Moving to Switzerland - Finding a School

In our view, the two most important considerations when moving to another country are seeking work and finding somewhere to live. Given the problems of arriving in another country without either, you should preferably obtain both before finally moving to Switzerland. For this purpose, you may find it useful to visit this country beforehand to make preparations. See the separate sections on jobs and accommodation for practical information to help you with your search.

Once you have found a job and accommodation in Switzerland, you must deal with the various formalities, such as moving house, passing through customs, notification of departure or transferring your financial resources. As to the actual move, you should preferably use a specialist international removals company. Although this will probably be quite expensive (though you should obtain several estimates), it will save you a great deal of worry. It will also simplify the customs formalities, which some companies also handle on your behalf. If you decide to organise your move yourself, it is best to contact in advance all the customs posts you will pass through, to save precious time.

See the separate sections on importing a vehicle, pets and plants. You should also inform your bank that you are moving (banks will advise on transferring your funds) as well as the various authorities in your country (tax, insurance, population register, etc.).

On arrival in Switzerland, you must register yourself at your municipality’s population office within eight days, and in any case before starting work. You should also inform the water, electricity, gas, etc., utilities of your arrival. Finally, you have one year to exchange your driving licence for a Swiss licence at your canton’s Road Traffic Office.

Text last edited on: 04/2008

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2008
Reproduction is authorised.