Information on your destination country
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) maintains dossiers on living and working abroad, which contain useful information on the most important emigration destinations. They provide details on your destination country covering topics including the local labour market, insurance, accommodation and school system.
Administrative formalities
You can use the FDFA’s list of emigration requirements: notifying the authorities, customs formalities, Swiss bank services abroad, social security, driving licences, etc.
SwissCommunity, the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, also provides important information on living abroad: Swiss citizenship, military service, support while abroad, Swiss clubs, finances and pensions, etc.
Persons living abroad are generally no longer obligated to hold Swiss health insurance. Certain groups must nevertheless maintain insurance coverage in Switzerland, while have the possibility to retain their Swiss health insurance; conditions depend on your destination country.
Emigrating to an EU/EFTA country
You must generally take out health insurance in the EU/EFTA country where you work. This does not apply to recipients of a Swiss state pension or disability/unemployment benefits; cross-border commuters; or posted workers .
SwissCommunity, the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, provides detailed information on various scenarios regarding health insurance in the EU/EFTA.
Emigrating outside of the EU/EFTA
If you emigrate to a country outside of the EU/EFTA, your basic health insurance in Switzerland is no longer valid, unless you are a posted worker. In all other cases, there are several ways to obtain insurance:
You can request that your insurer provides a private contract to maintain your insurance cover.
You can find an insurance solution in your future country of residence.
There are insurance providers with international solutions. SwissCommunity, the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, maintains a list of companies offering such plans.
Workers posted abroad
The Federal Office of Public Health can explain the various types of health insurance required according to the country where you are working.
Recipients of a Swiss pension
The Federal Office of Public Health provides information for recipients of a Swiss pension living abroad.
When you move abroad, it is important to register with a Swiss representation (embassy or consulate). This will make it easier for you to contact them in an emergency and will enable you to obtain identity documents (marriage, birth, death) and exercise the right to vote in Switzerland.
You can find the addresses of Swiss representations abroad on the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) website.
You can also use the online desk for Swiss nationals abroad.
Swiss citizens abroad can participate in federal votes as well as National Council elections. Certain cantons also allow Swiss citizens abroad the right to vote at cantonal level.
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs provides information on retiring abroad.
The Federal Office of Public Health explains health insurance for Swiss pensioners abroad.
FDFA guide to emigrating
SwissCommunity guide to living abroad
Services that Switzerland can provide to Swiss nationals living or working abroad
Information on OASI/DI benefits abroad
Information from ch.ch on working abroad and services for Swiss nationals abroad
«SwissInTouch» - Switzerland in your pocket: App for Swiss citizens abroad