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Settling in Switzerland: the checklist

General · May 22, 2026 · 3 min read

Before departure, arrival, first month: full checklist to settle in Switzerland from abroad.

Settling in Switzerland from abroad: arrival checklist

Before leaving (2–6 months ahead)

Administrative

  • Work permit / entry authorisation: obtained via your future Swiss employer
  • Important documents: birth, marriage, divorce certificates, criminal record — apostille + sworn translation (FR/DE/IT)
  • Diplomas: pre-recognition steps with SEFRI/SRC/MEBEKO per profession
  • Vaccines: not mandatory but WHO-recommended

Housing

  • Apartment search: Homegate, ImmoScout, Flatfox (see dedicated article)
  • Relocation firm if budget (CHF 2,000–5,000): Crown, Packimpex, Helma
  • Temporary housing: Airbnb, hotel or service apartment for first days/weeks

Finance

  • Swiss bank account: opening sometimes possible pre-arrival (Neon, Yuh, Revolut)
  • Currency: prepare CHF 500–2,000 cash for first days
  • International credit card: useful for car rental, temporary hotel

Family

  • School: pre-registration possible in some cantons
  • Daycare: register as soon as confirmed
  • GP: spot one in advance, plan for the shortage

Logistics

  • International move: quotes from 3–5 firms, 6–12 weeks expected
  • Pets: European passport, rabies vaccine 21+ days before departure
  • Car: import vs buy locally (often better to buy here)

On arrival (first 14 days)

Mandatory steps

  1. Commune registration within 14 days
  2. Residence permit: collect from cantonal migration
  3. Swiss bank account: definitive opening with proof of residence
  4. LAMal health insurance: take out within 3 months (backdated to arrival day)
  5. AVS registration: automatic via employer, AVS number issued

Documents to keep handy

  • Passport(s) + residence permit
  • Employment contract
  • Tenancy contract
  • AVS number
  • Commune registration certificate
  • Swiss IBAN

First month: adapting

Utility connections

  • Electricity, gas, water: often in lease charges, otherwise contact provider (SIG Geneva, Romande Énergie VD)
  • Internet + phone: Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt, M-Budget
  • Serafe fee: automatic upon commune registration (CHF 335/yr)
  • Household RC insurance: effectively mandatory

Daily life

  • Migros Cumulus and Coop Supercard: free, 1% cashback
  • Twint: essential for daily payments
  • SBB Mobile app: public transport
  • Commune app: notifications, local info

Language learning

  • Communal courses: often subsidised for B/F/L permits (CHF 100–500 per module)
  • École-Club Migros, Berlitz, Goethe-Institut: various levels
  • Free language tandems

First 3–6 months: lasting setup

Wealth and taxation

  • Tax declaration: from first 31 December (unless source only)
  • Pillar 3a: open to optimise taxes
  • LPP: check employer contribution, request statement

Networking and integration

  • Associative activities: join sport, culture, neighbourhood clubs
  • LinkedIn: update with Swiss location, broaden network
  • Neighbourhood apéros: join without hesitation
  • Expat communities: Internations, MeetUp, expat.com — useful at first

Health

  • GP: find and register (anticipate shortage)
  • Dentist, gynae, paediatrician: arrangements
  • LAMal complementary: evaluate dental, optical, alternatives

Common pitfalls

  1. Late commune registration: possible fine, complicates everything
  2. Underestimating the tenant file: prepare carefully in advance
  3. Choosing a health insurer at random: possible savings CHF 1,000–3,000/yr
  4. Importing a foreign car without calculation: taxes and adaptation sometimes more expensive than buying here
  5. Forgetting private RC liability: effectively mandatory, CHF 200–400/yr
  6. Not comparing internet/mobile operators: price differences x2–3
  7. Missing cantonal holidays: neighbourhood rules, shop hours
  8. Ignoring waste sorting: fines possible, social integration
  9. Not activating Twint: essential in Switzerland
  10. Skipping dental complementary: dentists are very expensive

Tips

  • No rush: 6–12 months to settle fully is normal
  • Learn the local language: best investment for integration
  • Engage in the commune: associations, local festivities, neighbours
  • Document everything: invoices, certificates, contracts — useful for taxes, future moves, retirement
  • Accept cultural differences: Swiss punctuality, formalism, discretion
  • Enjoy: Switzerland offers exceptional quality of life — travel, hike, explore!

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