Information & Assistance

ABOUT SWITZERLAND

Map

Explore the heart of Europe

Every country is unique in its own way. What makes Switzerland unique is its wide cultural diversity that is given by the geographical location of the country. It is surrounded by five countries: Italy, France, Germany, Austria and the Prinicipality of Liechtenstein and it has a polulation of over 8 million inhabitants. Over 20% of the population have a foreign passport.

EXPLORE SWITZERLAND

VISA & ENTRY CONDITIONS

Notification of arrival

In the event of taking up residence here for a period exceeding three months and/or if you wish to pursue gainful employment, you should notify your commune of residence within 14 days of your arrival.

If you intend to stay in Switzerland without transferring your domicile here and without taking up gainful employment, you may stay here for a maximum period of three months without notifying the authorities.

ENTRY CONDITIONS

GETTING STARTED

Basic information

Get started with all the basic information you need in Switzerland. Many administrative to-dos (such as opening a bank account or notifying the local residents' registration office) are easy to do and do not consume too much time.

The public transport network is tightly knit and reliable, and is widely used by the Swiss to get to work. The social security system is a bit complex. We dedicate a special chapter to health insurance, since these insurance schemes are not connected to an employment.

Accommodation

Accommodation can be a mind-boggling issue, especially for the urban regions around Lake Geneva and in the Zurich area. You should invest enough time beforehand, or be able to dedicate some time after arrival, if you have preferences or special needs (e.g. international schools in proximity).

Accommodation

Banking and Currency

In order to open a Swiss bank account, you will need your passport and residence permit. This means that you cannot open an account immediately on arrival, so make sure you have either adequate cash in the form of traveller's cheques or an automatic teller machine (ATM) card from your bank at home.

Banking & Currency

Daily life

Switzerland is a small country that enjoys geat cultural diversity. People from around 140 countries live in Switzerland. One in five persons does not have a Swiss passport. Switzerland's entire resident population is 8 million.

Daily Life

Family

Find everything you need to know when you take your family with you to Switzerland.

Family

Safety/Security

Switzerland has one of the lowest crime rates in all industrialised countries. But it is always wise to keep an eye on wallets and luggage in busy areas. Drinking and eating-out is hygienic and the tap water is safe to drink.

MySwitzerland.com

QUICK LINKS

Starting brochure after the move to Switzerland (including checklist)
Living and working in Switzerland – general information
List of Swiss communes

Are you looking for a job in Switzerland? Or have you already found it?

In this section you find all the necessary information on how to apply for a job, the Swiss social security system, the Swiss reasearch landscape, etc.

Quick Links

Brochure on working in Switzerland: the basics
travail.suisse is the independent umbrella organization of employees classifying ten associations and 150’000 members from various branches of knowledge in private- and public-sector.

Researcher mobility can improve a career in research. Make the move and discover the wealth of opportunities on offer both inside and outside Europe. EURAXESS Centres and EURAXESS Worldwide are on hand to offer expertise and advice to facilitate your move abroad.

search for information Find personalised assistance

Here you will find important information for researchers returning to Switzerland.