Moving to Switzerland: your pre-arrival checklist

• Confirm your permit typeKnow whether you're EU/EFTA (register on arrival, permit follows) or non-EU/EFTA (your employer secures a work and residence permit before you travel).
• Sort your entry visa if neededNon-EU/EFTA nationals usually need a D visa to enter for work; apply at the Swiss embassy once your permit is approved.
• Check every passportMake sure yours and your family's passports are valid well beyond your move date, and gather any family-reunification paperwork.

• Get your signed contractConfirm salary, start date, probation period and notice terms in writing before you commit to the move.
• Understand Swiss pay normsCheck whether a 13th salary applies, your weekly hours, and that you'll be enrolled in the occupational pension (2nd pillar).
• Clarify how you'll be taxedMost B-permit holders are taxed at source (Quellensteuer); ask HR so there are no surprises on your first payslip.
  Withholding tax explained →

• Give notice on timeHand in notice on your current job and lease per your home-country rules to avoid paying for an overlap.
• Cancel or transfer contractsUtilities, insurance, phone and subscriptions: cancel or port them, and redirect your post.
• Tell your tax authorityDe-register or notify your home tax office where required, so you aren't taxed as a resident in two places.
• Book your moveArrange international shipping or movers early, and check pet import rules if you're bringing animals.

Bring originals plus digital scans.

• Passports & photosFor every family member, plus several passport photos for Swiss paperwork.
• Contract & permit papersYour employment contract and all visa/permit documents.
• Civil-status certificatesBirth and marriage certificates, apostilled and translated if the commune asks.
• Diplomas & referencesFor your job, recognition of qualifications, and future rental applications.
• Driving licenceYou may drive on your foreign licence but must exchange it within 12 months.
• Medical recordsVaccination records, prescriptions and key health documents for the whole family.

Line these up before or right after arrival.

• Health insurance (KVG/LAMal)Mandatory within three months of arrival and backdated to day one, so research insurers and premiums now.
  Compare premiums →
• Cover the gapConsider travel or international health cover for the first weeks before your Swiss policy is active.
  Travel and overseas cover →
• Personal liability & householdMost landlords require personal liability insurance; line it up for when you sign a lease.
  Liability and household insurance →

• Prepare a tenant dossierSwiss rentals are competitive; ready your passport, contract and references (and later a debt-collection extract) to apply fast.
• Budget the depositExpect two to three months' rent as a deposit, held in a blocked account.
• Consider a temporary placeA serviced or short-term flat for the first weeks makes registration and the permanent search much easier.
• Secure an addressYou need a Swiss address to register at the commune and open some accounts, so line up at least a temporary one.

• Research your accountCompare a fast app-based neobank with a big or cantonal bank; you usually open one once you have an address or permit.
  Opening a Swiss bank account →
• Set up cheap transfersUse a multi-currency app to move money near the real rate instead of losing 1.5-3% to bank FX.
  Multi-currency transfers →
• Budget the upfront costsPlan for the deposit, first health-insurance premiums, furniture and a higher cost of living in your first months.
• Keep a home accountTell your home bank you're moving and keep an account open there at first for loose ends.

• Schools & childcareResearch schools and Kita early; places and waiting lists fill up, so register as soon as you can.
• Family permits & coverMake sure partners' and children's permits and health insurance are arranged too.
• PetsA microchip, rabies vaccination and the right paperwork are needed to bring pets into Switzerland.