If you are reading this moving to Switzerland FAQ from London, Chicago, Mumbai or Singapore, you are in the right place. Most people start with the same few worries: which permit applies, where to live, how health insurance works and what happens in the first days. This page gives short, calm answers, in the order things usually happen.
It is general information, not advice on your own situation. When a point depends on your nationality, your canton or your family, a specialist can look at your case through the request at the bottom of the page.
The big picture in four steps
Most moves follow the same rhythm, even though every family has its own details.
- Find out which regime applies. Your nationality decides the route to a permit.
- Line up the basics from home. Passports, civil records, a job offer or proof of income, and a first idea of where to live.
- Arrive and register. The local municipality (Gemeinde in German) records your arrival.
- Settle in. Health insurance, a bank account, school places and daily life.
If you like to see this laid out over time, the sample timeline and the relocation calendar show how the months can look.
Permits: the first thing to sort out
Switzerland has two regimes. Citizens of EU and EFTA countries come under the free movement agreement with the EU (ALCP). Citizens of all other countries, which includes the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Canada, Australia and most of Asia and the Gulf, are treated as third-country nationals. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) describes both regimes on its website.
The detailed conditions for third-country nationals vary, and the authorities, not any website, decide who receives a permit. Nothing here is assured in advance. To get a first orientation, try the permit finder, or read about immigration support.
Arrival: registering with the municipality
After you arrive, the municipality of residence has to be told. Under the rules that ch.ch summarizes, this notice is due within 14 days, and the exact timing can differ by commune or canton. On site, the office usually asks for an identity document, your residence or work permit, and proof of health insurance.
Because the details vary, it is wise to check the local municipality's page before you travel.
Health insurance in plain words
Basic health insurance is compulsory for everyone who lives in Switzerland. It is to be taken out no later than three months after you take up residence. If that period is respected, cover runs back to the date you became resident, and premiums are due for that period. If it is missed, cover starts only on enrollment, a surcharge can apply when the delay is not excusable, and the cantonal authority may assign an insurer.
Which insurer, which deductible and which extras suit a household is a personal question, and a specialist can look at it with you.
Quick reference table
| Topic | What to know | Where to go deeper |
|---|---|---|
| Permits | Two regimes: EU/EFTA and third countries | Permit finder |
| Arrival | Notice to the municipality within 14 days | Checklist builder |
| Health cover | Basic insurance within three months | Mistakes to avoid |
| Housing | Rental file prepared from abroad | Rental file check |
| Schools | Choice depends on canton and language | School choice tool |
Frequently asked questions
Can I move to Switzerland without a job offer?
It depends on your nationality and your situation. EU and EFTA citizens come under free movement rules, while citizens of other countries face stricter admission rules. Some people arrive with a job offer, others as a family member, a student or a retiree. The retiree guide and the single professional guide cover two common cases.
Which permit will I get?
The permit type is decided by the cantonal and federal authorities, and no website can promise one. What can be said in general is that the regime depends on whether you are an EU/EFTA citizen or a third-country national. The permit finder gives a first orientation based on a few questions.
What should I do first if my employer offers me a Swiss job?
Start by asking your employer what it handles on its side and what is left to you. Then organize documents, housing and school plans in parallel. The page for people with a Swiss job offer walks through the sequence.
How soon do I register after I arrive?
Under the rules summarized on ch.ch, arrival is announced to the municipality within 14 days. The exact practice can differ between communes, so the local office's instructions are the reference. Bring your identity document, permit and proof of health insurance.
When does health insurance begin?
Basic cover is compulsory, and it is to be taken out within three months of taking up residence. When that deadline is met, cover is retroactive to the date of residence. The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) explains the rules, and the sources below link to them.
Is it easy to find an apartment from abroad?
It is possible, but it takes preparation. Landlords and property managers (régies) often want a complete file, and viewings may be hard to schedule from far away. A rental file check helps you see what is usually asked for, and the city comparator helps you narrow your search.
Can I bring my dog or cat?
Pets can usually come, but there are health and paperwork steps to plan well before the flight. The guide to moving with a dog, cat or ferret explains the general picture.
My partner and I have different passports. Does that change things?
It can, because each passport may fall under a different regime. The page on a binational couple explains how the situations can differ and what to prepare.
How do I choose a school for my children?
Options include the local public school, private schools and international schools, and the language of instruction depends on the canton. The school choice tool helps you think about the options before you compare places.
I am coming from Asia or the Gulf. Is there a guide for my country?
There are pages for Japan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Hong Kong. They describe what changes compared with life back home.
What do relocation services actually do?
Relocation providers support people with tasks such as home search, registration steps and settling in. This site is a matching service: depending on your request, it puts you in touch with the company that fits your needs. Read more about relocation services, or help in Zurich and Lucerne.
How do I ask my own question?
Use the request at the bottom of this page, or go to Tell us about your move. Share the situation in a few lines, and a specialist can look at your case.