Leaving Switzerland
A checklist for leaving Switzerland: deregistration, taxes, insurance, pensions and your flat.
Before you leave
- Deregister with your commune before departure; you receive a confirmation of departure.
- Give notice on your flat, health insurance, phone and other contracts in good time.
- Book the flat handover and keep the handover report.
Taxes
- File a final tax return, or settle withholding tax, for the year you leave.
- Your canton may ask for taxes to be settled before you go.
Pensions
- Pillar 2: depending on your destination country, you may be able to withdraw your pension fund savings or must move them to a vested benefits account.
- Pillar 3a can usually be withdrawn when you leave Switzerland for good.
- AHV / AVS: check if contributions can be refunded or will be paid as a pension later — it depends on your destination country.
General information only, not legal or financial advice. Rules can differ by canton — always check the official source.
Official sources
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