How to find an apartment in Geneva?

With over 180 nationalities and major international organisations, including the United Nations, WHO and WTO, headquartered in the city, Geneva is one of the most international cities in the world. Its global character attracts diplomats, academics, and professionals, yet it also fosters one of the toughest rental markets in Europe.

If you’re relocating for work, study, or diplomatic duty, finding accommodation in Geneva can be a slow and daunting process, especially without proficiency in French or familiarity with the Swiss housing system. Limited vacancy, fierce competition, and exclusive leasing practices mean that many newcomers quickly feel overwhelmed.

The country also has strict work and residency permit regulations, and the process becomes even more layered. Switzerland’s immigration system operates under a quota-based model, making it especially difficult for third-country nationals to obtain work or residence permits unless highly qualified. According to the Swiss Federal Council, these quotas are limited each year, contributing to administrative delays and increasing the pressure on employers and relocating individuals alike. At the same time, cities like Geneva and Zurich are regularly ranked among the most expensive in the world, with housing, healthcare, and everyday living costs far outpacing European averages.

Therefore, how can you secure reliable, well‑located accommodation in such a challenging market? That’s where Cityus comes in. As a serviced apartment provider across Switzerland and key European cities, Cityus supports people during their move by offering fully furnished, flexible accommodation that’s ready from day one.

Geneva’s rental market: high demand meets low availability

The core of the challenge is easy to identify: demand far exceeds supply. According to the Canton of Geneva’s Office of Statistics, the city’s rental vacancy rate stood at just 0.6% in 2023, placing it among Europe’s most competitive housing markets. Zoning restrictions, limited space for new developments, and strict land‑use policies exacerbate the scarcity, particularly in a compact city with high global demand.

These pressures translate into high rents, limited housing options, and rapid turnover, making the search process a major stress for people uprooting their lives.

Switzerland’s rental system is rigorous, often demanding extensive documentation, residency permits, Swiss bank details, and long-term lease commitments, challenges that can be particularly acute for non‑French speakers and newcomers. Meanwhile, the best apartments seldom reach public listings; they’re frequently leased through word‑of‑mouth, landlord referrals, and informal networks.

Without local connections, whether via property managers, reputable real estate agents, or relocation companies, many newcomers encounter drawn‑out searches or must settle for subpar alternatives. This landscape creates a particular challenge for those arriving under tight deadlines, with job or school start dates looming. Often, time pressure compounds stress, leaving individuals and families scrambling to secure anything at all, let alone a flat that feels right or suits their needs.

Serviced apartments: a practical and evolving alternative

In light of these challenges, serviced apartments have emerged as a practical and increasingly popular solution. These are furnished, ready-to-move-in flats that combine residential comfort with hotel‑style convenience. The Savills Executive Housing Trends in Europe 2023 report highlights that demand for serviced accommodation has surged in markets like Geneva. These solutions offer flexible lease terms, inclusive utilities, cleaning services, and no need for furnishing, making them ideal for busy professionals on assignment.

A 2024 article in Relocate Magazine confirms that serviced apartments are reshaping Europe’s relocation housing model, driven by rapid global mobility, hybrid work patterns, and high expectations for convenience. This shift also reflects changing attitudes toward lifestyle and work. Today’s globally mobile professionals want housing that works immediately—where Wi-Fi is ready, the kitchen is stocked with essentials, and support is a phone call away. These expectations are now standard rather than exceptional, and serviced apartments are designed to meet them head-on.

Cityus: a decade of experience in helping people settle

Over the past ten years, Cityus has supported thousands of people relocating to Switzerland. From our very first one-bedroom apartment in the lakeside town of Morges to full coverage across major Swiss cities, we’ve assisted international organisations, diplomatic missions, corporate assignees, families, and individuals moving on short notice.

Over time, we’ve built a trusted network of relocation specialists, destination service providers, landlords and real estate professionals, relationships that allow us to offer consistent, high-quality housing in even the most competitive markets. Whether we’re facilitating a corporate stay for a global company moving a team across borders, or helping a family settle into a new life, our focus remains the same: to take the stress out of moving by making the transition feel natural, thoughtful, and cared for.

We understand that relocation isn’t just about moving from one place to another, it’s about arriving well. That’s why we focus not only on what the apartment includes, but on how the experience feels. Our job is to make people feel comfortable and in good hands, even before their boxes are unpacked.

We also work closely with HR departments, global mobility teams, and private clients to understand their needs in depth, whether practical, personal, or both. Our apartments are fully furnished and move-in ready, with high-speed internet, utilities, cleaning services, insurance, flexible lease terms, and 24/7 multilingual guest support included. Each one is designed to remove friction from day one, so our residents can focus on settling in rather than figuring things out.

Our services: what we offer and how we support you

Our rental portfolio includes everything from efficient studios to spacious three-bedroom apartments, located in key neighbourhoods across Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, Neuchâtel, Lucerne, and beyond. These homes have hosted people in every kind of circumstance: from carefully planned international assignments to urgent moves driven by unforeseen events.

In one case, we reconfigured a one-bedroom apartment into a child-friendly space within 48 hours after unexpected family members joined the relocation. In another, we secured interim housing over the Christmas holidays for a family whose original lease fell through just days before their flight. These aren’t outliers, they’re part of the everyday reality of relocation, and they reflect what we do best: respond with speed, care, and clarity, even in moments of stress or uncertainty. Whether it’s a long-term assignment for an international organisation or a two-month stay while waiting for permanent residence, we meet people where they are, with flexibility and understanding.

Relocation success isn’t just about finding a roof over someone’s head. It’s about creating a sense of stability and support, so that the people we work with can step into their next chapter with confidence. That’s what drives us, solving problems quickly, acting with empathy, and making sure our clients always feel that someone is in their corner.

If you’re considering a move to Geneva or any major Swiss city, we invite you to discover how Cityus can make a meaningful difference, not just in where you live, but in how you begin this new chapter.