How to find an apartment in Switzerland
Finding an apartment in Switzerland — especially in Zurich and Geneva — is the single hardest part of relocation. Vacancy rates are below 1% in major cities. Start early and prepare a professional dossier.
Step by step
- 1
Start searching 2–3 months early
Use Homegate.ch, ImmoScout24.ch, Flatfox.ch, and Comparis.ch. Set up email alerts. In Zurich and Geneva, good apartments get 50+ applications within hours.
- 2
Prepare your dossier
A complete dossier includes: cover letter, passport copy, residence permit, employment contract, salary slips (3 months), Betreibungsauszug (debt extract), references from previous landlords. Present it as a clean PDF.
- 3
Attend viewings
Dress professionally. Arrive early. Bring your printed dossier. Be ready to submit immediately — there is no 'thinking it over' in competitive markets.
- 4
Understand the lease
Swiss leases are typically indefinite (unbefristet). Notice period is usually 3 months. You cannot break a lease early unless you find a replacement tenant (Nachmieter).
- 5
Pay the deposit
Typically 1–3 months' rent deposited in a blocked bank account (Mietzinsdepot/Mietkaution). This is separate from your first month's rent.
- 6
Register at your Gemeinde
Once you have your rental contract, register at the Gemeinde within 14 days. The contract is the key document.
Get this as a personalised checklist
Build your free Swiss relocation checklist — tailored to your canton, with deadlines and links. No signup.
Build my free checklistNever pay money upfront to 'reserve' an apartment — this is a common scam. Legitimate landlords do not ask for payments before signing a contract.
Be wary of Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace offers with below-market rents — verify the listing exists on official platforms.
People also asked
Official sources for this guide
Was this information helpful and accurate?
Related guides
Register at your Gemeinde
Every person living in Switzerland must register with their local municipality (Gemeinde / Commune / Comune) within 14 days of arrival.
Read guideOpen a Swiss bank account
You'll need a Swiss IBAN to receive your salary, pay rent, and set up direct debits. Digital banks are the fastest option.
Read guideHow to get a B permit
The B permit is the standard residence permit for foreigners staying longer than one year. It is tied to a job, family, or studies.
Read guideDone with this? Next:
Register at your Gemeinde