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FRDEITEN

Moving to Switzerland

Arriving in Switzerland follows a fairly precise order. Here are the steps, and for each what this portal already documents.

A newcomer finds their way near a regional station.
A parent and child walk towards a public transport stop.

The steps, in order

  1. 1.Residence permit

    Depending on nationality and purpose: L, B, C, G (cross-border). Conditions and procedures differ between EU/EFTA and third countries.

  2. 2.Registration on arrival

    With the municipality's residents office, usually within 8 to 14 days. The deadline and documents vary from one municipality to the next.

  3. 3.Health insurance

    Mandatory, to be taken out within 3 months of arrival, with retroactive effect to the arrival date.

  4. 4.Taxation

    Withholding tax for most newcomers, then ordinary assessment above certain thresholds.

  5. 5.School and childcare

    School is compulsory, free and organised by the canton. Daycare places often need to be requested well in advance.

Municipality-level detail — residents office hours, registration deadline, documents, fees — is collected from official municipal websites and then verified. 1 municipality is already documented.

Municipalities already documented

The full guides (permits, insurance, pensions, housing) are being written. This portal shows only what has been verified.