Arriving in Switzerland

Here you will find a summary of what it is important to do once you have arrived in Switzerland. This includes the administrative and legal matters that you need to consider and deal with promptly.

You must register with your municipality of residence or with the Person Registration Office in the city of Zurich within 14 days of entry.

You can find further information under external pageImmigration Zurich.

Nationals of EU/EFTA countries

To register, nationals of EU/EFTA countries require the following documents: Passport or identity card, employment contract, and rental agreement for accommodation

Nationals of non-EU/EFTA countries

To register, nationals of non-EU/EFTA countries require the following documents: Passport, visa authorization or confirmation of a residence permit, employment contract, and rental agreement for accommodation

Please note: There is a charge for registering.
Please send a copy of your Swiss residence permit to HR Administration as soon as you receive it from the migration office.

Anyone living in Switzerland is legally obliged to take out compulsory basic insurance with a Swiss health insurance plan.

You must therefore take out compulsory basic insurance with a Swiss health insurance plan within three months of your arrival. Members of your family must also be insured. You can choose any health insurance plan anywhere in Switzerland. You will find an independent overview of Swiss health insurance plans with a comparison of costs and services at external pagewww.comparis.chor at external pagewww.priminfo.ch (Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, only in German, French and Italian).

Exemption from the insurance obligation

In certain circumstances you may be Downloadexempted from taking out insurance obligation.  

Please note: This insurance premium is not deducted from your pay but must be paid privately.

Further information on health insurance  

Personal liability insurance

You are strongly recommended to take out personal liability insurance. This insurance protects you from claims for damages if you injure another person or damage property belonging to another person.

There is no special insurance for cyclists but they are recommended to take out personal liability insurance.

Third-party motor insurance

For car owners, third-party motor insurance is compulsory. This provides insurance protection in cases of material damage or personal injury caused to third parties.

Household insurance

Household insurance cover for your home covers damage caused by fire, water, theft or glass breakage. You are recommended to have this insurance.

You will find an independent overview of liability insurance policies with a comparison of costs and services at external pagewww.comparis.ch.

Further information on personal liability and household insurance

Salaries are paid by electronic transfer. In order to receive your monthly salary, you will need a Swiss bank or Postfinance account.

Disclaimer Please note: The information on this page is meant for information purposes only. No responsibility is taken for the correctness of this information. The rules and regulations may have changed in the meantime. For legally binding information please contact the respective authority.

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