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21 things to know

Tap one of the first 3 for the steps and the official source.

1. Learn the house rules nobody tells youHome

   Quiet times, laundry, recycling, Sundays.

   1. Ask your landlord for the house rules (Hausordnung) and the laundry rota.
   2. Find your commune's waste and recycling calendar and which bags to use.
   3. Check what is expected on Sundays and public holidays.
   4. Ask before installing your own washing machine or dryer.

   Our guide: Building a life here, Swiss German survival lingo, Furnishing an empty apartment, room by room

   ch.ch: quiet times, noise and neighbours

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2. Expect the radio and TV fee letterHome

   Households receive a bill. We do not print the amount.

   1. Look out for the letter after you register.
   2. Read the official page on who pays and who is exempt.

   Federal law: Radio and Television Act, Art. 69b, which households are exempt from the fee (Fedlex, German)Federal Office of Communications: the household radio and TV feeBAKOM: questions and answers on the radio and TV fee (German)

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3. Exchange your driving licence before the deadlineAdmin & permitsTime limit

   What applies depends on the country that issued your licence.

   1. Open the official page on exchanging a foreign licence.
   2. Find what applies to the country that issued yours.
   3. Put the time limit in your plan and book early.

   Our guide: Getting around, and your driving licence

   ch.ch: exchanging a foreign driving licenceASTRA (Federal Roads Office): exchanging a foreign driving licence (German)SEM: your canton's migration officeYour canton's own page appears in your plan.

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The first 3 open for everyone. The other 18 (steps, what you’ll need and the official source) open with membership. See membership

1. Register at your communeAdmin & permitsTime limitFor membersOne of the first official steps. There is a time limit.
2. Choose and start basic health insuranceHealthTime limitFor membersCompare on the federal calculator, then choose.
3. Collect your permit cardAdmin & permitsFor membersRegistration starts it. The card comes later.
4. Check your own permit and right to workAdmin & permitsFor membersMoving as the partner, your permit and work questions are your own.
5. Find your long-term apartmentHomeFor membersNow you can view apartments and apply.
6. Record the apartment's condition when you move inHomeFor membersA signed report is your record for the day you leave.
7. Keep your AHV number safeMoneyFor membersYour employer and pension will ask for it.
8. Get a Swiss number, then TWINTMoneyFor membersEveryday payments get easier.
9. Find a GP, and a paediatrician if you have childrenHealthFor membersFind one before you need one.
10. Ask your doctor about tick protectionHealthFor membersRelevant if you walk in forests or meadows.
11. Choose your public transport passHomeFor membersThe right card depends on how you actually travel.
12. Join childcare waiting listsFamilyFor membersMore than one list keeps options open.
13. Know what happens with parcels from abroadMoneyFor membersOnline orders from abroad can carry extra charges.
14. Open the official lettersAdmin & permitsFor membersSmall tasks are easiest as they arrive.
15. Plan for winter drivingHomeFor membersIf you drive, winter is a real season.
16. British? The UK side of your moveMoneyFor membersNational Insurance, UK visits and pensions.
17. Put one Sunday in the diary that is not adminBelongingFor membersBelonging is a date, not a slogan.
18. US person? Plan your Swiss banking earlyMoneyFor membersSome banks treat US persons differently.

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