Relocation services

1. Prepare for immigration and registration

Visiting Switzerland as a tourist is authorized for up to 90 days without registration. It is forbidden to work during this period. Working in Switzerland for more than 8 calendar days per year also requires a work permit.

To work in Switzerland, all non-Swiss generally require some form of immigration authorization - usually a work permit, or a combined work and residence permit. Additionally, all newcomers need to register at their local town hall (commune/ Gemeinde) within 8 days of entering Switzerland and prior to their first working day.

• Non-EU/EFTA citizens who require a single entry work/residence visa will need to officially enter Switzerland before expiration of their visa
• Non-EU/EFTA citizens will need to make a multiple entry request should they need to travel internationally before the final permit is issued

2. Find accommodation

Before moving to Switzerland, you will need to decide whether you will need temporary or permanent accommodation.

The three main options for short term accommodation are:

1. Hotel stay: Not convenient for a family or with pets and expensive, but flexible.

2. Hotel furnished apartments: cheaper than a hotel, with less flexibility regarding notice periods, and usually studios or a 1-bedroom apartment.

3. Furnished apartments with a lease contract: cheaper but less flexible, with a minimum lease term of 1 - 6 months and a notice period of 1 - 3 months. Difficult to find.

The process for permanent housing is complicated and the prices are very high. You will need to understand the rental market, and be able to deal with real estate agencies on their terms. Be aware that the entire home-search and leasing process normally takes place in the local languages of French, German or Italian.

It is highly recommended to obtain the support of a relocation specialist in order to avoid pitfalls and potentially costly mistakes.

3. Get a Swiss bank account

Switzerland is renowned for its excellent banking services. Non-Swiss citizens can open a Swiss bank account, but the application process varies extensively. The services, products and charges vary from one bank to another, so take time to choose a bank that best meets your needs.

Quality online banking and advisory services in English are only available with a small number of major banks.

You must be registered as a resident in Switzerland before being able to open an account, and Swiss anti-money-laundering laws require verification of the source of income and confirmation of the identity of the applicant.

4. Get insurance

When living in Switzerland, it is compulsory by law to be covered by a Swiss health insurance policy. A basic healthcare policy covers the majority of the basic medical costs resulting from an illness. Depending on your health situation or individual needs, additional options may be required.

Within 3 months of your arrival in Switzerland, the authorities will ask you to provide proof that you have health insurance coverage. Health insurance is normally obtained from a private insurance company.

Personal insurance is also required when renting accommodation.

5. Decide if you will need a car

You may decide that you need a car in Switzerland. The first decision is to clarify whether to import your current vehicle or to purchase one locally after arrival.

If you do decide to import your car there are opportunities for significant financial savings if you plan 6 months in advance or more.

However, be sure to weigh the costs of importation and potential necessary modifications to comply with Swiss specifications and pollution / CO2 requirements. These factors can be costly for cars designed for non-European markets. Also bear in mind that in case of repair or accident, obtaining replacement parts for foreign vehicles may also create delays and extra costs.

6. Think about moving, and whether to bring your household goods

Now that you have decided to relocate, it is time to decide if all, part, or none of your personal belongings, furniture and household goods will relocate with you.

Things to consider:

• Length of time to be spent abroad
• Family situation
• Budget
• If you will sublet your home

There are hundreds of moving companies, but not all are reliable, or specialized in international household goods shipping. Quality international movers are usually associated with FIDI, the International Association of Moving Companies.

7. Think about your children's education

Choosing the right school for your children requires you to be well-informed, organized and open-minded. To make the right decision, you need to consider:

• Age and birth date of your children
• Your child's personality
• Prior school experience
• Languages spoken
• How long you will stay in Switzerland and where you will be going next
• Where your child's future will be centered
• If your financial position (including corporate support) allows for private school tuition

8. Get your pets ready for the move

Regulations and customs requirements for bringing pets into Switzerland are strict and change frequently, depending on the animal and country of origin.

This is mostly due to the level of risk of rabies in the country of origin.

Quarantine may be required.

Service options	Single full	Single VIP	Family full	Family VIP
Home search service -Pre-move consultation and advisory -Local real-estate selection search -Housing viewings  -Lease/contract negotiations
Settling-in services -Furniture and household goods purchase assistance -100CHF/hour -Car purchase assistance
Local registrations set-up -Bank account set-up (money transfer) -All types of insurance (health, property, car etc.) -School search & registration  assistance
Additional services 1) Personal assistant service -Employment permits -Driver's license exchange -Travel arrangements assistance 2) Move-in extra services -Cleaning/ housekeeping services search -Storage rent