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Guide 4 of 11

Housing: how to rent an apartment in Switzerland

A competitive market with its own rules — here's how the game is played.

Set your expectations

In cities like Zurich, Geneva or Zug, it's common for dozens of people to view the same apartment on the same day. Having your full dossier ready before you start looking makes all the difference.

Where to search

  • homegate.ch and immoscout24.ch — the two biggest portals.
  • comparis.ch — aggregates listings and compares prices by area.
  • Real estate agencies (régies) — many apartments are only listed through them.
  • Facebook groups and expat forums — mostly useful for rooms and sublets.

Your application dossier

Before viewing apartments, prepare these documents as PDFs, ready to send the same day of the viewing:

  • Copy of your passport/ID and residence permit (or proof of a pending application)
  • Work contract or your last three payslips
  • Betreibungsauszug (debt collection register extract) — as a newcomer you won't have a Swiss record yet; explain this in your cover letter and provide what you can about your situation in Spain
  • A short cover letter (who you are, where you work, why you'd be a good tenant)
  • The listing's own application form (many agencies have a standard one)

The deposit (Mietkaution)

Usually 2 to 3 months' rent, held in a blocked bank account in your name (compte de garantie de loyer), not paid directly to the landlord. It's released at the end of the lease, minus any deductions for damage.

While you're finding a permanent place

  • WG (shared flat): the fastest and cheapest way to land, very normalized even among professionals.
  • Temporary corporate housing: some employers offer it for the first 1-2 months — ask about it when negotiating your offer.
  • Airbnb / short-term rental: expensive but useful for the first few weeks while you view apartments in person.

Important detail

You'll need a residential address to complete your municipal registration (see the documents guide), so sorting out housing early speeds up everything else.