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Instalación y trámites en Suiza

Instalación y trámites en Suiza

Todos tus trámites administrativos de llegada gestionados por nosotros.

Los primeros días y semanas en Suiza implican numerosos trámites administrativos que deben completarse en plazos precisos. El empadronamiento en los 14 días siguientes a la llegada, el seguro de salud en los 3 meses, la apertura de una cuenta bancaria, la suscripción a las telecomunicaciones: cada paso cuenta. Te guiamos para que no te olvides de nada.

Mandatory administrative procedures upon your arrival

Settling in Switzerland involves a series of administrative procedures to be carried out in a precise order and within strict deadlines. Most of these formalities must be completed within the first 14 days of your arrival. A delay can result in fines and make it difficult to obtain your residence permit.

The Swiss administrative system is decentralized: procedures vary slightly from one canton to another and even from one municipality to another. It is therefore important to check the specific requirements of your municipality of residence.

ApproachDeadlineWhereRequired documents
Municipal registration14 days after arrivalResidents' control officePassport, lease contract, work permit
Health insurance (LAMal)3 months after arrivalHealth insurerResidence permit, membership form
Opening bank accountUpon obtaining the permitSelected bankPassport, license, proof of address
Driving license12 months max.Automobile serviceForeign license, eyesight test, photo
Plaques d'registrationUpon importation of the vehicleAutomobile serviceForm 13.20A, technical expertise

Registration with the municipality

Municipal registration (Einwohnerkontrolle in German, Control of residents in French) is the very first step to take. It must be completed within 14 days of your arrival or move-in. This formality formalizes your residence and triggers the process of obtaining your residence permit.

When registering, you will receive a proof of address, which is essential for most of the following procedures. Some municipalities offer an online appointment service, others operate without an appointment.

  • Valid passport or identity card of all family members
  • Lease contract or housing certificate
  • Employment contract or employment certificate
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable, translated and apostilled)
  • Birth certificates of children (translated and apostilled)
  • Passport-size ID photo (depending on the canton)
  • Arrival announcement form (sometimes downloadable online)

Compulsory health insurance (LAMal)

Anyone residing in Switzerland must take out basic health insurance (LAMal) within 3 months of their arrival. This insurance covers essential medical care and is compulsory for everyone, including children and people without gainful employment.

Insurance premiums vary considerably depending on the canton of residence, the insurance model chosen and the amount of the deductible. The annual excess ranges from CHF 300 (highest premium) to CHF 2,500 (lowest premium). It is strongly recommended to compare offers before committing.

Insurance modelIndicative monthly premiumConstraintPotential Savings
Standard model (free choice)CHF 350 – 550NoneReference
Family physician (HMO)CHF 280 – 450Mandatory consultation with the referring doctor15 – 25%
Telmed (telemedicine)CHF 260 – 420First contact by phone/video20 – 30%
Care Network (PPO)CHF 300 – 480Limited choice of providers10 – 20%

Premium reduction for families

The cantons offer health insurance subsidies for low- and middle-income households. The income ceiling varies from one canton to another. In Geneva, a family of 4 people can benefit from a subsidy if their taxable income is less than around CHF 105,000 per year. In Zurich, this threshold is lower. The request is made to the competent cantonal service.

Opening a Swiss bank account

A Swiss bank account is essential to receive your salary, pay your bills and carry out your daily transactions. Most employers pay salaries exclusively into a Swiss bank account. The main banks (UBS, Credit Suisse/UBS, Banque Cantonale, PostFinance) and neobanks (Neon, Yuh, Zak) offer offers adapted to newcomers.

Opening an account requires your physical presence at most traditional banks. Some neobanks allow entirely online opening with video identity verification.

  • Valid passport or identity card
  • Residence permit (or municipal registration certificate)
  • Proof of address in Switzerland
  • Employment contract or employment certificate
  • Account maintenance fees: CHF 0 (neobanks) to CHF 5-10/month (traditional banks)
  • Debit card included, credit card on separate request

Our installation support service

We coordinate all of your administrative procedures to save you time and avoid errors. Our support includes making appointments with administrations, checking your documents and translation if necessary.

We also help you choose the right providers (health insurance, bank, telecom operator) based on your profile and your needs, thanks to our in-depth knowledge of the Swiss market.

Qué incluye

  • Empadronamiento en el municipio (control de presencia)
  • Suscripción al seguro de salud LAMal
  • Apertura de cuenta bancaria
  • Suscripción a las telecomunicaciones (móvil, internet)
  • Suscripción al seguro del hogar y de responsabilidad civil
  • Registro del vehículo y canje del permiso de conducir
  • Asesoramiento sobre la declaración fiscal
  • Setting up a pillar 3a account (private pension) if relevant

Pasos y plazos

1

Registration with the municipality

Within 14 days of your arrival, we will accompany you to the residents' control office with all the required documents.

2

Health insurance

We compare health insurance companies, explain the deductible and supplementary system to you, and register you within 3 months.

3

Banking and finance

We help you open a bank account, understand your salary slip and set up payments (LSV, e-banking).

4

Telecom and insurance

We compare mobile and internet offers, and insure you with household and liability insurance adapted to your situation.

Errores frecuentes

  • Exceeding the 14-day deadline for municipal registration — a fine may be imposed
  • Do not subscribe to LAMal within 3 months — you will be automatically assigned to a fund with a high deductible
  • Choosing the maximum deductible without understanding the implications in the event of care
  • Forget liability insurance, almost obligatory in practice and required by lessors
  • Not informing your employer of your health insurance for the payment of LAMal premiums
  • Ignoring the pillar 3a system and missing out on tax savings in the first year

Preguntas frecuentes

What are the priority procedures upon arrival?
In order of priority: 1) registration with the municipality (14 days), 2) LAMal health insurance (3 months, retroactive), 3) opening a bank account (to receive your salary), 4) mobile subscription, 5) household and liability insurance. We coordinate everything in parallel to optimize your time.
Do I have to register with the municipality even if I have temporary housing?
Yes, absolutely. Registration for residents' control is mandatory within 14 days, regardless of the nature of your accommodation. Your temporary address will be your official address until you move, which you will then have to report.
How much does health insurance cost in Switzerland?
LAMal premiums vary depending on the canton, the fund and the franchise chosen. On average, count CHF 300 to 450 per month for an adult. In Geneva and Basel, premiums are among the highest, while the cantons of central Switzerland are more affordable. We help you optimize your choice.
Can you open a bank account remotely?
Some banks and neobanks (Yuh, Neon, Zak) allow online opening with video identity verification. Traditional banks (UBS, Credit Suisse, BCGE) generally require an appointment in a branch. We direct you to the bank suited to your profile and your needs.
Is household and liability insurance compulsory?
Only the canton of Vaud makes RC compulsory by law. However, almost all lessors require it in the lease contract, and its absence may result in your personal financial liability in the event of damage. The cost is modest (CHF 200 to 400 per year) and the coverage is essential.

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