Fantastic Bern

Thinking of moving to Bern, working here or planning a visit? Distinguish the federal city from the wider canton, which includes Biel/Bienne, Thun, the Emmental and the Bernese Oberland. This guide introduces different settings and the practical questions to explore before choosing your base.

German and French are the canton’s official languages. German is the main local language in the city of Bern, while Biel/Bienne is bilingual. Check the language used by your municipality, school or workplace when comparing locations.

Compare the city of Bern and its surrounding municipalities with Biel/Bienne, Thun and smaller towns or villages. The Emmental and Bernese Oberland offer very different settings. Weigh language, daily travel, housing and access to services for your own household.

Federal administration is important in the city of Bern, while the canton also has strengths in precision engineering, watchmaking, manufacturing and medical technology. The University of Bern contributes to the region’s research, teaching and international academic connections.

Bern station connects the city with Switzerland’s rail network. Trams, buses and regional trains serve the city and surrounding communities. For homes farther into the canton, compare the complete journey, changes and evening services rather than relying on distance alone.

The federal city of Bern, the canton of Bern and your municipality have different responsibilities. Start with your local residents’ office for registration and everyday services, and use the cantonal migration portal to identify the authority responsible for your residence situation.

Moving to the canton of Bern starts with choosing your municipality and checking the requirements that apply to you. Consider language, daily travel and local services as well as your home. The checklist below helps you prepare documents and organise your first steps.

Check which entry, residence and work requirements apply to your nationality and reason for moving. Do not assume that an employment offer or rental agreement alone gives you permission to live and work in Switzerland.

Prepare passports, employment or study documents, civil-status certificates and any existing residence permits. Ask the relevant authority whether translations or additional documents are needed.

Official starting point: Moving to Switzerland.

Compare Bern city and the surrounding municipalities with Biel/Bienne, Thun or a smaller community. Check the local language, commute, schools and childcare before choosing a home.

Your address determines which local offices and services you use. If you book temporary accommodation, ask whether you can use the address for residence registration.

Contact the residents’ registration office of the municipality where you will live. Ask about the deadline, appointment requirements and documents for your situation before arrival.

Use the Canton of Bern’s migration portal to find the responsible authority for residence and work questions. If you are moving to Bern city, its moving and registration information provides the local starting point.

Prepare an inventory before shipping your household goods. When transferring your residence to Switzerland, belongings you have personally used for at least six months and will continue to use may qualify for duty-free import.

Customs documentation and proof of your move are required. If using a removal company, agree who will prepare the paperwork and handle customs clearance. Check vehicles and pets separately.

Official instructions and forms: Swiss moving and customs guidance.

Clarify your Swiss health-insurance obligations early, including the enrolment deadline, start date of cover and whether an exemption applies to your situation.

Ask your employer about accident cover. Review personal liability and household insurance separately, and check any insurance requirements in your tenancy agreement.

Contact the local school authority before the move to discuss enrolment, school placement and language support. Have previous school reports and relevant documents ready.

Arrange childcare separately from school registration. Ask providers about availability, schedules and fees before committing to your work and commuting arrangements.

Once your address is confirmed, organise electricity, internet and mobile services. Check local waste and recycling arrangements, update your postal address and choose a suitable public transport ticket.

If you drive, check the requirements for your foreign driving licence and vehicle. Keep copies of registrations, applications and insurance confirmations together so you can follow up easily.

Start with your municipality and the cantonal migration portal for administrative questions. The Bern Welcome relocation guide provides further orientation.

Explore Bern and its surrounding regions, local transport and the canton’s business strengths. Before paying a relocation provider, ask for a written list of services and fees. Confirm requirements and deadlines with the responsible authority.

Start with your daily destinations and compare city neighbourhoods with nearby municipalities. Check the walk to transport, schools and shops, as well as noise and outdoor space. A postal address near Bern does not necessarily mean that Bern city is your local authority.

Consider Biel/Bienne for a bilingual urban setting or explore Thun and the communities around Lake Thun. Compare your actual work or study journey, the language used in local services and the housing available. Visit different neighbourhoods before narrowing your search.

Look beyond the larger towns if village life or a rural setting suits your plans. Check transport frequency, winter access, childcare and the distance to everyday services. A place that works well for a holiday may need a closer look as a year-round home.

Bern city combines federal administration, services and research. Across the canton, precision engineering, watchmaking, manufacturing and medical technology create a broader industrial landscape. Biel/Bienne and the Bernese Jura have a strong watchmaking tradition, while Bern and Thun offer different research and production environments.

Explore the canton’s official business strengths and technologies to understand where your activity fits.

Compare Bern city with Biel/Bienne, Thun and other municipalities against your customers, staff, language needs and premises. An office-based service company and a production business may need very different locations. Check transport connections, suitable workspace and local requirements before committing to an address.

Use Bern’s official location information to explore the regional business environment and innovation centres.

For the wider Swiss business context, continue to our Business in Switzerland guide. It complements this Bern overview with national information.