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Verified rules

Arriving in Switzerland

Registration within 14 days, the permit that fits your nationality, and health insurance within 3 months.

Civena’s verified rule set covers 4 steps for this situation. Which of them apply depends on your canton, commune, permit and household.

Rules checked against official sources on 25 September 2026.

Work out my steps

Arriving in Switzerland: key deadlines

Arriving in Switzerland: what you may have to do

Before arrival

  1. Obtain your permit before you start work

    Canton

    As a national of a non-EU/EFTA country, you need a permit to work in Switzerland, whatever the length of the stay. For employment, your employer applies to the cantonal employment or immigration authority. Depending on your nationality you may also need a visa, which you request from the Swiss representation abroad.

    Why
    AIG Art. 11: a permit is needed for any gainful activity; for employment the employer applies.
    Authority
    Cantonal migration office (sem.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)
    Report incorrect information

After arrival

  1. Register with your commune of residence

    MunicipalityDeadline: Within 14 days of arrival, and before starting work

    Register with the residents’ registration office of the commune where you live within 14 days of arriving. If you come to work, register before you start: you cannot start work before then.

    Why
    ch.ch and SEM: registration within 14 days of arrival and before taking up work (AIG Art. 12).
    Authority
    Residents’ registration office of your commune (ch.ch, opens in a new tab)
    Documents
    • Passport or identity card
    Report incorrect information

  2. Apply for your residence permit at the commune

    Municipality

    As an EU/EFTA national, you apply for your residence permit when you register with your commune, before taking up work. The residence permit also serves as your work permit.

    Why
    SEM: EU/EFTA nationals register and apply for a residence permit, which doubles as a work permit.
    Authority
    Residents’ registration office of your commune (ch.ch, opens in a new tab)
    Report incorrect information

  3. Take out basic health insurance within 3 months

    FederalDeadline: Within 3 months of taking up residence

    Everyone living in Switzerland must be insured with a Swiss health insurer. After moving to Switzerland you have three months to take out basic insurance; if you do it in time, cover applies from the day you took up residence.

    Why
    KVG Art. 3: insurance within three months of taking up residence.
    Authority
    ch.ch – Swiss authorities online (ch.ch, opens in a new tab)
    Report incorrect information

Arriving in Switzerland: official starting points

Frequently asked questions

I’m arriving in Switzerland: what do I have to do?
Depending on your situation, the steps include: Register with your commune of residence; Apply for your residence permit at the commune; Take out basic health insurance within 3 months.
Register with your commune of residence: what is the deadline?
Within 14 days of arrival, and before starting work. ch.ch and SEM: registration within 14 days of arrival and before taking up work (AIG Art. 12).
Take out basic health insurance within 3 months: what is the deadline?
Within 3 months of taking up residence. KVG Art. 3: insurance within three months of taking up residence.