Change of canton within Switzerland
For students who already live in Switzerland and wish to move to another canton ("Kantonswechsel") for their studies.
Students who are only pursuing their studies at ETH Zurich during the week but keep maintaining their principal residence in another Canton, may register as a weekly resident within 14 days. In this case, no change of canton is required.
Please be aware of the health insurance information for students who change to another canton.
Residence permits for non-EU/EFTA citizens are only valid for the canton that issued them.
Important
If citizens from non-EU/EFTA countries wish to change their place of residence to another canton, they must apply to the new canton 8-12 weeks before their planned arrival.
In order to apply for the change of canton, more or less the same documents as students with visa obligation (including financial evidence) have to be submitted to the Migration Office of the Canton of Zurich via their external page online contact form (only available in German).
- Short cover letter (subject: “Gesuch um Kantonswechsel”) to explain why you have to move to Zurich
- Passport copy
- Copy/scan of your residence permit of the current canton of residence
- Rental contract
- Download Extended confirmation of matriculation (PDF, 161 KB)
- Evidence of sufficient financial means of CHF 21’000 on your bank account
- Additional case-specific documents/information may be required after the application.
As soon as you receive the approval from the Migration Office of the new canton, make sure to deregister with your previous municipality of residence.
After arrival you need to register within 14 days at the Residents' Registration Office of your new place of residence. external page Information for the city of Zurich (only available in German).
Residence permits for EU/EFTA citizens are valid for the whole of Switzerland. No application for approval of a change of canton is necessary. EU/EFTA citizens can directly register at the Residents' Registration Office of their new place of residence within 14 days. Information for the city of Zurich (only available in German).
Please note: The information on this page is meant for information purposes only. No responsibility is taken for the correctness of this information. The rules and regulations may have changed in the meantime. For legally binding information please contact the respective authorities.