Arrival checklist
Moving to Switzerland: practical steps for newcomers
From municipal registration to LAMal, permit, banking and first-year insurance priorities. A clear order of operations for international movers.
Swiss Financial Advice, Carouge. General guide. Sources: SEM, FOPH. Reviewed 19 September 2026.
Key takeaways
Register with your municipality early, then secure LAMal within three months of residence. Banking, liability and tax follow, but health insurance has a hard legal clock that should not wait for every other admin task.
EU/EFTA: usually announce within 14 days of residence (and before work). Keep the receipt.
Join within three months of the insurance obligation, usually residence start.
List your arrival date, canton and family members, then request an insurance review via this site.
In what order should newcomers handle arrival tasks?
| Priority | Task | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Housing address ready | Before or on arrival |
| 2 | Municipal registration (residents' control) | Often within 14 days (EU/EFTA) |
| 3 | Residence permit / work authorisation steps | As required by your status |
| 4 | LAMal affiliation | Within 3 months of obligation start |
| 5 | Bank account, liability/household as needed | As soon as practical |
| 6 | Tax and pension (2nd/3rd pillar) overview | First months / first year |
Exact deadlines vary by canton, nationality and permit. Confirm with your municipality and cantonal authorities.
Why does municipal registration matter for insurance?
For most people settling in Switzerland, taking up residence starts the LAMal clock. The municipal registration receipt is often the clearest proof of that date. Waiting for the plastic residence card does not pause the three-month affiliation period.
Details on the insurance clock: LAMal 3-month deadline.
What insurance should be sorted in the first weeks?
- LAMal basic health insurance for every family member (adults and children separately).
- Accident cover: check whether your employer already includes occupational and non-occupational accidents.
- Private liability (RC): often required by landlords even if not federally mandatory like LAMal.
- Household contents: usually recommended for tenants.
Full LAMal overview: Swiss health insurance guide.
Do students, families and employees follow the same path?
The municipal and LAMal basics are similar, but students (European Health Insurance Card exemptions), short assignments and family reunification can change documents and timing. When your case is atypical, confirm with the canton before assuming a standard three-month path.
What belongs on a first-month checklist?
- Arrival and intended residence date noted in writing
- Municipal appointment booked / receipt filed
- Passport, lease, employment or study proof ready for permit and insurers
- LAMal comparison requested (canton, ages, deductible preference)
- Bank account application started
- Landlord insurance requirements checked (RC / household)
Frequently asked questions
How soon must I register with the municipality?
EU/EFTA citizens generally must announce their arrival to the local residents' control office within 14 days of taking up residence, and before starting work. Exact rules depend on your permit type and canton. Keep the receipt: it often dates your LAMal deadline.
When does the LAMal 3-month deadline start?
The three months usually start when your insurance obligation begins, typically when you take up residence in Switzerland, often evidenced by municipal registration. It is not automatically your flight date or the day your permit card is printed.
Do I need a bank account before LAMal?
A Swiss or SEPA account helps pay premiums, but you can often start affiliation with identity and residence proof while the bank account is being opened. Do not delay LAMal solely for banking.
Is liability insurance (RC) mandatory?
Private liability (RC) is not federally mandatory like LAMal, but landlords and some contracts often require it. Household insurance is usually recommended for tenants. Check your lease.
Can Swiss Financial Advice help with arrival insurance?
Yes. An adviser can review LAMal, accident cover, liability and household needs for your profile. The service is free and without obligation. This page remains general information.
Personal advice
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