the best thing I ever did was leaving! Still happy for that. Will NEVER EVER EVER go back there

I'm off back to the UK in a couple of weeks. Enjoyed Switzerland a great deal but looking forward to bacon, sausages, black pudding - in fact most pig-based products. Admittedly they can do cheese over here but porcine stuff seems to baffle them.

Great tips about what to do when leaving!

Is it hard to close a Swiss bank account from abroad? I need to leave it open for a bit after I leave... so I have to close it when I don't live here anymore...

I've been told by my UBS rep that there's no problem in closing the bank account from abroad. You only have to send a letter stating you want to close it and the account you want to transfer your funds to.
If you have e-banking you ca also do it from there.

I've closed one previously from abroad. However, coming back after a 3 year gap I have had problems re-opening one as I didn't apparently close my prvious one correctly

Hi there, I've been pondering the options of leaving permanently for quite some time. I'm thinking that some large english-speaking country (Canada, Australia or US) might be the place for me to stay.

But as my english isn't all that good I've been wondering if taking language courses might by a good way to start. Spending some time in the country I could envision being my new home and getting to know the language.

Do you think this is any realistic?

Have you looked at the requirements to get into the US or Australia? I can not speak about Canada but without a company sponsorship or US spouse the US isn't easy and Australia will allow people with specific skills which they have a shortage but in general you can`t just decide you want to go.

Something to consider.

Hi Brian,

thanks for your reply. It's true, I have to considers these requirements when trying to forge a plan. And I probably have to delve deeper into these issues.

Your English appears to be better than most native US speakers (and I say that without even a touch of sarcasm). Take a class, but I think you'll do just fine to start with what you already have.

Hi there,

I've checked some of the places where I could take language classes. It seems like most of these courses take place in the same assortment of city, as can be seen here. The same is true with Australia. Maybe I'll start by trying to find an internship somewhere in the US.

Obviously, I haven't made up my mind as of yet

Hello! I'm leaving Switzerland also permanently and was wondering if I could get any refund or reimbursement with my health insurance (saints). I havent received any letter that I can get a refund just a notice that they received my termination letter since im leaving.

im paying 390+ francs every month and i havent received refund on the bill i sent to them two months ago. how can i know if i am entitled to any refund since they are supposed to pay any amount that exceed with my 300 chf franchise? it seems like i paid more money than what i have actually spent on my medical expenses. thanks.

Just call your insurance and ask about the reimbursements. Most likely you will get a reimbursement form to fill. In the form you could also fill the bank account, where the money could be transferred.

Is it necessary to cancel bank account before going back????? anybody have idea

Are you planning on returning to Switzerland?

Hi. I am wondering if anyone has had any luck in breaking their lease early and having someone take over their lease? Our letting agents in Bulle seem quite strict and we are having problems as we want to sublet the apartment fully furnished. Thanks!

According to Swiss Law (article 262 du Code des Obligations (CO))- you can only sublet your apartment if you are going to be temporarily away, eg will return after a certain period to live in the apartment yourself again.

If you are leaving permanently, you cannot sublet, unless the agency/landlord agrees. You will have to find someone to take over your lease permanently- and if they do not agree to take on your furniture- sell it, give it or throw away.

Link from ImmoStreet, sorry in French:

La sous-location et ses limites

novembre 2008, par ImmoStreet | catégories: Conseils d'expertDroit | aucun commentaire
Le droit du bail en Suisse réserve au locataire la faculté de s’ériger lui-même en bailleur du bien qu’il occupe, par le biais de la sous-location. Cette possibilité, concrétisée par l’article 262 du Code des Obligations (CO), trouve son fondement dans l’idée que le locataire, qui paie un loyer pour l’usage du logement qui lui est remis à bail, a le droit de disposer pleinement de sa jouissance. Ainsi, s’il doit s’absenter pendant une certaine période de son domicile, il peut exercer son droit à l’usage du bien en le sous-louant. Les parties au contrat ne peuvent déroger valablement à cette règle dès lors qu’il s’agit d’une disposition de droit impératif.
Compte tenu de son origine et de sa justification, le contrat de sous-location n’est toutefois envisageable que pour autant que l’intention du locataire soit de conserver la jouissance de l’objet loué, dont il est temporairement empêché de bénéficier, avec l’intention de le réintégrer personnellement à l’avenir.

I have looked at both the German and the French version of article 262 and I see no such restriction. Care to explain?

If they're planning on leaving for more than 6 months (B/C Permits), they'll need the permission of their commune/canton, otherwise they'll lose their permits.

Does anyone have any information about claiming back Pillar 2 payments when leaving the country?