerland guide and contact the Swiss Embassy if you have any further questions.

The rules on travel will stay the same until the end of the transition period on the 31 December 2020.

Driving in Switzerland

If you are resident in Switzerland you have 12 months to swap your UK licence for a Swiss one. You can do this at your local cantonal authority. Your UK licence will be accepted in Switzerland for up to 12 months. This will not be affected by the UK leaving the EU.

When driving in Switzerland, you should always have your:

driving licence
car papers
insurance paper
MOT/Control technique certificate
passport or ID and those of your passengers

Healthcare in Switzerland

The UK-Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement will continue to protect the rights of UK nationals resident in Switzerland by 31 December 2020, for as long as they remain in scope. Your access to healthcare in Switzerland will not change, as long as you are covered by the agreement.

You must take out compulsory insurance with a Swiss health insurance company no later than 3 months after arriving or beginning to work in Switzerland. You can look at the Swiss government’s website for information on:

Money and tax in Switzerland

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Switzerland to ensure people do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief.

Existing double taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in Switzerland have not changed.

more info on the Swiss government’s tax system can be found here. information on paying tax.

More information on Removals to Switzerland after Brexit

The advance moves team have an information page on Removals to Switzerland after Brexit that covers all aspects of moving and living in Switzerland.