Quick Answers
How long does it take to find housing in Zurich?
With professional help: 4-8 weeks. Alone: 3-6 months. Zurich receives 50+ applications per property.
Read more ↗What's the difference between B and L permits?
B = residence permit (1-5 years, renewable). L = short-term permit (≤1 year, limited renewal).
Read more ↗Is health insurance mandatory in Switzerland?
Yes. Mandatory from day 1. You have 3 months to sign up retroactively. Coverage starts from arrival.
Read more ↗How much does international school cost?
CHF 20,000-35,000/year per child. Plus enrollment fees (CHF 5,000-10,000) and application costs.
Read more ↗Housing in Switzerland
Market Reality
Zurich & Geneva: Extremely competitive. 50+ applications per property within 48-72 hours. Off-market access and professional assistance highly recommended.
Required documents: Last 3 pay slips, employment contract, Betreibungsauszug (debt collection extract), passport copy, residence permit, landlord references.
Timeline: With professional support 4-8 weeks. Going alone 3-6 months.
Need professional housing assistance? Our experts have off-market access and handle applications.
Home Search ServiceHealth & Personal Insurance
Insurance Essentials
- Mandatory health insurance (KVG/LAMal): Everyone residing in Switzerland must have basic health insurance from day 1 of residence. You have 3 months from registration to sign up, but coverage is retroactive to your arrival date.
- Coverage: Basic insurance covers essential medical care: doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, maternity, prescriptions (with co-pays). All providers offer identical basic benefits by law.
- Franchise/deductible: You choose your annual franchise (CHF 300-2,500 for adults). Higher franchise = lower monthly premium but higher out-of-pocket costs when sick.
- Complementary insurance (Zusatzversicherung): Optional coverage for private hospital rooms, alternative medicine, dental care, vision. Not mandatory but popular among expats.
- Provider choice: You're free to choose any Swiss health insurer. Compare premiums, customer service, and digital tools. You can switch providers annually by November 30.
Independent Insurance Guidance (EN/DE/FR)
For unbiased advice and provider comparisons, many expats consult expat-savvy.ch — an independent platform offering clear explanations of Swiss insurance options in English, German, and French.
Visit expat-savvy.chWork Permits (B & L)
Key Information
- B Permit: Residence permit (1-5 years, renewable). For permanent employment. Family reunification allowed.
- L Permit: Short-term permit (≤1 year, limited renewal). For temporary contracts.
- Processing: B permit 6-10 weeks, L permit 4-8 weeks. Employer initiates application.
- Job changes: B holders can change jobs after 12 months. L holders need approval.
Need permit assistance? We coordinate with employers and track applications.
Immigration ServicesRegistration (Anmeldung)
First 30 Days Checklist
Need settling-in support? We handle all administrative tasks.
Settling-In ServicesSchools & Education
International Schools Overview
| City | Example Schools | Annual Fees | Curricula |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zurich | ZIS, ICS, ISZL | CHF 22,000-32,000 | IB, British, American |
| Geneva | Ecolint, ILO, GIIS | CHF 20,000-35,000 | IB, British |
| Zug | ISZ | CHF 22,000-30,000 | IB, British |
Plus enrollment deposits (CHF 5,000-10,000) and application fees. Apply 6-12 months ahead.
Need school placement help? We know admissions teams and handle paperwork.
School Search ServiceCost of Living
Monthly Budget Estimates
| City | 2BR Rent | Single Person | Family (4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zurich | CHF 2,500-3,500 | CHF 4,500-5,500 | CHF 9,000-12,000 |
| Geneva | CHF 2,400-3,300 | CHF 4,300-5,300 | CHF 8,800-11,500 |
| Zug | CHF 2,600-3,400 | CHF 4,400-5,400 | CHF 9,000-11,800 |
Includes rent, insurance, food, transport, utilities. Excludes international school fees and childcare.
Transport Passes
- Halbtax: CHF 185/year — 50% off all public transport
- GA (General Pass): CHF 3,860/year — unlimited nationwide travel
- Local zones: CHF 70-100/month depending on zones
Swiss Culture & Etiquette
Essential Cultural Norms
- Punctuality: Arrive exactly on time for all appointments. Being late is disrespectful.
- Quiet hours: 22:00-06:00 weekdays, all day Sunday. No loud activities or laundry.
- Recycling: Strict separation rules. Paper, glass (by color), PET, aluminum, organic waste all separate. Use official garbage bags.
- Apartment viewings: Dress professionally, arrive on time, bring complete dossier, ask 2-3 thoughtful questions.
- Direct communication: Swiss value honesty and precision. Direct feedback is normal, not rude.
Swiss Relocation Glossary
Anmeldung
Mandatory registration with your local municipality within 14 days of arrival. Learn more →
Betreibungsauszug
Debt collection register extract proving no outstanding debts. Essential for housing applications. Order at betreibungsregister.ch. Learn more →
B Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung)
Residence permit for employed persons. Valid 1-5 years, renewable. Allows family reunification. Learn more →
Franchise
Annual deductible for Swiss health insurance (CHF 300-2,500). Higher franchise = lower premium. Learn more →
GA (Generalabonnement)
General Pass offering unlimited nationwide public transport. CHF 3,860/year for adults.
Gemeinde / Commune
Municipality or local government office where you register residence and handle administrative tasks.
Haftpflichtversicherung
Personal liability insurance. Highly recommended and often required by landlords. Covers accidental damage. CHF 150-300/year.
Halbtax
Half-Fare Card giving 50% discount on all Swiss public transport. CHF 185/year.
IB (International Baccalaureate)
Globally recognized curriculum offered by most Swiss international schools. Learn more →
Kaution
Security deposit for rental housing, typically 2-3 months' rent. Must be held in blocked bank account. Learn more →
Kehrichtsack
Official garbage bags sold at supermarkets. Required for household waste disposal. Using non-official bags results in fines.
KVG / LAMal
Mandatory basic health insurance. Covers essential medical care. All providers offer identical benefits by law. Learn more →
L Permit (Kurzaufenthaltsbewilligung)
Short-term residence permit for contracts ≤1 year. Limited renewal. Learn more →
Mietzins
Rent. Paid monthly via bank transfer. Usually does not include utilities (Nebenkosten).
Nebenkosten
Ancillary costs: heating, water, waste disposal, maintenance. Typically CHF 150-300/month on top of rent.
Ruhezeit
Quiet hours. Typically 22:00-06:00 weekdays, all day Sunday. No loud activities permitted. Learn more →
Wohnsitzbestätigung
Residence confirmation issued by Gemeinde after registration. Required for bank accounts and contracts.
Zusatzversicherung
Complementary health insurance (optional). Covers private rooms, alternative medicine, dental. Learn more →
Free City Guides (PDF)
Official PDF guides covering housing, permits, schools, costs, and culture. No cookies required — click to download instantly.
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