Moving to Spain from Switzerland: residence, work, healthcare and tax

Free movement for Swiss citizens

The Free Movement Agreement gives Swiss nationals in Spain largely the same rights as EU citizens: entry without a visa, stays of up to three months without formalities, residence with registration, and the right to work as an employee or self-employed.

The residence certificate for Swiss citizens

If you stay longer than three months, you apply, like EU citizens, for the certificate of registration (the "green residencia"), proving employment in Spain, self-employment, or sufficient means and health insurance with full cover in Spain. Register at the town hall first; see empadronamiento. The certificate contains your NIE; see NIE, TIE and residence certificate.

Family members

Swiss citizens can bring their family. Relatives from EU or EFTA states register themselves; relatives from third countries receive a residence card as family members; see EU family card.

Healthcare

Retirees with a Swiss AHV pension may be admitted to the Spanish public system with an S1 form, taking into account the Swiss health insurance rules. People who do not work need private insurance with full cover in Spain; employees and the self-employed are covered by Spanish social security.

Tax

Taking up residence in Spain usually makes you tax resident, taxed on worldwide income. The Spain–Switzerland double tax treaty decides which country taxes AHV pensions and pension fund benefits (including lump sums), rents from Swiss property, and Swiss assets and securities (Spanish wealth tax and reporting duties). Plan lump-sum withdrawals from the second pillar before moving; see our tax lawyers.

Buying property

Swiss citizens can buy property in Spain without restrictions, following the same steps as any buyer: NIE, legal checks, arras contract, notarial deed and registration. See buying property in Mallorca.

Car, driving licence and everyday life

A Swiss driving licence is valid at first, but should be exchanged within the set period after taking up residence, as Switzerland is not part of the EU licence system. Cars with Swiss plates must be re-registered or exported, which may involve registration tax and customs.

Working for a Swiss employer from Spain

Employees of Swiss companies working from Mallorca must check where they are subject to social security; the Free Movement Agreement applies the EU coordination rules, and special agreements for teleworking since 2023 may allow Swiss cover.

Castell.law is the English and German-speaking practice of Castell Abogados, a law firm in Palma de Mallorca. This page is general information, not advice on a specific case: laws and procedures change, so check your situation with us before acting.