Do I really need to register at the commune within 14 days?

Yes. Federal law requires anyone moving to Switzerland to register at the Einwohnerkontrolle / contrôle des habitants of their commune within 14 days of arrival, and before starting work. Missing it can delay your permit and creates issues later when you apply for documents.

When does the 3-month deadline for health insurance actually start?

It starts on the day you take up residence in Switzerland (typically the date on your Anmeldebestätigung), not the day you sign a job. If you enrol within 3 months, cover is backdated to that arrival date and you avoid retroactive premium catch-up.

Should I open pillar 3a in my first year?

If you have taxable income in Switzerland for the year, yes - any contribution made before 31 December reduces that year's taxable income. As of 2025 the cap for employees with a pension fund is around CHF 7,258. If you only arrived late in the year, even a small contribution still counts.

What is an NOV / tax recalculation request and do I need one?

If you are taxed at source (Quellensteuer) and earn under CHF 120,000 a year, you can ask for an ordinary tax assessment (Nachträgliche ordentliche Veranlagung) to deduct pillar 3a, pillar 2 buy-ins, or high commute costs. The request must be filed by 31 March of the following year. Above CHF 120,000 it happens automatically.

Is this checklist a substitute for advice?

No. It is a practical sequence to get the basics right in your first 90 days. Tax, pension and insurance decisions depend on canton, family situation and permit type - a 30-minute call with an independent advisor is the fastest way to avoid expensive defaults.

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Your 90-day financial checklist for moving to Switzerland
Registration, bank account, KVG/LAMal, withholding tax, pillar 3a and household insurance - in the right order, in your first 90 days.
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Practical guides for expats in Switzerland

Your 90-day financial checklist for moving to Switzerland