Updated August 2026 · Free, no signup

Your Complete Guide to Moving & Living in Switzerland

Interactive tools, cantonal checklists, and expat guides—all in one place.

26 cantons covered
31+ step-by-step guides
No account needed

Start with a calculator

Three tools answer the questions almost every newcomer asks first.

Gross-to-Net Salary & Tax Calculator

See exactly what lands in your Swiss bank account after tax, pension and insurance.

Calculate Net Salary

Swiss Permit & Visa Finder

Answer a few questions and find out which residence permit applies to you.

Check Permit Rules

City & Cost of Living Comparison

Compare taxes, rent and everyday costs between Swiss cantons side by side.

Compare Cities

Explore Cantons & Top Expat Cities

Switzerland has 26 cantons with unique tax rates and regulations. Select your destination:

ZürichFinance & tech hub GenevaInternational orgs BaselPharma & life sciences ZugLowest tax rates Lausanne (Vaud)Lake Geneva & EPFL BernFederal capital

Browse All 26 Cantons Directory

Your relocation roadmap

Three stages, in the order Swiss admin actually expects them.

1Step 1
Before You Arrive
Visas and work permits, apartment hunting from abroad, bringing your pets, moving your money.
Open pre-arrival checklist
2Step 2
First Week Setup
Register at your Gemeinde (Anmeldung), open a Swiss bank account, take out KVG health insurance.
Open first-week checklist
3Step 3
Settling In
Quellensteuer and tax returns, rental contracts and deposits, exchanging your driving licence.
Open settling-in steps

Guides by topic

69 long-read articles, grouped into the four areas newcomers search for most.

Banking, Taxes & Salary

Pillar 3a, Quellensteuer, tax returns and the best Swiss bank accounts for newcomers.

19 articles

Pets & Animal Import

Customs and rabies rules, AMICUS registration, cantonal dog taxes and renting with pets.

8 articles

Healthcare & Family

KVG insurance models and deductibles, maternity leave, birth grants and KITA childcare costs.

5 articles

Housing & Daily Life

Rental deposits, rent increases, Serafe TV fees, recycling rules and licence exchange.

22 articles

Explore All 69+ Expat Articles & Guides

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first after arriving in Switzerland?

Within 14 days of moving in, register at your local Gemeinde (Anmeldung) with your passport, rental contract and employment proof. Then take out mandatory health insurance (Krankenkasse) within 3 months, open a Swiss bank account, and exchange your driving licence if needed.

Do I need health insurance immediately after moving to Switzerland?

You must enrol in Swiss basic health insurance (KVG/LAMal) within 3 months of arrival. Coverage is then backdated to your arrival date, so you're insured from day one. EU EHIC and most international plans do not satisfy the Swiss mandate.

Does the checklist change by canton?

Yes. Deadlines, tax rates, average rents, insurance premiums, registration websites and language all change between cantons. Pick your canton and HowToSwiss tailors every step — including links to your Gemeinde.

Can I use HowToSwiss before I move?

Absolutely — the 'Planning to move' and 'Moving soon' checklists cover everything from permits and housing to schools and Swiss bank accounts before you arrive.

Is HowToSwiss free?

Yes. All checklists, guides, calculators and canton comparisons are free. No signup is required — your progress saves locally in your browser.

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