By Abi CarterUpdated on Apr 25, 2025
Are you moving to Switzerland or thinking about relocating here? There are many administrative matters that newly-arrived expats need to take care, whether you are moving on your own or with your family. Some of these things need to be sorted before you even arrive in Switzerland. Processes like visa applications can take up to several months, so it's worth planning your move well in advance.
Relocation services
If you are moving to Switzerland for the first time or are moving to a new canton, relocation services will be available to make the transition easier. Many international companies give expats these services as part of a work contract. As well as arranging for your belongings to be shipped from overseas and vehicles to be imported to Switzerland, relocation agents offer a wide range of departure and destination services, including advice on immigration processes like applying for a visa or residence permit, finding a house or a school for your child, and even orientation aspects once you've arrived in Switzewrland.
Visas for Switzerland
Visas are required to enter Switzerland from a selection of non-European countries. Although many nations have signed visa agreements with Switzerland, there are still some that require a visa for visiting, working or studying. Find out whether you need to apply for one by seeing our guide to visas for Switzerland.
Residence permits in Switzerland
In order to live in Switzerland beyond the 90 days allowed by a visa, any non-Swiss national will need to apply for a residence permit. You will also need a residence permit if you wish to start a job. Every member of your household needs to apply for a permit, including children. There are several different types of residence permits in Switzerland, which come with different rights and obligations, and have different periods of validity depending on your nationality.
Registration
One of the first things you need to do before settling into life in Switzerland is to go through registration. This is to make sure that your local council (Gemeinde) knows that you are living in their area and can charge the appropriate amount of tax in your tax return. This is also the first step in applying for a residence permit.
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