Renting in Switzerland: Everything you need to know (UK guide)

Expats often move to Switzerland for its high living standards, stunning landscapes and well-connected cities. Navigating the property market, however, can be challenging without the right information.

We’ve put together a guide to renting in Switzerland, covering popular destinations, average rental prices and an overview of the rental process. Whether you’re planning a shorter stay or a long-term move, this guide will help you navigate renting with ease.

We’ll also point out a cost-effective way to manage your money across borders from Wise. Open a Wise account and you can send large transfers between the UK and Switzerland for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate. This makes it a reliable option for secure international payments.

🔎 Learn more about the Wise account

Table of contents

Can a UK citizen rent property in Switzerland? Can you rent a flat without a residence permit? How does the rental process work in Switzerland? How do I find a property to rent in Switzerland? Letting and rental agents Online property sites Types of property to rent in Switzerland Houses Apartments Holiday rentals Student accommodation Flatshares How much is rent in Switzerland? Utilities, internet and other costs when renting in Switzerland Paying for bills and rent in Switzerland What documents do I need to rent in Switzerland? Rental agreements and tenancy contracts in Switzerland Tenant laws and rights in Switzerland How to apply for a property to rent in Switzerland Things to consider when looking for a place to rent Tips for successfully renting in Switzerland What’s the best city to rent in Switzerland? Geneva Zurich Basel Helpful terms to related to renting in German, French and Italian German French Italian Save on your relocation costs with Wise

Can a UK citizen rent property in Switzerland?

Yes, UK citizens and foreigners in general can rent property in Switzerland. However, you’ll need to meet certain requirements, especially when it comes to your visa or residence permit.¹

Can you rent a flat without a residence permit?

A residence permit or valid visa status is usually required for renting in Switzerland. These documents are very important for your application, as landlords want to ensure you’re a reliable tenant.²

How does the rental process work in Switzerland?

The rental process in Switzerland typically begins by looking for properties through private landlords or agencies. After viewing a few options, you submit an application with documents like your ID, proof of income and residence permit.

If your application is approved, you sign a tenancy agreement and pay a security deposit, usually up to three months’ rent. You may also need to pay the first month’s rent before moving in.

How do I find a property to rent in Switzerland?

Whether you’re looking to rent or buy property in Switzerland, knowing where and how to search can make all the difference. The most popular ways to find available properties are through rental agencies and online portals.

Letting and rental agents

Renting through an estate agent in Switzerland can make the search a lot easier. Once you're registered, agents might show you properties before they’re listed online. In many cases, flats are rented out before ever appearing on property sites.²

Here are some popular real estate agencies in Switzerland:

• Engel&Völkers
• RE/MAX
• Wincasa
• Remicom

However, renting through a letting agent in Switzerland can be expensive. You might be charged both search and application fees, which can add up to as much as one month’s rent.²

Online property sites

Online property sites let you filter by price, region, size and other factors, making it easier to find what suits you. Since demand is high in major cities, it’s a good idea to check these websites regularly.

There are plenty of websites where Swiss rental properties are listed. Some of the common ones include:

• Homegate
• Comparis
• Immoscout24
• Immobilier

Types of property to rent in Switzerland

Each type of property in Switzerland suits different lifestyles and needs, whether you’re looking for more space, affordability or flexibility. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options and who they might be best for.

Houses

Houses in Switzerland tend to be more expensive and are usually found outside city centres or in the suburbs. They are ideal for families, people relocating with more belongings or anyone seeking greater privacy.

Two popular types of houses are single-family and multigenerational houses. Multigenerational houses often feature communal gardens and shared facilities, making them a more affordable option that also offers social support.³

Apartments

Apartments are the most common rental option in Swiss cities. Many are rented unfurnished but often include access to a communal laundry area. Swiss apartments frequently feature balconies or communal gardens, as having outdoor space is considered important.²

Apartments are ideal for singles, couples and small families and usually come with fewer maintenance responsibilities for tenants. Large apartment blocks even have designated caretakers who look after common areas and handle repairs.²

Holiday rentals

Holiday rentals are usually the only furnished properties available. Although they can be more expensive, they are a great option if you’re just arriving and don’t yet have any furniture.²

Short-term rentals are often located in tourist or resort areas, making them a perfect way to explore some of the most beautiful parts of Switzerland while you settle in.

Student accommodation

Living in a dorm or shared accommodation is a budget-friendly option for international students renting in Switzerland. University housing usually costs between 500 and 800 CHF per month, depending on the city, which is a great deal in expensive urban areas.²

Flatshares

Flatshares are a popular option for students and those who have just moved to Switzerland, since living with others can help lower overall living costs. However, it also means compromising with your roommates, especially on things like shared responsibilities and expenses.

How much is rent in Switzerland?

Rental prices in Switzerland can differ a lot depending on the area and the quality of the property. In city centres, a one-bedroom flat typically costs around 1,600 CHF per month, while a three-bedroom place averages about 3,000 CHF. If you’re willing to live a bit further out, you could save between 300 and 600 CHF each month.⁴

Larger cities are notably more expensive. In Geneva, for instance, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the centre is over 2,000 CHF, and a three-bedroom can be close to 4,000 CHF per month.⁵

Wondering how much that would cost in GBP? Check out this handy conversion calculator.

Utilities, internet and other costs when renting in Switzerland

When renting property in Switzerland, tenants are usually responsible for covering additional costs beyond rent. These often include utilities such as electricity, gas and internet, while water rates are often included in the rent.²

Utilities for an 85 m² apartment in Switzerland cost around 200 CHF per month on average, though prices may be higher in larger cities.⁴ Energy suppliers in Switzerland are assigned by region, so you can’t choose or switch your provider. For instance, IWB serves Basel, EWB operates in Bern, SIG covers Geneva and Romande Energie supplies Lausanne.⁶

When renting in Switzerland, the internet may already be connected and included in your rent, but make sure to check with your landlord before signing. You might be able to switch providers, but consider contract lengths and how long you’ll stay.⁷

Swisscom is the largest internet provider in Switzerland, with over half of all households using its services. There are plenty of alternatives, though, so another provider might offer a better deal for your needs. Other popular providers include Green, SAK Digital and Sunrise.⁷

Tenants in Switzerland also cover ancillary costs like shared electricity, elevator upkeep, waste collection and caretaker services. These can be calculated in two ways, either as a flat rate based on the average of the past three years or through monthly payments with a yearly statement to settle the difference.⁸

Paying for bills and rent in Switzerland

Rent and bills can be paid in several ways, such as bank transfers or direct debits. Opening a Swiss bank account is the most straightforward option, as it allows you to make local payments and deposit Swiss francs without extra hassle. While it’s sometimes possible to keep your UK bank account, international transfers with some banks can often come with high fees and poor exchange rates.

A more convenient alternative is using a money transfer service like Wise. You can pay bills with Wise manually or set up direct debits. It's also a reliable option for sending larger payments thanks to its transparent, low fees* and mid-market exchange rate.

➡️ Sign up with Wise for free

What documents do I need to rent in Switzerland?

When renting in Switzerland, it’s important to prepare your application carefully, as properties are often rented quickly to the most suitable applicants. While requirements can vary, a typical application usually includes:

• Your name, age, marital status and number of children
• Your occupation, employer and salary
• Whether you have pets
• A reference letter from your employer
• How long you wish to rent for
• An excerpt from the debt enforcement register²

Rental agreements and tenancy contracts in Switzerland

Once you find a property you want to rent, you’ll sign a rental agreement. This agreement must be in writing and include the names of both landlord and tenant, the rent amount and the notice period. It can also outline additional costs, the security deposit, house rules and any other specific terms.⁹

The agreement can also include a detailed inventory of the property and any shared services. Rental contracts typically last for 12 months.²

Tenant laws and rights in Switzerland

Tenant rights are well protected in Switzerland, but it’s also important to meet your responsibilities. One key right is that landlords can’t increase rent without a written explanation, such as changes to the mortgage reference rate. You can also request a rent reduction if the mortgage rate drops or if maintenance work affects your enjoyment of the property.²

Under Swiss law, the security deposit cannot be more than three months’ rent. It is held in a special bank account in your name. When you move out, the landlord may keep some of it to cover damages, but if everything is in order, you’ll get the full amount back with interest.²

If you encounter any issues with your landlord, you have 30 days to appeal to your local branch of the housing arbitration agency.²

How to apply for a property to rent in Switzerland

Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting property in Switzerland:

• Search for listings that meet your requirements or hire an agent
• Contact the landlord or agent and arrange viewings
• Fill in an application form
• Negotiate the lease terms
• Sign the tenancy contract
• Pay the deposit and first month’s rent

Things to consider when looking for a place to rent

When renting in Switzerland, keep the following things in mind:

• Amenities like supermarkets, schools and health services
• Transport options
• Whether utilities are included in the rent
• What furniture is provided
• Heating costs
• Noise levels in the area
• Subletting terms
• Additional fees

Tips for successfully renting in Switzerland

Here are some tips to help for renting property in Switzerland:

• Have your documents ready so you can apply quickly
• Try to make a good first impression during viewings
• Ask about any extra monthly costs beyond the rent
• Use trusted property websites and rental agencies
• Ask the neighbours about safety and noise in the area
• Read the contract carefully before signing
• Document the property’s condition when you move in and out

What’s the best city to rent in Switzerland?

Here are some popular cities to consider when renting in Switzerland:

Geneva

Geneva is an international hub and a global centre of diplomacy, home to the European headquarters of the UN and many other global organisations. The city offers a high quality of life and competitive salaries, but it is also one of the most expensive places to live in Switzerland.

Rent in central Geneva is particularly high, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging around 2,000 CHF per month. If you choose to live in less central neighbourhoods, you can typically save around 300 to 400 CHF on monthly rent.⁵

Zurich

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city and main financial hub, so it’s a great choice for those chasing career opportunities. However, the cost of living is very high, especially in the city centre. A one-bedroom rents for an average of 2,200 CHF a month, while a three-bedroom costs close to 4,300 CHF.¹⁰

Basel

Basel sits at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany, making it one of the best-connected cities in the country. While it remains expensive by European standards, Basel is generally more affordable than Zurich or Geneva, with lower rent and living costs.

The average rent cost for a smaller central apartment is around 1,700 CHF and moving outside the city centre can reduce costs to about 1,200 CHF.¹¹

Helpful terms to related to renting in German, French and Italian

Renting in Switzerland can be challenging, especially since property listings and rental agreements are usually written in French, German or Italian, depending on the region. To help you navigate the process, here are some useful terms you might come across:

German

German	English
Möbliert	Furnished
Zentralheizung	Central heating
Nebenkosten	Additional costs/Utilities
Kaution	Deposit
Mietvertrag	Rental agreement
Sofort beziehbar	Available immediately
Vermieter	Landlord
Miete	Rent
Wohnung	Apartment
Einzimmerwohnung	Studio apartment

French

French	English
Meublé	Furnished
Non meublé	Unfurnished
Une location	A property for rent
Caution/Dépôt de garantie	Deposit
Contrat de bail	Lease agreement
L’état des lieux	Inventory and condition report
Propriétaire	Landlord
Appartement	Apartment
Préavis de départ	Lease termination notice
Charges comprises	Utilities included

Italian

Italian	English
Appartamento in affitto	Apartment for rent
Contratto di affitto	Rental contract
Arredato	Furnished
Servizi	Amenities
Spese di utenza	Utilities
Monolocale	Studio apartment
BIlocale	One-bedroom apartment
Riscaldamento	Heating
Locatore	Landlord
Caparra confirmatoria / Deposito cauzionale	Deposit

Save on your relocation costs with Wise

Renting in Switzerland offers access to high-quality living and vibrant international cities, but costs can be quite steep. Knowing what to expect early on makes the process smoother and helps prevent common issues.

If you’re looking for a simple way to manage your rental expenses, Wise can be a great option. Open a Wise account and you can send money between the UK and Switzerland for low, transparent fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

You can also spend in Swiss francs using your Wise card. It works in more than 160+ countries and automatically converts your pounds to the local currency, only adding a tiny, upfront currency conversion fee*.

➡️ Open a Wise account

Sources used:

1. Properfees - renting in Switzerland as a foreigner
2. Expatica - renting in Switzerland
3. Properti - property types
4. Numbeo - cost of living in Switzerland vs the UK
5. Numbeo - cost of living in Geneva vs London
6. Expatica - utilities in Switzerland
7. Expatica - internet in Switzerland
8. Comparis - ancillary costs in Switzerland
9. Ch.ch - rental and leasing agreement in Switzerland
10. Numbeo - cost of living in Zurich
11. Numbeo - cost of living in Basel

Sources last checked on date: 16-Nov-2025