Moving to Switzerland as a non-EU/EFTA national – what do I need to arrange?
7 tasks in suggested order
1. Check duty-free household effects
If applicable: If you are importing household effects into Switzerland.
When moving to Switzerland, customs and import formalities apply to household effects; the official page explains conditions and procedure.
Complete residence/work registration and customs formalities before or immediately upon moving in; deadlines depend on status.
Customs/Bundesamt für Zoll und Grenzsicherheit and the residents'/migration authority of the new municipality/canton.
Inventory/evidence of household effects, identity, residence/employment evidence and customs forms according to the official page.
Duty-free household effects have separate requirements. Residence registration and customs clearance are separate steps.
Official source: ch.ch
2. Register with municipality after arrival
Residents'/migration authority of the municipality or canton of residence.
Official source: Staatssekretariat für Migration
3. Take health insurance after moving
A person taking up residence in Switzerland who is subject to compulsory insurance generally has three months to join an authorised health insurer.
Where insurance is mandatory, generally within 3 months after taking up residence or when the insurance obligation begins.
An approved Swiss health insurer; supervision/allocation by the competent cantonal body.
Personal details, residence/stay information and information required for the insurance application.
If registration is completed on time, coverage generally applies from the start of the insurance obligation; late registration can lead to disadvantages/allocation. Check exceptions separately.
Official source: Bundesamt für Gesundheit
4. Non-EU/EFTA residence/work permit
If applicable: For nationals from outside the EU/EFTA.
Third-country nationals are subject to different admission and permit rules from EU/EFTA nationals; cantonal authorities are central to the procedure.
Before entry/starting work, check the exact permit procedure.
Cantonal migration authority; a permit is often required before entry/starting work.
Passport, purpose of employment/residence, qualifications and further evidence required by the canton/SEM.
Third-country nationals are subject to quotas and stricter admission requirements; do not apply EU rules.
Official source: Staatssekretariat für Migration
5. Third-country family reunification
Third-country nationals are subject to different admission and permit rules from EU/EFTA nationals; cantonal authorities are central to the procedure.
Before entry/starting work, check the exact permit procedure.
Cantonal migration authority; a permit is often required before entry/starting work.
Passport, purpose of employment/residence, qualifications and further evidence required by the canton/SEM.
Third-country nationals are subject to quotas and stricter admission requirements; do not apply EU rules.
Official source: Staatssekretariat für Migration
6. Register a car in Switzerland
Motor vehicles are registered with the competent cantonal road traffic office; procedures and fees are cantonal.
Before using a vehicle that requires registration in Switzerland, register it; imports involve additional customs steps.
Cantonal Strassenverkehrsamt; proof of insurance is required for registration.
Proof of insurance, vehicle documents, identity/residence evidence and, depending on the import, customs/inspection documents.
Fees and motor vehicle tax are cantonal; use specific amounts only from the competent canton.
Official source: ch.ch
7. Exchange foreign driving licence
Foreign driving licences are subject to official exchange rules after taking residence in Switzerland; cantonal road traffic offices are responsible.
A foreign driving licence must generally be exchanged within 12 months after taking up residence if you want to continue driving.
Cantonal Strassenverkehrsamt.
Foreign driving licence, identity/residence evidence and cantonal forms/eye test or further evidence as required.
Depending on the issuing country, a test drive or additional evidence may be required.
Official source: Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA
