Move to Switzerland from the USA

The IRS explains that US citizens and resident aliens abroad are generally subject to US tax rules on worldwide income. Foreign accounts and other assets can also create reporting requirements. Have a qualified US adviser identify the obligations that apply to you alongside Swiss advice.

Prepare a list of accounts, investments, pensions, business interests and signing authorities for the advisers. Ask about any product or structural change before implementing it. This guide does not calculate your tax or determine whether a filing exemption, credit or exclusion applies.

A US address does not determine the Swiss residence route. Record every family member’s nationality, intended activity and relationship to the main applicant. SEM’s work guidance explains that a job offer alone does not make a non-EU/EFTA national eligible for a work permit.

Confirm the employer’s and applicant’s responsibilities before setting the first working day. For a founder, family member or person not taking employment, obtain advice specific to that route rather than reusing an employee checklist.

Tell prospective institutions about US citizenship or tax status at the outset and ask whether they can serve the proposed relationship. Request their current documents and onboarding steps. An adviser’s introduction does not determine the bank’s decision.

Keep a payment fallback while opening arrangements are unresolved. Ask your existing providers about account access after changing residence, and use the agreed secure channel for financial documents. Do not place account statements or identifying records in an initial website contact message.

For schools, record current grades, subjects, transcripts and support needs. Ask the receiving school about placement and the programme leading to the child’s next educational stage. Clarify any time gap between departure and the Swiss school start.