Full-service relocation in Zürich

The public steps follow a set order. For a work permit of a non-EU/EFTA national the employer applies to the cantonal Amt für Wirtschaft for a labour-market pre-decision, the State Secretariat for Migration must agree, and only then does the Migrationsamt grant the permit (Canton of Zurich, checked 21 Oct 2026). Where no visa is needed it sends the employer an assurance of the permit; for a person still abroad it authorises the embassy to issue the visa (Canton of Zurich, checked 21 Oct 2026). For 2026 the federal quotas allow 4,500 B permits and 4,000 L permits for specialists from third countries across Switzerland (Canton of Zurich, checked 21 Oct 2026).

Registration at the Personenmeldeamt follows once the family actually lives in the city, and every family member attends the appointment in person (City of Zurich, checked 21 Oct 2026). Families who arrive after the kindergarten registration round contact their district school authority (Kreisschulbehörde) (City of Zurich, checked 21 Oct 2026).

Goods and vehicle come in through customs, the form 13.20 A report then goes to the Strassenverkehrsamt in Albisgütli, and plates follow within the year after the move (Strassenverkehrsamt ZH, checked 21 Oct 2026) (BAZG, checked 21 Oct 2026).

Arrivals from abroad register in person at the Personenmeldeamt Zürich Süd in the Stadthaus, Stadthausquai 17, with a booked appointment, and only once they actually live in the city (City of Zurich, checked 21 Oct 2026). The deadline is 14 days (2026) (City of Zurich, checked 21 Oct 2026); the fee is CHF 40 per adult, plus the cantonal migration office’s permit fees for foreign nationals (City of Zurich, checked 21 Oct 2026). More in our guide to registering at your commune.