Updated on October 16, 2026
In 30 seconds
People who live in Switzerland usually have legal problems in two countries: inheritance, a house in Italy, pensions, divorce, return, citizenship. Each topic has different rules in Switzerland and in Italy. This guide shows where to start and points to the in-depth articles.
In this article
Where to start
| If your question is… | Read |
|---|---|
| A relative died in Switzerland and has assets in Italy | Succession of an Italian resident in Switzerland with assets in Italy |
| I work in Switzerland and live in Italy | Italian cross-border workers: taxes, the 2020 agreement and health insurance |
| What pension I will get and what to do with the second pillar | Pensions: AVS, second pillar and Italian pension |
| I separated or divorced in Switzerland | Divorce granted in Switzerland: how to have it recognized in Italy |
| I have a house in Italy and live in Switzerland | House in Italy for those living in Switzerland: IMU, power of attorney and sale |
| My father had an account in Switzerland | Swiss accounts and deposits of a deceased relative: what the heir does |
| I want to go back to Italy | Moving back from Switzerland to Italy: AIRE, customs and pension provision |
| I want the Swiss passport | Swiss citizenship and dual citizenship for Italians |
Three rules to avoid mistakes
- Check dates and deadlines. In Switzerland, renunciation of an inheritance is communicated within three months. The option for the health insurer (cassa malati) of cross-border workers (frontalieri) is exercised within three months of starting work.
- Do not sign right away. Before withdrawing the second pillar or selling a house, check what is needed and who has to consent.
- Foreign documents: apostille and translation. For Swiss documents they are usually needed. Ask the office that receives them which ones.
Frequent case · A problem that happens often
An Italian couple has lived in Zurich for twenty years. They have a house in Campania, an account in Switzerland and a second pillar. A relative dies and the couple discovers that each topic has different rules and deadlines in the two countries. Before moving on any of these points, it is worth understanding which to start with and in what order.
Frequent case described in general terms: names, places and details do not refer to real people or cases.
The best solution for you
Before an event. The best path is to check in good time your will, your AIRE registration (the Registry of Italians Residing Abroad), your second pillar and your documents. It is usually worth it, because many Swiss deadlines are short.
After an event. You start from the nearest deadlines and coordinate the files of the two countries. It is usually best not to sign and not to withdraw before understanding which law applies.
If an office or a relative does not cooperate. It is better to gather the documents and calmly assess the next step, case by case.
What to do right away
- Choose from the table the article that most resembles your question.
- Note the dates and deadlines that concern you.
- Do not sign and do not withdraw before checking what is needed and who has to consent.
No path guarantees an outcome.
Read also: Renovating a Home in Rome: Building Filing, Condominium and Contractor · Inherited Land and Olive Groves in Puglia: What to Do · A Second Home in Sorrento: Condominium, Expenses and Leases · Easements, Boundaries and Wells in Puglia: A Guide for Foreigners · Evicting a Tenant in Rome When the Landlord Lives Abroad.
Learn more: Legal guides from Studio Legale Fiorentino.
How attorney Fiorentino can help you
- He can help you understand which topic to start with and in what order.
- He can coordinate the Swiss and Italian files, with the documents in the required form.
- For tax calculations he refers you to a tax adviser (commercialista); the firm handles the legal and documentary side.
Frequently asked questions
Do people living in Switzerland have to register with the AIRE?
Yes, if they stay abroad for more than twelve months, within 90 days of the move.
Does Switzerland apply the same succession rules as the EU?
No. It applies its own law, the LDIP (the Swiss Federal Act on Private International Law). EU Regulation 650/2012 applies for Italy.
Can I have two citizenships?
Yes, according to Switzerland. For Italy, as a rule, citizenship is not lost without a formal renunciation.
Who does the tax calculations?
A tax adviser (commercialista). The firm handles the legal and documentary aspects, not tax advice.
How does the first meeting take place?
It can be by video call, if you prefer.
Where can I find other articles?
In the in-depth articles listed on this page and in the guide “Italians in Germany.”
Official sources
Pages of institutional websites consulted on October 16, 2026.
- consmadrid.esteri.it – Who must register with the AIRE – 12-month threshold and 90 days (page in Italian)
- ch.ch – Accepting or renouncing an inheritance – three-month deadline (page in Italian)
- ch.ch – Application for naturalization – dual citizenship (page in Italian)
- bag.admin.ch – Cross-border workers and health insurance – option within three months (in German)
Read also
- Succession of an Italian resident in Switzerland with assets in Italy
- Italian cross-border workers: taxes, the 2020 agreement and health insurance
- Pensions: AVS, second pillar and Italian pension
- Divorce granted in Switzerland: how to have it recognized in Italy
- House in Italy for those living in Switzerland: IMU, power of attorney and sale
- Swiss accounts and deposits of a deceased relative: what the heir does
- Moving back from Switzerland to Italy: AIRE, customs and pension provision
- Swiss citizenship and dual citizenship for Italians
- Do you also live or work in Germany? Read the guide “Italians in Germany: Legal Guide”
The firm
The firm is based in Naples (Piazza Giovanni Bovio 22 and Via Monte di Dio 14) and works throughout Italy; the first meeting can be held by video call. To ask for a consultation: WhatsApp or phone 347 5264190.
Informational text, prepared with the help of artificial intelligence tools. It does not replace advice on a specific case.
Author: attorney Renato Giuseppe Fiorentino
Updated on October 16, 2026
Do you have a similar issue?
Every situation depends on the documents of the specific case. You can contact the firm from anywhere, remotely.