Week 1: register and start your permit
- Register with your commune. In the city of Zurich this is done at your district office (Kreisbüro); in other communes at the residents' office (Einwohnerkontrolle). Registration is usually required within 14 days of moving in.
- Bring your documents: passport or ID, rental contract, employment contract, passport photos and, for families, marriage and birth certificates.
- Permit. For many non-EU/EFTA nationals the permit process starts before arrival through the employer. Registration then triggers the permit card. You usually receive it by post some weeks later.
Weeks 1–4: health insurance
Basic health insurance is mandatory and must be arranged within three months of taking up residence. Signing up early is easier: cover usually applies retroactively from your arrival, and you avoid the canton assigning you to an insurer. Compare premiums, deductibles and models for Zurich before you decide. Our health insurance guide explains the choices.
Weeks 1–3: money and housing deposit
- Bank account. You usually need your passport, proof of address and sometimes your permit or employment contract. Some banks open accounts before the permit card arrives; others wait.
- Rental deposit account. Landlords usually ask for a deposit of up to three months' rent, held in a blocked account in your name. Some insurers offer a deposit guarantee instead, for an annual fee.
- Salary. Give your employer your Swiss account details early so your first salary arrives without delay.
Letters you can expect
- Serafe: the household fee for radio and TV. It is billed per household, whether or not you own a TV, and the letter usually arrives automatically after you register.
- Tax at source: if you hold a B permit and are not yet subject to ordinary taxation, your employer usually deducts tax directly from your salary. Depending on your income and situation, a tax return may still be required or possible.
- Health insurer: policy documents and premium bills, often with QR payment slips.
Not sure what a letter means? See Swiss official letters explained.
Getting around
- Public transport in Zurich is excellent. Trams, buses, trains and lake boats share one fare system (ZVV), organised by zones.
- Monthly or annual passes are usually cheaper than single tickets if you commute.
- A half-fare card from SBB reduces many ticket prices across the country and is popular with newcomers.
- Check current prices with ZVV or SBB, as fares change.
Finding housing
Zurich's rental market is very tight. Good apartments often receive many applications within days.
- Prepare an application file: debt-collection extract (or proof you are new to Switzerland), copy of passport and permit, employment contract or salary proof, and a short cover note.
- Many newcomers start with a furnished temporary apartment and search from there.
- Be careful with requests to pay money before a viewing or contract: this is a common scam.
Frequently asked questions
How soon must I register in Zurich?
Usually within 14 days of moving in. Check the exact rule with your Kreisbüro or commune.
Can I open a Swiss bank account before my permit arrives?
Sometimes. It depends on the bank. Many accept a passport, proof of address and employment contract; some ask for the permit card.
Do I have to pay Serafe if I don't own a TV?
Usually yes. The fee is charged per household, regardless of devices. Only limited exemptions exist.
Is tax deducted from my salary?
If you are taxed at source, usually yes. Your employer deducts it. Whether you must also file a return depends on your situation.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules can vary by canton.