Can you keep an apartment in Germany / other country when you mainly live in Switzerland as an expat?

The short answer is: Yes, you can do that. But it is often not a good idea to do so even if it may seem convenient at first.

But the Gemeinde in Switzerland wants an unregistration confirmation from Germany / other country?

In internet forums you often read that the local municipality office might ask for a confirmation that you gave up Germany (or any other country's) residency. But just because they request a certain document does not mean that this document has to exist. They are actually often asking for the document to classify you correctly in terms of taxation, not because they would otherwise deny you entry.



You do not have to give up residency in Germany in order to get a work and residence permit in Switzerland.

Taxation can destroy your advantages

Navigating tax obligations is critical. Germany and Switzerland have a tax treaty to avoid double taxation, but it's important to declare your income correctly. Generally, your tax liability is not determined by where you spend most of your time.  Instead, you typically have to declare income in all the countries you have a place to live in equally.



So if you live mainly in Switzerland but still keep in apartment in Germany, you must still declare your income in both countries. The double taxation treaty will prevent you from being taxed twice, but often you end up being taxed at the highest tax rate out of all your countries that you live in.

Plus, two apartments in two countries means two tax declarations to file each year, two tax advisors to pay, two government offices to answer to and so on. This can quickly become a hassle and make managing your finances much more complex.

Bottom line: Residency in two countries = (much) higher cost.

Residency and Immigration

Switzerland has stringent controls for non EU/EFTA citizens over who can live and work within its borders. EU/EFTA citizens, including Germans and Austrians, typically have the right to live in Switzerland if they have an income, but must register and obtain a residence permit if planning to stay longer than three months. Holding an apartment in Germany does not affect your eligibility for Swiss residency, provided you can prove that your center of life is in Switzerland.

Property Management

Consider hiring a property management service for your German apartment to handle any issues that may arise in your absence. This can include everything from maintenance to tenant relations if you choose to rent out the property.

Johann and Maria

Several expatriates have successfully maintained dual residency between Germany and Switzerland, each with their unique approach.

One expat, Johann, chose to rent out his German apartment while living in Switzerland. This arrangement covered his mortgage payments in Germany and provided an additional income stream.

In contrast, Maria kept her German apartment as a vacation home, returning frequently to visit family and friends. Both emphasized the importance of having reliable property management and a solid understanding of tax obligations in both countries.

Conclusion

While maintaining dual residences in Germany and Switzerland presents a set of challenges, it is certainly feasible with the right planning and understanding of legal requirements. It sometimes offers the best of both worlds - the ability to enjoy the lifestyle and opportunities in Switzerland while keeping ties with Germany. And sometimes it offers the worst of both worlds, higher cost, complexity and more tax obligations.

For expatriates considering this pathway, it’s crucial to research thoroughly, seek professional advice on taxation and legal matters, and consider the logistical aspects of managing two homes. With proper preparation, living between these two beautiful countries can be a rewarding experience.



Ask others

Are you considering maintaining dual residency between Germany and Switzerland or already living this reality? Share your experiences or seek advice in our Facebook group. Your insights could be invaluable to someone at the start of their dual-residency journey.