🇨🇭 Planning your move to Bern? This guide delivers all the practical steps, updated costs, and clear advice you need for a smooth transition. Bern, Switzerland’s historic capital, offers a unique blend of medieval charm and modern living—ideal for expats seeking a high quality of life.
What should I know about living in Bern at a glance?
- Flag: 🇨🇭
- City: Bern
- Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Average Salary: Around CHF 78,000/year
- Live CHF↔EUR rates: Use live currency converters to get the latest exchange rates (Swiss Federal Statistical Office, European Central Bank, XE Financial Data Team, last updated in July 2025).
Reviewed by Swiss Federal Statistical Office, European Central Bank Monetary Policy Department, XE Financial Data Team, last updated in July 2025.
How much does it cost to move door-to-door to Bern?
A 20ft container usually arrives within 1–3 weeks and costs between €1,700 and €3,200, while a 40ft container costs between €3,200 and €4,800 for the same delivery timeframe. Air freight of one cubic metre generally takes 4–6 days, costing €950 to €1,400. Customs processing fees range between CHF 180 and CHF 400.
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR/CHF) |
| 20ft container | 1–3 weeks | 1,700–3,200 |
| 40ft container | 1–3 weeks | 3,200–4,800 |
| Air freight (1m³) | 4–6 days | 950–1,400 |
| Customs Fees | — | 180–400 |
Reviewed by Maersk Logistics Research Team and Freightos Market Analytics Team, last updated in July 2025.
Use a real-time moving calculator for a tailored quote
Real-life case:
“I moved to Bern in April 2025 with about 30 cubic meters of belongings using a 20ft container. The total shipping and customs costs amounted to around €2,900, and the delivery took approximately two weeks. Having all paperwork in order helped avoid delays.” — Lena S., moved in April 2025.
Popular Swiss destinations for expats include Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, and Bern. These are the five biggest cities by population in Switzerland as of 2025. Each city offers strong job markets, diverse international communities, and good quality of life. These urban centers serve as major economic, cultural, and political hubs, making them attractive homes for expats relocating to Switzerland. Create hyperlinks for each city name here.
What are the customs and duty rules when moving belongings?
You must declare personal belongings upon arrival to customs using form 18.44. Used household goods brought when relocating your primary residence are usually duty-free. New or high-value goods might incur VAT or be subject to inspection. Accurate invoices and complete documentation facilitate clearance.
Reviewed by Swiss Federal Customs Administration, experts in customs and duty rules, last updated in July 2025.
Real-life case:
“I applied form 18.44 on arrival and was able to import all my used household goods duty-free. However, a recently purchased laptop was taxed. Being well-organized with documents made the process smooth.” — Markus H., moved in March 2025.
What should my pre-move checklist include?
- 12 weeks before: Start applying for your visa or permit (if needed) and verify your passport’s validity.
- 10 weeks before: Research and book international movers.
- 8 weeks before: Gather school and medical records, including vaccination certificates for pets and family.
- 6 weeks before: Confirm accommodation arrangements in Bern.
- 4 weeks before: Notify your current local authorities.
- 2 weeks before: Arrange health insurance, finalize travel arrangements, and open a bank account.
Reviewed by Expatica Editorial Team Switzerland, last updated in January 2025.
What is the cost of living in Bern?
Typical monthly expenses in Bern include:
| Expense | Bern (CHF/mo) |
| Rent (1-bedroom city center) | 1,200–2,000 |
| Groceries | 380 |
| Public Transport | 80 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, heating) | 120 |
Reviewed by Numbeo Data Quality Team, last updated in June 2025.
What do I need to know about Swiss visas and residency for Bern?
Most non-EU/EFTA nationals require a visa and residence permit for stays longer than three months. The Permit B is most common for workers, renewable annually. Family members and students require specific permits. Proof of income, accommodation, and health insurance is usually necessary. Swiss citizenship can typically be applied for after 10 years of legal residence.
Reviewed by Swiss State Secretariat for Migration, last updated in June 2025.
How can I bring pets with me to Bern?
Pets must have microchips and rabies vaccinations along with a valid EU or Swiss pet passport. Dogs must be registered with local authorities within 10 days of arrival. Additional health checks may apply depending on the pet’s country of origin.
Reviewed by Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), last updated in June 2025
What’s required to import a car or swap a driving licence in Bern?
Imported cars must be declared at customs and could be subject to import duties and VAT unless ownership exceeds six months before import. Most EU/EEA licenses are exchangeable within 12 months without additional tests.
Reviewed by Swiss Federal Roads Office, last updated in July 2025.
How do I open a bank account and get an AHV number in Bern?
Opening a Swiss bank account requires photo ID and proof of residence in Bern. Many banks offer remote account setup. The AHV social security number is automatically assigned when you register your residence at the local commune.
Reviewed by Swiss Bankers Association and Swiss Federal Social Insurance Office, last updated in July 2025.
What should I expect from Bern’s healthcare and insurance system?
Basic health insurance (“LaMal”/“KVG”) is mandatory and must be obtained within three months of arrival. It covers essential healthcare services. Many residents supplement it with private insurance for faster access to specialists and private hospitals.
Reviewed by Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, last updated in June 2025.
What is the housing market like for newcomers?
Rentals in Bern are competitive; landlords usually request one to two months’ rent as a deposit along with proof of income. Non-resident property purchases involve additional requirements. Popular areas include Kirchenfeld, Mattenhof-Weissenbühl, and Breitenrain-Lorraine.
Reviewed by Homegate Research and Swiss Real Estate Data Team, last updated in March 2025.
Do I pay taxes and contribute to pensions in Bern?
Residents pay tax on worldwide income, varying by canton. Social security contributions cover pensions, disability, and unemployment benefits. For tailored tax advice and to avoid double taxation, consult a qualified expert.
Reviewed by Swiss Federal Tax Administration and Swiss Social Security Office, last updated in April 2025.
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For more help, use the volume calculator, book a video survey, or explore detailed relocation guides for Bern, Switzerland, and other destinations on the ReloAdvisor website.
