Installation and administrative procedures in Switzerland
From registration with the municipality to health insurance, we simplify all your arrival procedures.
The first weeks in Switzerland are an administrative marathon. Registration for residents' inspection, choice of LAMal health insurance, opening of a bank account, subscription to compulsory insurance, setting up telephone and internet... each process has its own documents, deadlines and cantonal subtleties.
Our support transforms this obstacle course into a fluid process. We make appointments, prepare documents and, if necessary, physically accompany you to the counters.
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.
| Approach | Deadline | Where | Required documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal registration | 14 days after arrival | Residents' control office | Passport, lease contract, work permit |
| Health insurance (LAMal) | 3 months after arrival | Health insurer | Residence permit, membership form |
| Opening bank account | Upon obtaining the permit | Selected bank | Passport, license, proof of address |
| Driving license | 12 months max. | Automobile service | Foreign license, eyesight test, photo |
| Plaques d'registration | Upon importation of the vehicle | Automobile service | Form 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 model | Indicative monthly premium | Constraint | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard model (free choice) | CHF 350 – 550 | None | Reference |
| Family physician (HMO) | CHF 280 – 450 | Mandatory consultation with the referring doctor | 15 – 25% |
| Telmed (telemedicine) | CHF 260 – 420 | First contact by phone/video | 20 – 30% |
| Care Network (PPO) | CHF 300 – 480 | Limited choice of providers | 10 – 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.
What's Included
- Registration for the inspection of the inhabitants of your municipality
- Comparison and subscription to LAMal health insurance
- Opening a Swiss bank account
- Subscription to telecom subscriptions (mobile and internet)
- Household insurance and personal liability
- Registration for the radio-TV license (Serafe)
- Ordering a public transport subscription (half-fare / GA)
- Setting up a pillar 3a account (private pension) if relevant
Steps and Timeline
Registration with the municipality
Within 14 days of your arrival, we will accompany you to the residents' control office with all the required documents.
Health insurance
We compare health insurance companies, explain the deductible and supplementary system to you, and register you within 3 months.
Banking and finance
We help you open a bank account, understand your salary slip and set up payments (LSV, e-banking).
Telecom and insurance
We compare mobile and internet offers, and insure you with household and liability insurance adapted to your situation.
Common Mistakes
- 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
Related Services
Municipal Registration in Switzerland
How to register at your municipality in Switzerland within 14 days. Required documents, residents' office, residence permit.
LAMal Health Insurance in Switzerland
Guide to mandatory LAMal health insurance in Switzerland. Insurer comparison, deductibles, supplementary coverage. 3-month deadline upon arrival.
Opening a Bank Account in Switzerland
Opening a bank account in Switzerland as an expat. Traditional banks, neobanks, required documents, and offer comparison.
Telecom and Internet in Switzerland
Choosing your mobile and internet provider in Switzerland. Comparison of Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt. Fiber optic, plans, and expat tips.
Household and Liability Insurance in Switzerland
Household and personal liability insurance in Switzerland: coverage, prices, comparison. Virtually mandatory for tenants in Switzerland.
Useful Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the priority procedures upon arrival?
Do I have to register with the municipality even if I have temporary housing?
How much does health insurance cost in Switzerland?
Can you open a bank account remotely?
Is household and liability insurance compulsory?
Ready to Start Your New Life in Switzerland?
Contact us for a free pre-assessment of your situation. Our team will respond within 24 hours.