I would be grateful for any advice or warnings of pitfalls around changing Cantons.

I have a C permis and am currently working in Zurich. In a few months, this contract will end and i currently plan to work outside of Switzerland for a couple of years.

i have a property in Switzerland (not in Zurich) which is part of my long term retirement planning. Basically, my question is, can I "transfer" my C permis to the canton where my property is, even if i will not be working there, or will i have to surrender it, and possibly re-appy later.

Any thoughts or comments appreciated.

If it's only a couple years you can apply for a suspension of the permit (max. 2 years).

Thanx ... that's useful.

And if it was longer than 2 years?

Normally you can leave Switzerland for 6 months without loosing your C or request an extension up to 2 years. 13 years ago I asked to be outside of Switzerland for 2 years but it was refused so I had to return within 6 months.