Settling in Switzerland: your first weeks, in order

The full transcript

0:00 Your first weeks

You have arrived in Switzerland. What do you have to sort in the first weeks, and in what order? ReloFinder lists 43 agencies that do it with their clients, often in one day.

0:14 The commune, within 14 days

First, register at your commune within 14 days. It unlocks your permit card, your bank and your insurance. Most communes want you in person, with your passport, your permit or visa, and your rental contract.

0:31 Health insurance: three months

Registering starts a three-month clock for health insurance. Every new resident must take basic insurance, KVG or LAMal, within three months. Enrol in time and cover goes back to your arrival day; miss it, and the gap is yours to pay. Premiums for the same cover differ widely, so compare before you sign.

0:56 Bank, bills and Serafe

Then a Swiss bank account for salary, rent and bills. Bring your permit or registration confirmation, your passport and a Swiss address. Next: electricity, internet, your mobile, home contents insurance, and the radio and TV fee, Serafe.

1:16 Your driving licence

And your driving licence. A foreign licence is valid for 12 months. EU and EEA licences are exchanged without a driving test; most others need a test drive.

1:30 What help costs

What does help cost? A settling-in day typically costs around CHF 2,000, up to six hours, for registration, health insurance and a bank account. Single errands typically cost around CHF 100 to 200 an hour, and someone at the move-in handover around CHF 300. 41 of the 43 agencies start with a free consultation.

1:56 Get matched

Tell us about your move. Meet your consultant this week. Two minutes of questions, then a consultant from one of our partner agencies gets in touch. Free, with no obligation. The link is in the description.