Moving to Switzerland, one calm step at a time

Swiss relocation is easier to handle when you cut it into stages. This site is written for people who live abroad today, in London, Chicago, Mumbai, Singapore, Dubai or Tokyo, and are getting ready to settle in Switzerland on their own, as a couple or with children.

Think of it as a map. Each page explains one part of the journey in plain English, says which Swiss terms you will meet, and shows what you can prepare from home.

How the journey fits together

Almost every move follows the same rhythm. What changes is the order of a few details, depending on your nationality, your job and your family.

If you only read one page first, start with Before you pack. It lays out the questions worth answering at home before anything is booked.

Stage one: before you leave

This is where you have the most control. A calm preparation phase saves a lot of stress later.

Find out which permit route applies

Switzerland treats citizens of the EU and EFTA differently from people from other countries. A British, American, Indian or Japanese citizen usually goes through a different process than a German or French one. The authorities, not this site, decide who is admitted.

The quickest way to see where you stand is the permit finder, which asks four short questions and points you toward the right type of page.

Match the page to your situation

• Starting a job: read about moving with a Swiss job offer.
• Moving without a partner or children: see moving to Switzerland on your own.
• Bringing children: see moving to Switzerland with children.
• Studying: see the student permit guide.

Example: a family of four moving from Toronto will think about schools and a larger apartment first, while a single engineer moving from Singapore will worry about the permit and a quick start date. Same country, different starting points.

Build a timeline

A written timeline turns a vague worry into a list. The relocation calendar helps you place each task, and the pre-departure checklist covers the final stretch before you fly.

Stage two: arrival

The first official step after you arrive is telling your new municipality (the Gemeinde, or commune) that you live there. Under the rules described by the federal portal, this registration is generally expected within 14 days of arrival, although it can vary by municipality and canton, so the local office will confirm the exact timing.

Registration is usually done in person. Expect to show an identity document, your residence or work permit, and proof of health insurance. Keep originals in your hand luggage rather than in a shipped box.

Stage three: your first weeks and months

Health insurance

Basic health insurance is compulsory for anyone who lives in Switzerland. It must be taken out within three months of taking up residence. If that deadline is met, cover is backdated to the day you became resident, and premiums are due from that date. If it is missed, cover starts later, a surcharge may apply for unexcused delay, and the canton can assign an insurer.

Policies differ in deductible and model, and the right choice depends on your health, family and budget. A specialist can look at your situation when you send a request.

Housing and schools

Housing in popular cities moves quickly, and landlords often want a complete rental file. The rental file check shows what usually belongs in one. For families, the school choice tool explains the difference between local public schools and international ones.

Driving

A foreign license is generally valid for up to 12 months after you take up residence, provided you have not spent a long continuous stay abroad. After that, a Swiss license is needed, and the exchange request has to be filed at the latest one month before the 12 months end. Rules differ by country of origin, and some people are asked to sit a test.

Comparing places and starting points

Not sure where to live? The city comparator puts Swiss cities side by side. Country pages explain what is different for travelers from your home country, for example from London to Zurich or from the US to Zurich.

Where relocation services fit

This site does not carry out your move itself. It works as a matching service. Based on what you tell us, you are put in touch with a relocation company that suits your needs, whether that is permit paperwork, a home search or settling-in support. The form at the bottom of the page is where that begins.

Frequently asked questions

What is Swiss relocation?

It is the whole process of moving your life to Switzerland: permit, housing, insurance, school, registration and daily life. This site walks through it in order for people coming from abroad.

Where should I start?

Start with the questions that decide everything else: who is moving, why, and from where. The start-here page takes you through them in a few minutes.

Do I need a permit before I arrive?

That depends on your nationality and your reason for moving. EU and EFTA citizens follow different rules from citizens of other countries. The authorities make the decision, so nothing here promises an outcome.

How soon do I register after arriving?

The federal portal points to 14 days for registering with the municipality, though the exact deadline can vary by municipality and canton. Ask the local office when you book your appointment.

Is health insurance optional?

No. Basic health insurance is compulsory for residents and is to be arranged within three months of taking up residence. Cover is backdated if the deadline is met.

Can I keep driving with my foreign license?

For a limited time. A foreign license is generally valid for up to 12 months, then a Swiss one is required. Some people exchange it directly and others take a test, depending on where the original was issued.

Does this site only cover Zurich?

No. Zurich has its own guides, but there are also pages on other cities and cantons, such as relocation help in Lucerne, plus country pages for readers coming from Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere.

What happens after I send a request?

A short form describes your move. You are then connected with a relocation company that matches the need. The page itself explains what follows your request, and you can read about the process first.

Is the information here legal or tax advice?

No. It explains general rules and points out what depends on your case. A specialist can look at your own situation after you send a request.

Sources

• Swiss federal authorities portal (ch.ch)
• Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), compulsory health insurance
• Canton of Zurich, exchanging a foreign driving license