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Phase 2 - First weeks

Your first weeks in Switzerland

The first weeks set the foundation for everything that follows. A handful of admin steps - registration, health insurance, bank account, address - have hard deadlines and unlock everything else (salary payment, tax status, permit).

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In short

After arriving in Switzerland you have 14 days to register at your municipality (Gemeinde / commune) and 3 months to take out mandatory health insurance (KVG/LAMal). In parallel, open a Swiss bank account so your employer can pay your salary, and set up an address, mobile and internet contract.

Your first-weeks checklist

  1. 1

    Register at the Gemeinde within 14 days

    Bring passport, rental contract, employment contract, marriage and birth certificates. This triggers your permit.

  2. 2

    Take out health insurance within 3 months

    Cover is backdated to your arrival date - delay too long and you'll be auto-enrolled, usually at higher cost.

  3. 3

    Open a Swiss bank account

    Needed for salary, rent and bills. Bring your residence permit (or registration confirmation) and ID.

  4. 4

    Sort address, mobile and internet

    A Swiss mobile number and postal address make every other step easier.

  5. 5

    Check your withholding tax setup

    On a B permit your employer deducts tax at source. Verify your tariff (single, married, with children).

  6. 6

    Keep every document

    Permit, lease, insurance policy, payslips - you'll need them for tax filings, renewals and any later mortgage application.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the deadline to register after arrival?

You must register at your municipality (Gemeinde / commune) within 14 days of arrival - this is the legal deadline in most cantons and the trigger for your residence permit.

Which health insurance should I pick?

Basic cover (KVG/LAMal) is identical by law across insurers - only the price differs. Pick by premium, deductible (franchise) and the cantonal model that fits your doctor preference. Compare every year.

Can I get paid without a Swiss bank account?

In practice no - Swiss employers pay in CHF to a Swiss IBAN. Open an account as soon as your permit or registration confirmation is in hand.

Do I need to file a tax return in my first year?

On a B permit you're usually taxed at source and don't file - unless your gross income exceeds CHF 120,000 or you have non-salary income or assets, in which case you must file an ordinary return (as of 2025).

Need a clear plan for this stage?

Book a free consultation and get straightforward answers for your Swiss situation - independent, FINMA-regulated, no obligation.

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