Moving is more than just packing boxes and carrying furniture. One of the most important – yet often underestimated – tasks is changing your address in time with authorities, service providers, insurance companies and digital platforms. Failing to do so can result in missed deadlines, lost mail or duplicate invoices.
To make sure you don’t forget anything, we’ve compiled the most comprehensive address change checklist in Switzerland – including practical tips, expert insights from over 10 years of MOVU experience, and a free downloadable PDF.
Download your address changes checklist
Address Change with Authorities
| authority | what you need to do |
|---|---|
| Resident Registration Office | In Switzerland, you are required to register your new residence within 14 days. Many municipalities allow you to do this conveniently online via eUmzugCH. |
| Road Traffic Office | Your address on your vehicle registration must also be updated within 14 days – depending on your canton, this can be done online, by post or in person. If you move to another canton, you’ll need new license plates. |
| Identification Documents | IDs and passports do not show your address. For foreign nationals with residence or settlement permits, the new address must be officially updated in their personal documents. |
| Military, Civil Defense, Civil Service | You must notify the relevant office of your new address within 14 days. A canton change often leads to a reassignment to a different unit. |
Special Cases – When Moving Isn’t Standard
Shared Apartments (WGs)
Make sure your personal address is properly registered with all service providers, especially insurance companies, streaming platforms or customer accounts.
Moving Abroad
You must deregister with your municipality, notify the tax office and inform your health insurer. Also remember to update international bank accounts and subscriptions.
Self-Employed / Company Move
Update your address with the AHV compensation office, the commercial register, business directories and your website’s legal notice (Impressum).
👉 MOVU Tip: Also update your Google Business Profile, email signatures, and billing address for your customers.
Mail & Communication – Don’t Lose Anything
Mail Forwarding
Order a forwarding service from Swiss Post at least 7–10 days before your move. This can be activated for a period from 1 to 12 months.
Phone, Internet & TV
Notify your provider (e.g. Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt) as early as possible. Most require 2–4 weeks’ notice for moving services.
| provider | moving fee | notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swisscom | CHF 69 (free via customer portal) | Free when using My Swisscom online; otherwise CHF 69. |
| Sunrise | CHF 79 | Standard moving fee, per their price list. |
| Salt | CHF 49.95 | Applies to Salt Home – extra fees possible if services are unavailable at your new location. |
| Green | CHF 49 | As per official provider info. |
| Yallo | CHF 99 | Moving fee for Yallo Home Internet. |
Customer Accounts & Online Platforms
Update your address with:
- SBB
- Twint
- Digitec / Galaxus / Amazon
- Netflix / Spotify / other streaming services
- Online banks & credit cards
- Tax portals (e.g. ZHservices)
- Real estate platforms (e.g. Homegate, Immoscout24)
Insurance, Work & Finances
Employer
Update your address in HR for payroll, social insurance and withholding tax.
👉 MOVU Tip: Changing cantons can affect your tax bracket. Check how this might impact you.
Insurance Providers
These providers need your new address:
- Basic and supplementary health insurance
- Household and personal liability insurance
- Vehicle insurance
- Accident insurance
Banks, Credit Cards & Leasing
Update your address with all banks – this affects mailings, cards, and e-banking access.
Education, Pets & Personal Matters
Schools & Kindergartens
Register your child(ren) early – school zones, waiting lists or medical checks may apply.
Dog Register (AMICUS)
If you own a dog, you’re required to update your address in the AMICUS register – either via your vet or online.
👉 MOVU Tip: AMICUS is used nationwide. In rare cases, entries may still exist in the older ANIS system – double-check. The dog tax is also handled by your new municipality.
Vet
If you’re no longer near your previous vet, consider switching. Transfer your pet’s file if needed.
Other
- Gym or sports club memberships
- Library cards & store loyalty programs (e.g. Coop, Migros)
- Newspaper & magazine subscriptions
Other Key Places to Notify
- Utility providers: Register early for electricity, gas and water, including meter readings and handover protocols.
- Tax office: Especially important when changing cantons.
- Property management: Inform them of your move-in/out dates and who is moving into the new unit.
What to Do with Your Old Address
- Check if packages or returns are still en route.
- Cancel local subscriptions or services tied to your old address.
- Inform neighbors or the building caretaker of your new contact details.
- Update your website imprint, business cards, and Google Maps entry if applicable.
MOVU Tips for a Stress-Free Address Change
- Start updating your address 2–3 weeks before your move
- List all relevant accounts & services in advance
- Save confirmations (screenshots, emails)
- Set deadlines: e.g. post = Day X, municipality = Day Y
- Clarify: Who is allowed to receive your mail? (Power of attorney!)
- Use eUmzugCH when available
- Allow more time for special cases (e.g. moving abroad, business, shared housing)
- Better too early than too late – your municipality and MOVU are happy to help!
Costs of Changing Your Address in Switzerland
- Municipal registration: Free to approx. CHF 30 (depending on canton)
- eUmzugCH: Usually free
- Vehicle registration: CHF 15–25 for new address entry
- New license plates (canton change): CHF 60–80
- Mail forwarding (Swiss Post): CHF 30 (1 month) up to CHF 100 (12 months)
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How long do I have to report my new address?
Usually within 14 days of your move – e.g. to the municipality or the road traffic office. This varies by canton.
2) What happens if I forget or delay it?
You risk late fees, missed official correspondence, and delays in your tax assessment. Insurance and leasing contracts may also be affected.
3) Do I need to update online shops?
Yes! Especially delivery addresses and payment portals (e.g. PayPal, credit cards) should be up to date to avoid misdeliveries.
4) Do I have to inform Serafe about my new address?
No. Your municipality automatically notifies Serafe.
5) What about my health insurance?
Moving can affect your premium. If you change cantons, you may be assigned to a different premium region.
6) How early can I report my address change?
Depending on the office, even before your official move date. Ideally: 2 weeks in advance.
MOVU – Your Moving Experts for a Stress-Free Relocation
For over 10 years, MOVU has supported people all across Switzerland with their home moves. With verified moving companies, personalized advice, checklists and digital services, we make sure your move isn’t just successful – but stress-free.
| Compare Moving Quotes |
