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Switzerland

Capital: Bern

Last verified: 2026-02-20

Fees, fines, and deadlines are approximate and may change. Always verify with official sources.

Key Registrations & Procedures

Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung / Permis de séjour / Permesso di dimora)

Cantonal Migration Office (Migrationsamt / Office cantonal de la population)

Deadline: Apply within 14 days of arrival — BEFORE starting work
Processing Time: 2–6 weeks for the permit. Temporary confirmation usually issued at the Gemeinde.
💰Fees: CHF 70–150 depending on canton. Plus CHF 65 for biometric identity card.
📅Appointment: Step 1: Register at Gemeinde (walk-in). Step 2: Cantonal migration office — appointment varies by canton.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport or EU/EEA national ID card
  • Employment contract (Arbeitsvertrag) with Swiss employer — must show duration, salary, and working hours
  • Proof of accommodation — rental contract (Mietvertrag) or confirmation from housing provider
  • Passport-sized biometric photos (2)
  • Health insurance confirmation — mandatory in Switzerland, must arrange within 3 months of arrival (compare at priminfo.admin.ch)
  • Completed registration forms (vary by canton)
  • Marriage/birth certificates for family members (if applicable)
Where to Do It:

Step 1: Municipal office (Gemeindeverwaltung / Administration communale) — register your address. Step 2: Cantonal migration office for the permit. In Zürich: Migrationsamt des Kantons Zürich, Berninastrasse 45. In Geneva: Office cantonal de la population et des migrations (OCPM). In Basel: Migrationsamt Basel-Stadt.

If You Don't Do It:

Fines may apply for late registration (varies by canton: CHF 100–1,000). Working without a permit is illegal and can result in employer fines and permit denial. Without registration, no access to Swiss healthcare, banking, or public services.

Regional Variations: Each of 26 cantons manages its own process. Zürich, Geneva, Basel, and Bern each have different forms, fees, and wait times. German, French, and Italian-speaking cantons have forms in their respective languages.
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AHV/AVS Number (Social Security Number)

Cantonal Compensation Office (Ausgleichskasse / Caisse de compensation)

Deadline: Automatically assigned when employer registers you or when you register at the Gemeinde
Processing Time: Immediate upon employer registration. AHV card sent by post within 2–4 weeks.
💰Fees: Free (AHV contributions: 5.3% employee + 5.3% employer)
📅Appointment: No separate appointment — handled by employer or Gemeinde.
Required Documents:
  • No separate application needed — assigned during registration
  • Employer handles AHV registration via the Ausgleichskasse
Where to Do It:

Assigned automatically. The 13-digit AHV/AVS number (756.XXXX.XXXX.XX) is printed on your health insurance card and used for all social insurance, pension, and government interactions.

If You Don't Do It:

May not be able to be employed. No access to Swiss pension system (1st pillar), disability insurance, or unemployment insurance.

Regional Variations: Each canton has its own Ausgleichskasse but the AHV system is federal.
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Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung / Assurance-maladie)

Private health insurers (regulated by BAG/OFSP)

Deadline: Must arrange within 3 months of registering residence. Coverage is retroactive to arrival date.
Processing Time: Policies can start from your arrival date. Confirmation letter: 1–2 weeks.
💰Fees: Monthly premiums: CHF 250–600+ depending on canton, age, and deductible. Compare at priminfo.admin.ch. Franchise (deductible): CHF 300–2,500/year.
📅Appointment: No appointment — sign up online or by phone with any approved insurer.
Required Documents:
  • Residence permit or confirmation of registration
  • Passport or ID card
  • Swiss address
Where to Do It:

Choose any approved insurer. Compare all premiums at the official government tool: priminfo.admin.ch. Major insurers: CSS, Swica, Helsana, Concordia, Assura. Sign up online or by phone.

If You Don't Do It:

If you don't choose within 3 months, the canton assigns you an insurer — usually at the highest premium. A 50% surcharge may be added. Health insurance is MANDATORY in Switzerland for all residents, no exceptions.

Regional Variations: Premiums vary dramatically by canton — Appenzell Innerrhoden can be half the cost of Geneva. Always compare on priminfo.admin.ch for your specific canton.
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