1The three deadlines that cost money
| Deadline | What | If you miss it |
|---|---|---|
| 14 days | Register with your commune | A fine is possible, and your permit is delayed |
| 3 months | Basic health insurance | Cover starts late and the premium gets a surcharge |
| 12 months | Driving licence and car | You may no longer drive in Switzerland |
2What arriving costs
- Rental deposit: up to three months' rent, blocked in an account in your name until you move out.
- Health insurance: the premiums back to your first day, in one bill.
- Serafe: CHF 312 a year per household from 2027.
- Fees: for the permit, the licence exchange and the car inspection. Each canton sets its own.
3Papers to bring from home
- Valid passport or ID card for every family member.
- Work contract or a written confirmation from your employer.
- Rental contract, or a written confirmation from the person you stay with.
- Birth and marriage certificates, for the children too.
- Driving licence, diplomas and work references.
4Where to ask
The residents' office of your commune is the first stop for registration, permits and schools. The cantonal migration office decides on permits. The federal portal ch.ch explains every step in English, German, French and Italian.
Questions and answers
Can I register with a temporary address?
Usually yes, if you can show a written confirmation of where you are staying. Ask your commune what it accepts.
Do I pay Serafe if I have no television?
Yes. The fee is per household and does not depend on devices.
Do I need a Swiss bank account?
In practice yes. Employers pay salaries into a Swiss account, and rent and insurance are paid by bank transfer.
Can I keep driving on my foreign licence?
For 12 months from the day you arrive. Professional drivers of lorries and coaches have to exchange it before their first trip.
Sources: State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG), Code of Obligations Art. 257e, Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (form 18.44), Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (Serafe fee from 2027), Road Traffic Licensing Ordinance (VZV) Art. 42, cantonal road traffic offices, ch.ch. This page is information, not legal advice.