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Moving to Switzerland involves a fair amount of organization, from dealing with the authorities to managing financial matters. Our checklist helps you stay on top of everything.
You can take care of many organizational steps before entering the country. These include gathering important documents, arranging accommodation and learning about the Swiss financial and insurance systems.
Find out early which Swiss residence permit may apply to you and get the process underway. In many cases, your employer will support you, especially when the permit is linked to your employment.
Foreign nationals need a residence permit if they stay for more than 90 days or work in Switzerland.
Different permits apply depending on your employment and the length of your stay:
Some conditions are simpler for EU/EFTA citizens than for third-country nationals.
Research Swiss health insurers in advance and decide what kind of coverage you want. You must register within three months of moving to Switzerland. With so many providers and models available, it is worth reviewing the options before you move.
Do you have all the important documents you need for your move to Switzerland? These include a valid passport or identity card, your employment contract, proof of civil status and diplomas or professional qualifications. These documents often also need to be certified and translated.
Also check whether your current passport photos meet the requirements and have new ones taken in good time if necessary.
Tip: Save important documents digitally. That way, you will always have them to hand when dealing with the authorities.
The Swiss housing market is highly expensive, especially in the major cities. Finding the right home can take several weeks or months so it is best to start looking a few months before you arrive. Submitting several applications at the same time is common in Switzerland and improves your chances.
Work out the likely costs of your move in advance. It is also worth drawing up a rough financial plan for the first few months. In addition to ongoing costs such as rent and insurance, you may face extra expenses for deposits, furnishings or transportation.
As soon as you arrive in Switzerland, you must register with the residents’ registration office in your municipality. You must do this within 14 days of arrival.
You will generally need the following to register:
Your residence permit will also be applied for as part of the registration process. The type and duration of your permit depend on your nationality and the reason for your stay.
A Swiss bank account is essential for many everyday payments in Switzerland: Your salary, rent payments, health insurance premiums and other bills are generally handled through a local account. The sooner you open an account, the smoother your move will be.
To open an account, you will typically need a valid passport or identity card, your residence permit and proof of your Swiss address. UBS and many other banks also let you open an account digitally, without visiting a branch.
If you regularly transfer money abroad or receive income in other currencies, you should also consider multicurrency accounts and specialized transfer solutions to help reduce currency conversion costs.
Tip: Digital banking is widely used in Switzerland. A mobile banking app lets you view balances, make transfers, manage standing orders and track transactions, which is very handy for a busy lifestyle.
Moving to Switzerland is an exciting new beginning, including for your finances. We want to make it easy for you to find your feet in everyday life.
Once you have found a house or apartment to rent in Switzerland, there are two more things to keep in mind:
The Swiss insurance system and the range of options can seem overwhelming at first. Some policies are mandatory, while others provide additional coverage.
To ensure you have appropriate coverage from the outset, take a close look at your personal insurance needs:
Good to know: Accident insurance is separate from health insurance. It is arranged through your employer if you work more than eight hours a week.
Was your registration successful and has your residence permit been approved? Have you taken care of practical matters such as finances and insurance? Then you are ready to start your everyday life in Switzerland. These tips can help you settle in:
Public transportation is a convenient way to travel in Switzerland. The country is divided into regional transportation networks that are responsible for local rail services and offer their own products. Visit your regional transportation provider’s website or ask at a station ticket counter for information about tickets and travelcards.
The cost of mobile plans varies considerably in Switzerland. Depending on the provider and plan, the price can run into three figures. Comparison websites such as Comparis can give you an overview and help you find the right plan for you.
Download the TWINT payment app and link it to your bank account to make quick and easy everyday payments with your smartphone.
Connect with other expats or join a club to meet people and exchange ideas and experiences.
Attend a welcome event for new residents or a meeting organized by your municipality. These events are a good way to learn more about your new home and how your municipality works.
Sign up for a language course. Many people in Switzerland speak English, but learning German, French or Italian can still make everyday life easier and help you make new friends.
Our free magazine provides useful financial information and helps you make the right decisions about your finances.
Building a new life in Switzerland is both exciting and challenging. With the right preparation, you can get your new adventure off to a smooth start.
Arrange an appointment for a non-binding consultation or if you have any questions, just give us a call.
Disclaimer
This publication is for personal information purposes only within Switzerland and is not to be understood as a recommendation, offer or solicitation of an offer for investment or other specific products and services. It is not intended to form investment, legal or tax advice and should not be used as the basis for financial decisions. Before making a decision, you should obtain professional advice.
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