📋What you'll learn in this guide:
- The Budget: Exact breakdown for month 1
- Registration: The strict 14-day deadline rule
- Housing: How to secure an apartment without a permit
- Banking: Setup guide for non-residents
You got the job offer. The contract is signed. Now what?
Here's the quick answer: To move to Switzerland, you need (1) a job with work permit sponsorship, (2) registration at your Gemeinde within 14 days, (3) health insurance within 3 months, and (4) a Swiss bank account. Budget CHF 15,000-25,000 for the first month, mostly for rental deposits.
But here's what most people miss: The hidden costs that surprise you. The rental deposit that locks up months of cash. The bureaucratic timeline that nobody explains clearly.
I'm going to walk you through everything. Week by week. No surprises.
Before You Arrive: The 8-Week Countdown
Starting too late is mistake #1. Give yourself at least 8 weeks before your move date.
8 Weeks Before: Documents
Get these sorted first. Some take time.
Essential documents:
- ✅ Passport (6+ months validity beyond planned stay)
- ✅ Apostilled documents (university degree, marriage certificate if married)
- ✅ Employment contract (original, signed)
- ✅ Passport photos (4-6 recent, biometric-style)
- ✅ Birth certificate (sometimes needed)
What's an apostille? It's a certification that makes your documents valid internationally. Get it from your home country's Foreign Affairs office. Some countries take weeks – start early.
4 Weeks Before: Housing
The Swiss rental market is competitive. You probably won't find your forever apartment from abroad. Plan for temporary housing first.
Temporary options:
- Airbnb – Expensive but easy. Book 2-4 weeks to give yourself a buffer.
- Serviced apartments – Try Living Suite or Visionapartments.
- Woko/Juwo – Student-style rooms, very budget-friendly but strict age limits.
- Short-term sublets – Check Ronorp or Facebook groups.
Start your rental dossier immediately:
A Swiss rental dossier is like a job application for apartments. You absolutely need these printed and digital copies ready:
The "Golden" Dossier Includes:
- Cover letter (Personalized, photo included, in German/French)
- CV/resume (Keep it professional but brief)
- Betreibungsregisterauszug: Extract from the debt collection register (order online). If new, get one from your previous country or a "self-declaration" form.
- Proof of income (Employment contract or last 3 payslips). Rule of thumb: Rent should not exceed 1/3 of gross income.
- Copy of passport/ID (and Permit if you have it already)
German Email Generator
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Prefer the old-school PDF?
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The "Mass Viewing" Survival Strategy
Pro Tip
Combine all these into a single, high-quality PDF file under 5MB for online applications.
2 Weeks Before: Logistics
Now is the time to finalize your packing list and ensure all paperwork is in a carry-on folder, not checked luggage.
- Phone – Unlock your current phone or buy unlocked. Swiss SIM cards won't work in locked phones.
- International bank card – Get Wise, Revolut, or N26. You'll need it before your Swiss account opens.
- Shipping decision – Furniture is expensive to ship. Most expats sell and rebuy. IKEA is your friend.
- Cancel subscriptions – Phone plans, streaming services, gym memberships
- Forward mail – Set up forwarding to a family address
Week 1 in Switzerland: The Essentials
You've landed. Here's your priority list.
Week 1 Priority Checklist
Register at Gemeinde
Mandatory within 14 days. Bring passport, contract, and rental agreement. Cost: ~CHF 20-50.
Open Bank Account
Go digital with Neon (fastest) or traditional with UBS. Need registration confirmation first.
Get Swiss SIM
Options: Swisscom (best coverage), Sunrise, or budget carriers like Wingo/Yallo.
Connect Home Internet
Order immediately. Can take 2-4 weeks to activate.
Month 1 Must-Dos: Don't Miss These
Health Insurance (MANDATORY)
This isn't optional. By law, you must have Swiss health insurance within 3 months of arrival.
Important: You pay retroactively. If you wait 3 months to sign up, you will be billed for all 3 months at once. It's better to sign up early.
Choosing a plan: Swiss health insurance has a franchise (deductible). Higher franchise = lower monthly premium.
| Franchise | Monthly Premium | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| CHF 300 | ~CHF 450-500 | Frequent doctor visits |
| CHF 1,000 | ~CHF 380-420 | Occasional use |
| CHF 2,500 | ~CHF 300-350 | Healthy, rarely sick |
Settle Into Your Routine
- Get Half-Fare Card – CHF 185/year, cuts all public transport prices in half. Worth it if you travel 3+ times.
- Download SBB app – Train schedules and tickets
- Download TWINT – Switzerland's payment app. Everyone uses it.
Expat Hack
Shop at Lidl, Aldi, and Denner. Do day trips to Germany or France for bulk groceries (seriously, people do this). You can save up to 40% on your weekly grocery bill.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Warns You About
Here's where expats get burned. Budget for these.
Rental Deposit: The Big One
Swiss landlords require 3 months' rent as deposit. This goes into a locked bank account.
For a CHF 2,500/month apartment? You need CHF 7,500 just for the deposit. Plus first month's rent. That's CHF 10,000 before you've unpacked.
Don't have CHF 9,000 cash for a deposit?
Most expats use a deposit insurance (Mietkautionsversicherung) instead. It costs about CHF 300/year and keeps your cash free.
The Real First Month Budget
Let's be honest: Switzerland is expensive. Seeing the numbers removes the fear. Here is the realistic breakdown:
| Expense | Solo | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| Rental deposit (3 months) | CHF 6,000-9,000 | CHF 7,500-12,000 |
| First month rent | CHF 2,000-3,000 | CHF 2,500-4,000 |
| Health insurance | CHF 300-400 | CHF 600-800 |
| Registration Fees | CHF 50 | CHF 100 |
| Phone/SIM | CHF 50 | CHF 100 |
| Furniture/basics | CHF 1,000-3,000 | CHF 2,000-5,000 |
| Half-fare card | CHF 185 | CHF 370 |
| Total Estimated | CHF 10,000-17,000 | CHF 15,000-25,000 |
What CHF 8,000 Buys in Zurich (Monthly)
Calculate your own first month costs:
📦Moving Cost Calculator
📋 Need the full breakdown? Our detailed cost calculator includes monthly budgets and 90-day projections.
The 5 Mistakes That Cost Expats Thousands
Mistake 1: Not Registering in Time
You have exactly 14 days upon arrival to register at your local Gemeinde (municipality) or Kreisbüro. Miss it, and you face fines, complications with your work permit, and delays on basically everything else.
Mistake 2: Choosing the Wrong Health Insurance
You're locked in for 12 months. Spend an hour on Comparis. Compare 3-5 options. Read reviews.
Mistake 3: Signing the First Apartment You See
The rental market is competitive. But don't overpay. Check what comparable apartments in the area cost.
Mistake 4: No Emergency Buffer
Hidden costs will surprise you. Keep CHF 3,000-5,000 accessible beyond your planned budget.
Mistake 5: Ignoring the 3a
Every month you don't contribute is tax savings lost. There's no catch-up. Start month 1.
Conclusion: Your First 30 Days Action Plan
Before arrival:
- Apostilled documents
- Temporary housing booked
- Rental dossier prepared
- International bank card (Wise/Revolut)
Day 1-3:
- Register at Gemeinde
- Get confirmation slip
Day 3-7:
- Open Neon bank account
- Get Swiss phone number
- Set up TWINT
Week 2-4:
- Purchase health insurance
- Open Pillar 3a
- Start apartment hunting
Welcome to Switzerland. You've got this.
Read Next
- Swiss Health Insurance: Complete Guide – All your insurance questions answered
- Finding an Apartment in Zurich – Detailed rental guide
- First 14 Days Checklist (PDF) – Printable version
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to move to Switzerland?
Budget CHF 15,000-25,000 for the first month, depending on your situation. The biggest expense is the rental deposit (3 months' rent, locked until you leave).
Can I move to Switzerland without a job?
Technically possible, but difficult. You need to show sufficient funds (often CHF 100,000+) and a valid reason (study, family reunion, retirement). Most expats move for jobs that sponsor work permits.
Is it hard to get a Swiss work permit?
For EU/EFTA citizens: Straightforward. Your employer registers you, and you get a B permit. For non-EU citizens: Harder. Employer must sponsor you and prove no suitable local/EU candidate is available. Quotas limit numbers. Expect more paperwork.
Do I need to speak German/French?
Depends on your field. Tech, pharma, finance often work in English. German or French dramatically improves job options and social life. Start learning before you arrive.
Where should you live?
Every city has a different vibe (and tax rate).
Which Swiss City Suits You?
Answer 3 questions to find your home.
Which language do you prefer to speak?
If you're in tech, Zurich is the default. Pharma? Basel. NGO/Diplomat? Geneva. Want a relaxed life? Bern.
When should I arrive?
If possible, arrive middle of the month. This gives you time to register and set up before bureaucratic offices close. Avoid arriving right before Christmas or Swiss holidays.