Leaving Geneva: Departure Checklist

Planning your departure from Geneva? Before you say goodbye, there’s a list of important tasks to handle to close things out properly, from deregistering with the authorities to cancelling your lease, phone contract, insurance, and more. This departure checklist will guide you through each step and link you to helpful articles on my website to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Leaving well-organized saves you stress and possible surprises later.

Admin

• How to notify Swiss authorities you’re leaving and get an “attestation de départ”.
• How to resign when relocating from Switzerland, and what to expect from your employer.

Home

• How to legally end your rental lease in Geneva, with letter tips and key conditions.
• A clear guide to exit inspections and deposit recovery for tenants leaving Geneva rentals.
• Cancel your utilities before leaving Geneva: electricity, internet, mobile, and insurance.
• Where to donate, sell, or dispose of furniture and goods when clearing out your home in Geneva.

Finances

• Should you keep your Swiss bank account after relocating? Key factors and closure steps.
• Guide to settling your Swiss taxes in Geneva before leaving Switzerland.
• A guide to handling your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd pillar pensions when you leave Switzerland.

Health

• How to cancel your Swiss health insurance when leaving Switzerland.

Transport

• What to do with your car when leaving Switzerland: sell, export, or handle CD plates.
• What you need to know to cancel your Swiss transport passes and avoid extra charges.

Schools and daycare

• How to handle school and daycare withdrawal before moving away from Geneva.

Essentials

• Leaving Switzerland for a few months? Health, taxes, and other rules that still apply.
• A guide to forwarding Swiss mail, including costs, timelines, and exclusions.
• How to avoid leftover bills after leaving Geneva and prevent future debt collection issues.