How it works
B permit in Switzerland: requirements, fees and processing times by canton
How to get a Swiss B permit: EU/EFTA and non-EU rules, steps, documents, and the fees and processing times in seven cantons, from the migration offices.
Guides
Guides for moving to Switzerland
The 37 expat-services.ch guides for moving to Switzerland explain admin, money, housing and family life in plain English, with legal deadlines, a primary source for every figure and links to providers.
All guides
37 guides
How it works
C permit in Switzerland: requirements and how to switch from B to C
When you can switch from a B to a C permit: 5 or 10 years, language rules, steps, documents, and the fees and processing times in seven cantons.
City guide
Cost of living in Zug: what expats actually pay
Rents, taxes vs Zurich, health premiums, childcare and transport in Zug, from official 2024–2026 statistics, with every figure sourced and dated.
How to choose
How to choose a Swiss health insurer
Choose your Swiss health insurance deductible (franchise), model and supplementary cover with a clear framework, the legal limits and switching deadlines.
City guide
International schools in Basel: curricula, fees and how to apply
Every international and bilingual school in Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft: IB, British, French and bilingual curricula, 2026–27 fees, when to apply.
City guide
International schools in Geneva: curricula, fees and how to apply
Every English and bilingual school on the Geneva and Vaud lists near Geneva: IB, British, bilingual and Montessori schools, 2026–27 fees, when to apply.
City guide
International schools in Zug: curricula, fees and how to apply
Every English and bilingual school on canton Zug’s list: IB, Cambridge and bilingual curricula, published 2026–27 fees and when to apply.
City guide
International schools in Zurich: curricula, fees and how to apply
All 45 English, French and bilingual schools on canton Zurich’s private-school list: IB, British and bilingual curricula, 2026–27 fees and when to apply.
How it works
Kita and daycare in Zurich: costs, subsidies and waiting lists
What a Kita costs in Zurich, how the city subsidy and waiting lists work, kindergarten from age four, tax deductions and English-speaking Kitas.
How it works
Lex Koller: buying property in Switzerland as a foreigner
Who may buy Swiss property under the Lex Koller: B, C and G permits, holiday-home quotas, the 20% rule, costs by canton and the 2026 reform.
How it works
Opening a Swiss bank account as an expat: documents, fees and timing
How to open a bank account in Switzerland as a foreigner: documents, ID checks, fees at 11 providers, US-person rules and deposit protection.
How it works
Salaries in Switzerland: official figures, minimum wages and what comes off your pay
The FSO median salary for Switzerland and Zurich, pay by sector and permit, the 2026 cantonal minimum wages and the deductions from a gross salary.
How it works
Swiss citizenship for expats: naturalisation requirements, steps and costs
How to get Swiss citizenship: naturalisation requirements, language level, steps, and the residence rules and fees of seven cantons, from official pages.
How it works
Swiss driving licence: exchanging a foreign licence and importing your car
Exchanging a foreign driving licence in Switzerland: which countries skip the test, fees by canton, and importing a car with its tax and plate deadlines.
How it works
Swiss health insurance for expats (KVG/LAMal) explained
How Swiss basic health insurance works: the 3-month deadline, what KVG/LAMal covers, premiums, deductibles, models, switching and exemptions, with sources.
How it works
The fide test in Switzerland: levels, format, fees and test centres
The fide language test in English: who runs it, the level each permit and Swiss citizenship needs, the format, the CHF 250 fee and test centres by city.
How to choose
Furnished apartments in Zurich: how to rent a serviced or temporary flat (2026)
Furnished, serviced or short-term flat for your first months in Zurich: your rights, what to compare, deposit, registration, Serafe and the 2026 rules.
How to choose
German courses in Zurich: how to choose one (2026)
The German level you need for a C permit or a Swiss passport, course formats, recognised exams, subsidised courses in Zurich and where Swiss German fits.
How it works
How to find an English-speaking dentist in Switzerland
English-speaking dentists in Zurich, Geneva and Basel: emergency numbers, what basic and dental insurance pay, and how a Swiss dental bill is worked out.
How to choose
How to find an English-speaking tax advisor in Switzerland
Find an English-speaking tax advisor or Treuhand in Switzerland: tax at source and the NOV, cantonal deadlines, protected titles, US filings and fees.
How it works
How to find an English-speaking therapist in Switzerland
How to find an English-speaking therapist or psychologist in Switzerland: titles to check, what basic insurance pays since 2022, and crisis numbers.
How it works
Jobs in Switzerland for English speakers: where to look and what you need
Where English-speaking jobs are in Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Zug and Bern, which work permit you need, 2026 quotas, salaries and Swiss CV norms.
How it works
How to find an English-speaking doctor in Switzerland
How to find an English-speaking GP, dentist or therapist in Switzerland: insurance model rules, referrals, out-of-hours care and emergency numbers.
How to choose
How to find an English-speaking lawyer in Switzerland
Find an English-speaking lawyer or notary in Switzerland: cantonal registers, first-meeting costs, legal aid, and tenancy and employment conciliation.
How it works
B, L and C permits in Switzerland: what’s the difference
L, B, C and G permits compared: EU/EFTA vs non-EU rules, 2026 quotas, renewals, family reunification and when you can get a C permit, with sources.
How to choose
Finding an apartment in Zurich as an expat
Zurich’s vacancy rate is 0.11%. What flats cost, what goes in your dossier, what to check before signing, and when a search agent is worth it.
How to choose
International movers in Switzerland: how to compare quotes
Fixed price or estimate, volume surveys, Form 18.44 customs, liability and car import: how to compare international moving quotes for Switzerland.
How to choose
International schools in Zurich, Geneva and Zug: how to choose
IB, British, American, bilingual or Swiss public school? Curricula, published 2026–27 fees and application timing in Zurich, Geneva and Zug.
How it works
Registering at your Swiss commune (Anmeldung)
Register within 14 days and before you start work: deadlines by canton, documents, fees, what happens next, and how to deregister. Sourced and dated.
How it works
Rental deposit in Switzerland: amount, rules, refund
At most three months’ rent, in a bank account in your name, released on both signatures: what Art. 257e CO says and how to get your deposit back.
Checklist
Your first 90 days in Switzerland
Register within 14 days, get health insurance within 3 months, then deposit, tax at source and Serafe: a sourced checklist for your first 90 days.
How it worksMagazine
Best Swiss Cantons for Low Taxes in 2026: Zug, Schwyz & Every Real Alternative
Tax rates in Switzerland vary dramatically by canton. Compare Zug, Schwyz, Nidwalden, Appenzell and find the best canton for your tax situation.
How it worksMagazine
Swiss Lump-Sum Taxation 2026: The Complete HNWI Guide
How wealthy foreigners can negotiate flat-rate taxation in Switzerland. Eligibility, minimum thresholds, best cantons, and real-world examples.
Moving from…Magazine
Moving to Switzerland from South Africa: 2026 Permit & Relocation Guide
South African moving to Switzerland? Work permits, ZAR to CHF reality check, healthcare transition, and practical tips from immigration experts.
Moving from…Magazine
Moving to Switzerland from the USA: Your 2026 Expat Action Plan
Everything American expats need to know about moving to Switzerland — work permits, double taxation, health insurance transition, and cultural adjustment.
How it worksMagazine
Swiss Tax Guide for Expats 2026: Rates, Deductions & How to Pay Less
Everything expats need to know about Swiss taxes: withholding tax, tax returns, deductions, cantonal differences and how to save legally.
Moving from…Magazine
Moving to Switzerland from the UK: B Permit, Tax & Costs 2026
The definitive guide for British expats relocating to Switzerland in 2026. Covers post-Brexit visa requirements, ETIAS, NHS vs Swiss health insurance, UK pension…
Data table: International school fees 2026–27 by city (Basel, Geneva, Zug, Zurich)
Looking for someone to help? Browse services