Switzerland is a beautiful place. Once you visit it, you might want to make it your permanent home. If you are a US citizen and you have already visited this place, you know you can stay there for up to 90 days without a visa. However, moving to Switzerland from US means you must adhere to the standard entry and stay procedures. Luckily, Verified Movers is here to help you get in touch with some of the best moving companies. Once you contact them and read this article, you will be ready to move from the US to Switzerland.
How to move to Switzerland from the US
If you wish to relocate from the US to Switzerland, there are three crucial steps you will have to go through. In addition, there will be a couple of smaller but equally important things to consider when moving abroad. To begin with, the three-step process includes:
- Applying for a Swiss long-stay visa
- Applying for a residence permit
- Getting a permanent residence
Apply for a Swiss long-stay visa
The first thing you’ll have to do if you wish to move to Switzerland is to apply for and receive a long-stay visa. Once you do this, you will be able to enter the country. However, you must be aware that there are a few types of such visas. Different types mean different reasons for moving to Switzerland. For instance:
- The Swiss Work Visa – as the name implies, it is given to those who wish to move to this country for work (they must have already found a job before applying).
- The Swiss Study Visa – people who wish to pursue higher education (must already be enrolled in an educational institution in Switzerland) apply for this visa.
- The Swiss Retirement Visa – this visa is granted to those US citizens who desire to relocate to Switzerland for non-work-related reasons.
- The Swiss Family Reunification Visa – given to people who wish to join their family member who is already living in Switzerland.
Where can you apply for a Swiss long-stay visa?
There are two options for applying for a Swiss long-stay visa. One is by mail, and the other in person. This implies that you can either decide to submit the completed application by mail or go to the Swiss embassy or consulate in your location and do so personally.
Apply for a residence permit
For those of you who were not aware, Switzerland is made up of 26 federated states, which are called cantons. Therefore, you must submit an application for a residence permit to the canton where you want to relocate. In order to register and get your Swiss residence permit once you enter the country, you must go to the cantonal immigration and labor market authorities. Keep in mind that you will have 14 days to finish this.
What type of residence permit can you apply for?
There are many types of Swiss residence permits. However, these two are the ones you should keep in mind:
- Permit L for short-term residence is tied to a particular job or company. Therefore, you might not be able to get a new permit if you desire to work somewhere else.
- Permit B for temporary or initial residence is typically limited to a single canton or employer. It is referred to as “initial,” as you can apply for a Permit C for permanent residence in Switzerland after ten years have passed since your move.
Both of these permits are valid for one year. However, the first one can be renewed only once after that. Hence, you can only spend 24 months with it in Switzerland. On the other hand, the second one can be renewed every year.
Get a permanent residence
This last step cannot be done right away. It takes time. To be precise, American and Canadian citizens who have lived in Switzerland for five consecutive years are eligible to apply for permanent residence.
The cost of relocating from the US to Switzerland
When moving to a place such as Switzerland, you will, of course, have to take into consideration the cost of an international move. Because the belongings must be transported over a long distance without being damaged, international moves tend to be more expensive. Moving to Switzerland from the United States typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000. However, this number can be very different depending on a number of factors, such as:
- How far are you moving (the exact location in the US – whether it is Southern or Eastern US, for instance)
- How many items are you bringing along
- Types of items (whether they are small or bulky)
- Special items (for example, antiques, pianos, grandfather clocks, etc., which require special moving)
Additional costs
The costs we have previously mentioned are not the only ones you will have to take into account. You will have to have the money for insurance fees, visa and immigration fees, housing and storage costs, local utilities, and many more. All of this means you will have to find ways to save money when moving abroad.
Final thoughts on moving to Switzerland from US
Now that you have arrived at the end of this article, you know the most important steps you should take when moving to Switzerland from US. Although it may seem challenging, nothing is impossible when you set your mind to it. We wish you all the best on your journey!