Finding a place to live in Switzerland should be a top priority for any new arrival. It may also feel like the most challenging step, especially if you’re looking in the larger, more popular cities - so it pays to start applying early. This process is made easier if you work with a relocation company, as they can support you with your search and help you secure accommodation in advance.

Renting in Switzerland:

The majority of people in Switzerland, not just expats, choose to rent a house or apartment when living in the country. The alpine nation is home to a number of online platforms that can help you find houses and apartments to rent, including Homegate, Flatfox and IamExpat Housing.

Rental contracts are drawn up on a case-by-case basis between the landlord or letting company and the tenants. Rental contracts typically outline the overall rental costs, details of any deposit, and any additional fees that may be charged for administration, utilities, parking, and other amenities.

Buying a house in Switzerland:

Alternatively, you could choose to buy a house in Switzerland. Citizens of EU, EEA or EFTA countries are able to freely purchase property in Switzerland, although you will need to make sure you fulfill the requirements for a mortgage. 

Non-EU, EEA and EFTA citizens living in Switzerland need to have a long-term residence permit (type B or C) to purchase property, and can only buy a house for the purpose of living there. You’ll need authorisation from your local canton to buy a holiday, second, or investment home.

Residence permit and visa requirements in Switzerland are highly dependent on your nationality:

EU / EEA and EFTA citizens:

People with citizenship from EU, EEA or EFTA countries are able to come to Switzerland for 90 days (in every 180-day period) without a visa. Citizens of these countries are also able to live and work in Switzerland for up to 90 days per calendar year without applying for a Swiss residence permit, although they must notify authorities if they wish to work.

If you wish to stay and work in the country for longer than 90 days, you will need to register with the authorities and apply for a Swiss residence permit. The residence permit allows you to live and work in Switzerland year-round.

EU, EEA and EFTA citizens are also able to live in Switzerland for up to six months to look for work, but must apply for a Swiss residence permit after three months.

Non-EU, EEA and EFTA citizens:

Citizens from outside the EU, EEA and EFTA (including the United Kingdom) who want to come to Switzerland temporarily (as a tourist or someone hoping to study at university) need to apply for a visa - although some nations (like the UK) have agreements with Switzerland that allow their citizens to stay for 90 days visa-free. Tourist, business, study, and medical visas are available for time-limited stays in Switzerland.

If you want to remain in the country for longer than 90 days, or longer than the duration of your university or college course, you must apply for a residence permit. This almost always requires you to find a job in Switzerland, as for non-EU citizens at least one member of your family must come to the country with a pre-agreed work contract.

So-called “third country nationals” cannot come to Switzerland to look for work. Arrivals from outside the European Union, EEA, and EFTA are also subject to a strict quota system when applying for residence permits.

Registering in Switzerland is done at the local council or municipality (Gemeinde) where you live. Once you have found a place to stay (even if it is only temporary), be sure to register yourself at your local council office within 14 days. You need to be registered in order to apply for a residence permit. You must register in person and have all members of your family present.

Here are some links to the local councils in the major Swiss cities:

Zurich
Geneva
Basel 
Lausanne
Bern

To register at your local council, you will need:

• A valid ID or passport
• Birth certificate(s) of any children (if applicable)
• Certificate of marriage or civil decree (if applicable)
• Proof of local residence in the form of a temporary accommodation booking or a rental contract
• Proof of health insurance or a promise to get health insurance within three months of registering
• Visa and police record from your home country (non-EU/EEA/EFTA citizens only)
• Signed Swiss employment contract (if applicable)

EU, EEA and EFTA citizens who have come to Switzerland without a job contract still need to register at their local council. To do so you will also need: 

• A reason for coming to Switzerland
• Proof that you can support yourself financially while you are looking for work
• Information on where you expect to be applying for jobs and what those jobs are

Once this is complete, your application will be referred to your local cantonal immigration authority, who will contact you with requests for more information and official documents. You will also likely be required to submit your biometric data at an appointment at your cantonal immigration office. To find out where your nearest cantonal immigration office is, please consult the official website.

It’s important to note that councils and the immigration office only accept official documents in German, French, Italian and English, so you may need to get your documents translated and certified before you move. 

Once you receive your residence permit, your local council will be your port of call for filing Swiss taxes, applying for permit extensions and other social services. When you eventually leave Switzerland, you’ll also be required to deregister with your local council.

There are a few different types of insurance in Switzerland. While some are mandatory, others are optional, and you always get to choose your own provider.

Health insurance:

The first kind of insurance that you must apply for when moving to Switzerland is health insurance. Every resident (including children) must have at least basic health insurance in order to remain in Switzerland, and those applying for a residence permit must prove that they either have health insurance or will secure health insurance within three months of applying.

Basic health insurance, as the name suggests, covers basic and emergency treatments in Switzerland and sometimes abroad. Everyone is guaranteed cover. Swiss health insurance providers also offer supplemental insurance, which includes benefits like private rooms in hospitals, dental care, gym discounts, and more.

Car insurance:

If you plan to drive in Switzerland, car insurance that at the very minimum covers damage to third parties is required. Other insurance packages that offer more flexible coverage are also available.

Accident, unemployment, and pension insurance:

People who are planning to work should also be made aware of the various insurance schemes provided as part of jobs in Switzerland. If you have an accident when employed, your medical bills will be covered by accident and occupational disease insurance. Those employed in Switzerland will also have to pay into various insurance schemes called AHV - which include unemployment insurance, state pensions, and emergency benefits.

When starting a new life in Switzerland, expats will need to set up a Swiss bank account - especially if you plan on staying in the country for a while.

Swiss banks are famous for providing a range of services, so be sure to shop around for the account that best suits your needs. Expats may prefer an account with a large international bank with services in English, but banks in specific cantons (called Kantonalbanks) are also available and are more likely to have branches in your local area.

Typically, to open a bank account in Switzerland, you will need to visit your local branch, although it is sometimes possible to register online. You will need:
Your passport or ID card
Proof of address (i.e. a rental contract)
Your residence permit

If you’re planning to start your own business in Switzerland, the process for setting up a business account is fairly similar.

There are a number of ways to travel across Switzerland. Most notably, the alpine nation is home to an extensive public transport system that provides regular and reliable rail, bus, tram and even boat services to all parts of the country. In addition, there is a strong network of roads and motorways for those looking to drive.

Using public transport:

To use public transport in Switzerland, you will need to purchase a ticket. Each Swiss canton is divided into travel zones. If you travel between zones, you’ll need to purchase a ticket for each and every zone you travel through.

Travel between Swiss cities is usually handled with a point-to-point ticket. While there are different regional transport providers with their own ticket services, all tickets can also be booked through Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS).

Travellers aged between six and 16, dogs and bicycles are eligible for a so-called “half-price ticket” (halbtax) for every journey. Those younger than six years old can travel for free. Adults can also purchase passes and season tickets to reduce the cost of travel.

Driving in Switzerland

If you are planning to drive in Switzerland, you have to make sure that your driving licence is recognised and valid in Switzerland. If you have a foreign driving licence you must have it exchanged for a Swiss licence within one year of arrival - the same goes for registering a car from outside Switzerland.

People with licences issued in the EU, EEA, EFTA or a number of other countries will be able to convert their licence to a Swiss one without having to take a theory or practical test. Drivers with licences issued in other countries must pass a theory test, practical test or both.

To find out more about exchanging your licence, visit your nearest Road Traffic Office.

Expat families can choose between enrolling their children in a local Swiss school or an international school. Before starting primary school, you could choose to enrol your child in daycare or preschool, which cares for children from the age of 20 weeks up to around four years.

Swiss schools:

If you opt for a Swiss school when your child reaches compulsory schooling age, you won’t have to pay tuition fees, as primary and secondary education is funded by the government, but you may be asked for a voluntary contribution to cover some costs and extracurricular activities. Classes are taught in the official language of your canton of residence.

Depending on the canton (usually between the ages of 11 and 15) Swiss students will sit an exam to determine which stream of secondary education they’ll enter. Short grammar school (Kurzzeitgymnasium) and long grammar school (Langzeitgymnasium) qualifications typically lead students to university, while others go into the apprenticeship system (Berufslehre, Berufsschule, LIRA) and attend colleges of higher education or universities of applied sciences.

International schools:

Alternatively, Switzerland has a large number of international schools that teach in English. The majority provide courses in international qualifications like the international baccalaureate (IB), and qualifications from English-speaking countries like A-Levels and SATs. However, tuition fees and entrance exams may be required.

Higher education in Switzerland:

As far as higher education is concerned, Swiss universities offer a wide variety of courses, making the country a popular destination for international students. While tuition isn’t free, it is subsidised by the Swiss government.