Moving to...
SWITZERLAND
What can we help you with?
Looking for Essentials?
VISA & Immigration
If you are moving to Switzerland as a foreigner, you will likely need a visa depending on your nationality, the length of your stay and the purpose of your move.
Types of Visas for moving to Switzerland
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Granted to EU/EFTA citizens and non-EU citizens with a work contract
Approval from Cantonal Migration Office
Professional Qualifications (Diplomas, CV and certificates)
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Given for contracts less than 1 year
Approval from Cantonal Migration Office
Professional Qualifications (Diplomas, CV and certificates)
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Available after 5-10 years of living in Switzerland
How to apply for a visa?
Now that you know what visa you are applying to, here is a quick step-by-step guide on documents you need and how to apply:
Documents you need:
Completed Visa Application form (can be downloaded from the Swiss embassy website)
Valid Passport
Passport Photo
Proof of Accommodation (this can be a rental contract or hotel booking)
Health Insurance Proof (this must cover at least CHF 30,000, which is around $30,000)
Criminal Record Certificate
Visa Payment Receipt
How to apply for a visa:
Find an employer or university in Switzerland
Submit an application at the Swiss embassy or consulate
Provide all the documents mentioned above
Pay the visa fee
Wait for approval (the approval can take anywhere from 8-12 weeks depending on the visa you are applying for
Banking & Taxes
Opening a bank account is essential for receiving your salary, paying rent and managing all your daily expenses. While Swiss banks are well known for their strict regulations, opening a bank account as a foreigner is very simple and straight forward if you have the right documents
What do I need to open a bank account
Most Swedish banks require you to open a bank in person. Some banks allow EU citizens to open account online, but non-EU citizens have to visit the bank branch in person.
What documents do I need?
Valid passport or National ID (for EU citizens)
Swiss Residence Permit (B/L Permit, if you have not received one yet, some banks allow you to provide proof of application)
Proof of Swiss Address (Rental agreement or utility bill)
Employment Contract or Proof of Income
Initial Deposit (this is around CHF100 to CHF1000, which equates to around $113-$1113, Non residents may face stricter requirements and higher minimum deposits)
Swiss Credit score system
Unlike other countries, Switzerland does not have a centralized credit score system. However, your financial report is tracked and used when renting apartments or applying for loans.
Key Elements used to Assess Creditworthiness:
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This is Switzerland’s main credit database
It tracks all loans, credit cards, car leases and any missed payments
When you apply for credit, the institution checks for your ZEK records to see your credit behavior
If you have late payments, refused applications, or multiple loans, it may affect your approval chances
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CRIF is a private credit bureau in Switzerland
Used by landlords, employers or phone/internet providers to assess reliability
It includes payment history, address records, bankruptcies
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This is the most important document to prove you are financially trustworthy in Switzerland
It shows if you have had debt enforcement procedures filed against you
You can request this from your local debt enforcement office
It is typically required when applying for housing, loans or jobs
Can foreigners build credit in Switzerland?
Yes, it starts once you get a residence permit and open a Swiss bank account. Here is how to build trust:
Start with basic services (postpaid phone plan, small bank overdraft)
Gradually take on minor credit (installment purchases, leasing)
Always pay on time
Healthcare
Switzerland has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, known for high-quality medical services and high-cutting edge technology. However, it is also one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world, and health insurance is mandatory for al residents, including foreigners moving to Switzerland
How healthcare work for foreigners
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Unlike other European countries, all residents must purchase private health insurance within 3 months of arriving. if you fail to do so, the government will issue you an insurance provider, which may not be the best or cheapest option for you
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Switzerland does not have any free public healthcare system. Every individual must have private health insurance to cover medical expenses
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Description text goes here
If you are an EU/EEA citizen with the European Health Insurance Card, this covers only emergency healthcare for short term and does not replace Swiss health insurance for long term
How to apply for healthcare?
Before applying, you will need to select an approved Swiss health insurance provider, after you have done so, here are all the documents and a step-by-step guide on the application process:
Personal details (name, address and date of birth)
Valid passport or ID
Swiss Residence Permit (B/L Permit) or a proof of residence
Bank details for payments
How to apply:
Fill out an Application form for your chosen provider with the documents mentioned above
Select a plan that suits you
Pay the monthly premiums (the deductibles range from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500 ($350-$2900 per year, the higher the deductible, the lower your monthly premium is)
Housing & Renting
Switzerland has a very high demand for rental properties, especially major cities like Zurich and Geneva. Rental prices are among the highest in Europe, and it can take a long time to secure an apartment.
Types of housing in Switzerland
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Affordable options for students and young professionals
Usually includes shared kitchen, bathroom and common areas
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This is ideal for expats and newcomers before securing a long term lease
More expensive than long term rentals but includes utilities and furniture
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Shorter lease terms
Check Swiss rental laws and get landlord approval before subletting
How to rent an apartment in Switzerland?
Finding and renting an apartment in Switzerland can be very competitive, so make sure you have these documents ready so when it is your turn to rent, you are ready to secure a rental:
Passport / Swiss Residence Permit (B/L Permit)
Work Contract or Proof of Income
Swiss Bank Account Details
Betreibungsregisterauszug (Debt Clearance Certificate)
References from Previous Landlords (if it is available)
Driving & Transportation
Switzerland offers an efficient and reliable transport system making it very easy to travel by train, tram, bus and car. If you do plan to drive, EU/EEA licenses are valid indefinitely, while non-EU licenses must be converted within 12 months.
How to get a Swiss Drivers License as a Foreigner?
If you do decide to drive in Switzerland as a foreigner on a non-EU license, here are all the documents and a step-by-step guide on how you can convert, or apply for a Swiss drivers license.
Documents needed:
Application form (you can get this at the cantonal road traffic office)
Original Foreign Driver’s License (and an official translation if it is not in English, German, French or Italian)
Residence Permit (B, C, L permit)
Swiss Health Certificate
Recent Passport Photo
Proof of Address in Switzerland
Application fee (varies by which canton you go to)
Now that you have all your documents in place, here is the step-by-step guide on how to apply:
Visit the Cantonal Road Traffic Office (locate the nearest Strassenverkehrsamt" or "Office de la circulation routière)
Complete the application form
Take an eye test (usually done at an optician)
Submit all the documents mentioned above
Take a Practical driving test (Non-EU citizens require a short control test)
Receive your Swiss License!
Public Transportation in Switzerland
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Most efficient way to travel between cities like Zurich, Geneva and Lucerne
Swiss Federal Railways operates trains with punctual schedules
Purchase tickets through the SBB website or app
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Trams are common in Zurich, Basel and Geneva running frequently
Buses connect suburbs, rural areas and smaller towns where trains do not go
Swiss Travel pass is the best for anyone going to travel a lot using the public transportation, you get access to unlimited travel on trains, buses and boats. Discounts on museums, mountain excursions and scenic trains.