Settling-In Services
Arrival & Logistics
Navigate your first 30 days in Switzerland with ease. Expert support for registration, banking, insurance, and complex logistics like car imports.
The First 30 Days
Success in Switzerland is built on administrative precision. This is your roadmap.
City Registration
Register at the Einwohnerkontrolle (City Hall). Bring your hard-copy house contract and passport. This triggers your legal residency.
Swiss Banking
Open your local account (UBS, Neon, etc.). Essential for receiving salary and paying your first month's rent.
Utilities & Web
Set up electricity (EWZ/EKZ), internet, and the mandatory Serafe radio/TV tax. Internet activation can take 10+ days.
Insurance Deadline
Finalize your mandatory Health Insurance (KVG). Coverage is backdated to Day 1, so delaying only results in a larger back-payment.
Specialist Network
Insurance & Consultation
Switzerland's insurance landscape is complex. We partner exclusively with Expat-Savvy.ch, the leading specialist and consultant for relocation agencies in Switzerland.
- Specialist KVG/VVG coordination
- Personal Liability (RC) for rental contracts
- Direct billing with most relocation agencies
Complex Logistics
Why hire a relocation agency? It's not just about convenience; it's about access. Agencies have direct contacts at cantonal authorities and customs offices, allowing us to bypass common bottlenecks, pre-validate paperwork, and resolve "impossible" blockers.
Car Import & MFK
Handling Form 13.20A, customs duties, and the rigorous MFK technical inspection. We handle the plate swap and tax filings.
Pet Relocation
Navigating quarantine rules, vaccination requirements, and mandatory dog registration on the Amicus database.
Handyman Services
Swiss flats come as "empty shells". No light fixtures, no curtain rods. Our teams handle furniture assembly and electronics setup.
Why Use a Relocation Agency?
In Switzerland, who you know is as important as what you know. An agency doesn't just fill forms; they open doors that are otherwise closed to outsiders.
Insider Access
Agencies have direct relationships with HR departments, landlords, and canton authorities, often bypassing public queues and standard wait times.
Risk Mitigation
From tax-free car imports to avoided registration fines, an agency ensures compliance in a country that is famous for its strict adherence to rules.
Stress Elimination
Focus on your new job while a local expert handles your utility setup, bank appointments, and the "empty shell" apartment logistics.
Compare Your Options
| Relocation Phase | DIY Potential Costs | Managed (ReloFinder) |
|---|---|---|
| | 2-3 Week Queue | Express Fast-Track |
| | Manual Research | Direct Specialist Consult |
| | High Risk (Registration) | Zero Fines Guarantee |
| | Fragmented Providers | One Point of Contact |
Stop guessing. Start living. Connect with top-rated settling-in experts today.
Integration & Cultural Support
Settling in isn't just about paperwork; it's about feeling at home. We provide "Soft Landing" support including language course selection, spousal networking, and understanding local etiquette.
The Swiss Settling-In Checklist
Arriving in Switzerland triggers an immediate and strict administrative countdown. The initial 30 days dictate your financial, legal, and operational setup for years to come. The first mandatory step is registering your arrival at the local Einwohnerkontrolle (City Hall) within 14 days, a prerequisite for opening a Swiss bank account and formalizing your employment.
Navigating this landscape without local knowledge often leads to costly missteps. For instance, Swiss health insurance (KVG) must be secured within three months, but 膨remiums are backdated to day one. Choosing the wrong deductible (Franchise) or failing to negotiate the required personal liability (RC) insurance can severely impact both your budget and your ability to secure housing.
Crucial Milestones for New Residents:
- Vehicle Importation & MFK: Translating your driving license is straightforward, but importing a car involves intricate customs declarations (Form 13.20A) and the infamously strict Motorfahrzeugkontrolle (MFK) technical inspection.
- The Serafe Tax: Every household is legally required to pay the Serafe radio and television tax, independent of actual media consumption. Missing this registration results in immediate fines.
- The "Empty Shell" Housing Reality: Swiss apartments are generally handed over bare—without light fittings, curtain rails, or appliances. Professional handyman services are essential for transforming these empty spaces into functional homes during the first week.