Moving to Switzerland: The Complete Checklist for 2026
Before you move: permits and documents
Depending on your home country you will need a residence and work permit (L, B or C permit). EU/EFTA citizens benefit from the free movement agreement but must still register. Prepare your employment contract, passport, family documents and, where needed, apostilled translations – Swiss authorities are thorough.
- Employment contract or job offer
- Valid passport / ID card
- Civil status and birth certificates (translated)
- Criminal record and debt register extracts
The home search: the hardest step
With vacancy rates below 0.5 percent in Zurich, Zug or Geneva, finding an apartment is the biggest hurdle. Portals like Homegate, ImmoScout24 and Flatfox are the starting point – but the best properties often change hands off-market. A complete application dossier decides between success and rejection.
- Application dossier: debt register extract, employment contract, cover letter
- Rental deposit: budget up to 3 months' rent
- Activate instant alerts on all portals
- Secure temporary housing for the first weeks
The first 14 days: registration is mandatory
Within 14 days of arrival you must register with the residents' registration office of your municipality – even before starting work. Bring your lease, employment contract, passport photos and documents. Only after registration will you receive your residence permit.
The first 3 months: take out health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory from your first day in Switzerland. You have three months to take out basic coverage – retroactive to your arrival date. Compare premiums: differences between cantons and insurers are significant. Personal liability and household insurance are also effectively standard.
Family: schools and childcare
Switzerland offers excellent public schools and a wide choice of international schools – in Zug, for example, the ISZL or Montana. International schools often have waiting lists: register children early. The same applies to daycare – places are scarce and expensive.
How Swiss PA Services supports you
Our relocation services take care of exactly these steps for you: from permits to the home search with access to off-market properties, through to insurance, schools and registration. One point of contact, every step, zero stress – so you arrive from day one instead of just landing.