Moving to Switzerland

14 things to know

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

1. Check your budget before you signMoney

   Rent, insurance, childcare and tax, before you accept.

   1. List your fixed costs: rent, health insurance for each person, childcare, transport.
   2. Price health insurance for your future commune on Priminfo.
   3. Look at official household spending statistics for the categories you are missing.
   4. Ask your future canton how tax works for someone in your situation.

   Our guide: Will my salary be enough?

   Priminfo: the federal premium calculatorFederal Statistical Office: household budget (German)ch.ch: tax at source

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2. Find out when your health insurance must startHealthTime limit

   There is a time limit. The official page states it. You can start comparing now.

   1. Read the official page on taking out health insurance.
   2. Note the window for your situation.
   3. Start comparing on Priminfo before you arrive.
   4. Ask insurers what basic cover includes for dental care before you decide whether you want supplementary cover.

   Our guide: Choosing basic health insurance, Will my salary be enough?

   ch.ch: taking out health insurancePriminfo: the federal premium calculatorBAG: the health insurance obligation for people living in Switzerland (German)Priminfo: frequently asked questions on compulsory health insurance (German)

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3. Gather the documents Switzerland may ask forAdmin & permits

   Certificates from abroad take time to get.

   1. Ask your future commune which originals and translations it wants.
   2. Order anything missing from your home country now.
   3. Keep originals in your hand luggage.

   Our guide: Documents to prepare before you move

   ch.ch: moving to SwitzerlandSEM: 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 11 (steps, what you’ll need and the official source) open with membership. See membership

1. Find out which permit you are applying forAdmin & permitsFor membersYour permit type shapes what your commune and canton will ask of you.
2. Agree with HR who files whatAdmin & permitsFor membersYour employer's steps and your own are not the same list.
3. Check the route for self-employmentMoneyFor membersWorking for yourself is a different conversation with the canton.
4. Sort somewhere to stay for your first weeksHomeFor membersLong-term apartment after you arrive; a bridge until then.
5. Check what your pet needs to enter SwitzerlandHomeFor membersPets have their own paperwork.
6. Bring your car across: customs, test, plates, insuranceHomeFor membersA car that moves with you has its own paperwork.
7. US person? Plan your Swiss banking earlyMoneyFor membersSome banks treat US persons differently.
8. Plan where your first salary will landMoneyFor membersA Swiss account can take a while to open.
9. Ask about school and childcare earlyFamilyFor membersChildcare and school are organised locally.
10. Pack the paperwork in your hand luggageAdmin & permitsFor membersWeek-one originals travel with you.
11. Tell the country you are leavingAdmin & permitsFor membersLeaving has its own paperwork.

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