Housing and Logistics
Look for accommodation and budget for the rental deposit
The Swiss rental market is tight in urban centres. An application needs a complete file: a copy of your ID, your employment contract or payslips, and an extract from the debt collection register of your municipality of residence, which may generally not be older than three months. The deposit is capped at three months' rent and must be paid into a rental deposit account in your name. Budget for service charges on top of the net rent; the usual notice period is three months to a locally customary termination date.
Who this applies to. This guide applies if needing housing is yes.
Checklist
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Assemble your application file
Copy of your ID, employment contract or three payslips, and the contact details of your previous landlord.
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Order a debt collection register extract
From the debt collection office of your municipality; it may generally not be older than 3 months.
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Provide the rental deposit
At most 3 months' rent, paid into a rental deposit account in your name.
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Record the handover of the flat
The handover protocol records existing defects; anything not listed becomes your liability when you move out.
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Take out liability and household contents insurance
Many landlords require private liability insurance as a condition of the rental contract.
Costs
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Rental deposit not quantified
Statutory maximum: three months' gross rent (Swiss Code of Obligations, Art. 257e). Paid once as a deposit; refunded when you move out.
No total: the items depend on conditions and on your situation. A total without your answers would be too high or too low depending on the case — the cost calculation in your plan uses them.
Frequently asked questions
Who does this guide apply to?
This guide applies if needing housing is yes.
What does it cost?
Rental deposit: not quantified.
What do I need to do?
Assemble your application file; Order a debt collection register extract; Provide the rental deposit; Record the handover of the flat; Take out liability and household contents insurance.
As of: 08.10.2026