Moving to Switzerland checklist: Secure necessary visas or permits. Open a Swiss bank account. Understand Swiss health insurance requirements. Learn basic local languages. Research cost of living. Familiarize with Swiss transportation system. Register with local authorities. Explore employment opportunities. Arrange housing accommodations. Understand Swiss tax obligations.
Secure necessary visas or permits.
To move to Switzerland, you must apply for a Swiss long-stay visa if your stay exceeds 90 days, and then register at the cantonal immigration office within 14 days of arrival to obtain a residence permit, such as a Permit L or Permit B, depending on your circumstances. For more detailed information, you can visit the Visa Guide website, which provides comprehensive guidance on the process of relocating to Switzerland and securing the appropriate permits based on your needs.
Open a Swiss bank account.
To open a Swiss bank account, choose a bank that aligns with your needs and contact them either online, by phone, or in person. You must submit required documents such as a valid passport, proof of address, and source of funds. Once you have the necessary paperwork, complete the application form, and make the initial deposit as specified by the bank. For a detailed guide on how to proceed, visit the Groww website for comprehensive instructions and tips on the process.
Understand Swiss health insurance requirements.
In Switzerland, Health Insurance is mandatory, and anyone settling in the country must obtain health insurance within three months of taking up residence or birth. Each family member must be individually insured, and insurers are obligated to enroll all applicants without exclusions or waiting periods, regardless of age or health status. For more details about this requirement, you can visit the official Federal Office of Public Health website, which provides comprehensive information on the Swiss healthcare system.
Learn basic local languages.
To integrate into Swiss life, it is crucial to learn the local language of the canton you will be living in, such as French in Geneva, German in Zurich, or Italian in Lugano. Various resources are available, including language schools like inlingua and ECAP, online platforms like Lingoda, and casual methods like watching local TV shows and joining language exchange groups. For more comprehensive details, you can explore the resources provided by Expatica, which is an invaluable guide to learning languages in Switzerland, catering to a diverse array of learners aiming to seamlessly assimilate into the culture.
Research cost of living.
To research the cost of living in Switzerland, you need to consider expenses such as rent, transportation, healthcare, and education. For a single person, average monthly costs excluding rent can range from CHF 1,366 to CHF 1,438, while a family of four can expect to spend around CHF 5,035 to CHF 5,325 per month, excluding rent. Salaries in Switzerland are also high to compensate for the high living costs.
Familiarize with Swiss transportation system.
Familiarize yourself with Switzerland's comprehensive public transportation system, which includes trains, buses, trams, boats, funiculars, and cable cars, all overseen by the Federal Office of Transport and known for their efficiency, accessibility, and extensive coverage across the country.
Register with local authorities.
To register with local authorities in Switzerland, you must visit your local council (Gemeinde) within 14 days of arrival, bringing documents such as a valid ID or passport, birth certificates, marriage or civil decree certificates, proof of local residence, and other relevant documents like a visa and employment contract. Registration is mandatory for obtaining a residence permit, paying local taxes, and accessing social services. For detailed information on the process, you can visit the iAmExpat website, which offers comprehensive guidance on official issues in Switzerland.
Explore employment opportunities.
To explore employment opportunities in Switzerland, it is advisable to start your job search before moving, concentrating on thriving industries such as Engineering, Technology, Pharmaceuticals, and Finance. You can enhance your job hunting efforts by utilizing popular job websites like jobs.ch, indeed.com, and jobup.ch. For a comprehensive guide, you may visit the website for the Moving to Switzerland Checklist, which offers invaluable insights and tips for relocation.
Arrange housing accommodations.
To arrange housing accommodations in Switzerland, expats should act quickly due to high demand and limited availability. They can use online property portals, local newspapers, and real estate agents, and may need to provide proof of employment, ID, bank statements, and sometimes a Swiss guarantor to secure a lease. For more detailed guidance and resources, consider visiting the Expat Arrivals website which provides extensive information tailored for expatriates.
Understand Swiss tax obligations.
In Switzerland, expats are subject to unlimited tax liability if they are considered residents, meaning their worldwide income and wealth are taxable. They may be required to file a tax return if their annual gross salary exceeds CHF 120,000 or if they have other taxable income. Moreover, expats can benefit from specific deductions such as moving costs, housing, and schooling expenses. For a comprehensive understanding of these benefits, you can explore more on the Swiss Tax Guide provided by Taxolution.