What You Need to Know When You’re Moving to Zug

Relocating to Zug

About Zug

Thanks to low tax rates for individuals and businesses, Zug has benefited from an influx of businesses. Since 1920, when the canton of Zug lowered the tax level for holding and domiciled companies, countless multinational corporations have chosen to move their headquarters to the quiet, Swiss town.

Visas for Switzerland

Individuals holding EU passports will not need a visa to live and work in Zug, as Switzerland has signed the so-called ‘Agreement on the free movement of people’. Note, however, that due to ongoing immigration discussions and temporary quotas, this free movement is not always guaranteed. EU expatriates are also required to register with the Zug immigration office within eight days of arrival. You will need to bring your passport, two passport photos, and proof of medical insurance. Also note that some

If you are relocating from another ‘canton’ (region) in Switzerland you will also need to bring your residence permit from your previous address. If your job is located in another canton but you wish to live in Zug, you will also need to bring an assurance of residence permit from your employer.

Non-EU / EEA residents will require a visa and work permit to take up residence in Zug, and this can be obtained from the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), formerly known as the Federal Office for Migration (FOM). Don’t be tempted to jump the gun and arrive early, though. It’s best to wait until your visa has been granted before relocating to Zug.

For more information on Swiss visas and residence permits, you can also refer to our dedicated article on Moving to Switzerland.

Finding Accommodation in Zug

There is no shortage of accommodation in Zug; if anything, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Many expatriates moving to Zug choose to rent rather than buy a house or apartment, but if you’re looking to set down more permanent roots, getting on the property ladder is a good way to keep your costs down.

Regardless of the size of your family, there will be an apartment or family house that is the perfect size for you. There are ample sized apartments to be found in the center of the town, or you can look to the edges of town where luxury detached houses with stunning views of the city can be snapped up. To start your accommodation search before you move to Zug, you can begin by checking such sites as homegate.ch and ImmoScout24. Browsing the listings of local newspapers, such as the Amtsblatt Zug (website in German only), may also be worth your while.

Rental agreements are very similar to the ones in other parts of the world, and you may be required to give between one and three months’ rent as a security deposit. It is also customary to give three months’ notice if you wish to vacate your property, but this can be shortened if you are able to find someone willing to take over the lease.