Before Moving to Switzerland

Confirm your right to live and work in Switzerland

Your legal basis for moving depends on your nationality and the purpose of your stay. EU/EFTA nationals benefit from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, which simplifies the process considerably, while non-EU/EFTA nationals generally need an employer or, in some cases, another qualifying basis to obtain a residence permit.

Your employer, or your own research if you are self-employed or a student, should tell you which permit category applies and which cantonal migration office handles it. Cantons administer immigration individually, so requirements, processing times and required documents differ from one canton to another even for the same permit type.

• •Identify your permit category before making other plans
• •Ask your employer or institution which cantonal authority is competent
• •Check whether a quota applies to your permit type and nationality
• •Confirm whether your family members need separate permit applications

Gather civil-status and professional documents early

Swiss authorities, landlords, schools and insurers routinely ask for documents that take time to obtain: birth and marriage certificates, diplomas, professional recognitions, and sometimes an apostille or legalisation. Order certified copies and translations well in advance, since some countries take weeks to issue them.

Keep both physical and digital copies. A single folder with certificates, diplomas, employment contract, proof of health insurance and proof of funds saves considerable back-and-forth once you are dealing with several administrations at once.

• •Birth and marriage certificates (with translation if not in a national Swiss language or English)
• •Diplomas and, where relevant, a request for professional recognition
• •Employment contract or university admission letter
• •Passport-style photos for permit and registration procedures

Start the housing search as early as your situation allows

Housing is often the step that determines how smoothly the rest of the move goes, and it is also the one most people underestimate. In cities such as Geneva, Zurich, Lausanne and Zug, vacancy rates are low and desirable flats can receive many applications within days, so a rental file needs to be ready before you start viewing.

A Swiss rental file typically includes proof of income or an employer guarantee, a copy of your identity document, and sometimes a debt-collection extract once you are registered locally. If you are arriving from abroad without a Swiss credit history, a corporate guarantee from your employer or a relocation company can make your file competitive.

Plan schooling if you are moving with children

Switzerland offers public schools (organised by canton and largely free for residents), private schools and international schools, and the right choice depends on your children's ages, languages and how long you expect to stay. Public school enrolment usually happens through the commune once you are registered as a resident.

International and private schools often have their own admissions timelines and waiting lists, particularly in Geneva, Zurich and the Lake Geneva region, so it is worth contacting schools several months ahead if you are considering that route.

• •Decide between public, private and international schooling based on language and length of stay
• •Contact international schools early if you want that option, as places fill months in advance
• •Ask about the school year calendar, which differs from many other countries
• •Prepare school records and vaccination records for enrolment

Understand health insurance and banking before you arrive

Health insurance is compulsory for residents of Switzerland, and new arrivals are given a period after taking up residence to select a basic insurance policy, which then applies retroactively to your arrival date. Because policies, deductibles and premiums vary by canton and insurer, this is a decision worth taking time over rather than rushing on your first day.

Our consultants coordinate with qualified specialists on insurance choices, since the right policy depends on your health situation, budget and family composition, and this is not something a general guide can responsibly recommend for you. Opening a Swiss bank account is usually straightforward once you have a residence address and permit documentation, and it is worth doing early since salary payments, rent and insurance premiums typically run through it.

Register with your commune shortly after arrival

Once you arrive and have an address, Swiss law requires you to register with your commune of residence within a set period, usually within the first two weeks. Registration is the step that unlocks many others: it is generally needed before you can collect your residence permit card, enrol children in public school, or finalise certain insurance and banking steps.

Bring your passport, employment contract or enrolment confirmation, lease agreement and civil-status documents to this appointment, since the commune will typically need originals or certified copies.