Geneva relocation checklist

First 90 days in Geneva

1. 1

   Build a complete dossier before viewings: extrait des poursuites (= Betreibungsauszug), three fiches de salaire, employer attestation, copy of permit, short motivation letter in French

   Deadline

   Before arrival

   Responsible office

   You / previous commune (Extrait du registre des poursuites (Office des poursuites))

   Typical fee

   Extrait du registre des poursuites (Office des poursuites) ~CHF 17

2. 2

   Register at your Contrôle des habitants (OCPM for permits) within 14 days of arrival — Geneva uses ge.ch e-démarches for many steps

   Deadline

   Within 14 days of arrival

   Responsible office

   Office cantonal de la population et des migrations (OCPM)

   Typical fee

   ~CHF 20–60, varies by commune

3. 3

   Apply for your permit at the Office cantonal de la population et des migrations (OCPM)

   Deadline

   At/around registration

   Responsible office

   Office cantonal de la population et des migrations (OCPM)

   Typical fee

   Set by the cantonal migration office — check its website for the current amount

4. 4

   Pick a health insurer within 3 months and check if you qualify for a subside through SAM — Geneva subsidies are generous compared to Zurich

   Deadline

   Within 3 months, backdated to arrival

   Responsible office

   Any KVG/LAMal insurer · priminfo.admin.ch

   Typical fee

   Premium varies by insurer, model and franchise

5. 5

   Open a Swiss bank account — BCGE (cantonal), UBS, PostFinance, or digital (neon, Yuh, Zak)

   Deadline

   First 2 weeks (needed for salary and rent)

   Responsible office

   Any Swiss bank — cantonal bank, PostFinance or a digital bank

   Typical fee

   CHF 0–5/month account fee

6. 6

   Get a Léman Pass or unireso annual if you'll use TPG / Léman Express — frontalier-grade season tickets exist if you cross daily

   Deadline

   Before your first commuting month

   Responsible office

   SBB · regional transport network

   Typical fee

   Halbtax CHF 190/year · GA 2nd class from CHF 3,995/year

7. 7

   Above CHF 120,000 gross you file a regular declaration — Geneva uses GeTax (downloadable software), not the federal online form

   Deadline

   Filed the spring after the tax year (extensions on request)

   Responsible office

   Cantonal tax administration

   Typical fee

   Free to file

8. 8

   If you have kids, contact the DIP (Département de l'instruction publique) of your commune — primary school placement is by sectorisation

   Deadline

   Once your registration is confirmed

   Responsible office

   Your commune / the relevant cantonal office

   Typical fee

   Varies — usually free to enquire

Pick your stage in Geneva

Taxes, housing and insurance in Geneva

Budget-wise, Geneva sits at roughly 26.5% combined income tax on CHF 100,000 gross, with adult health insurance averaging about CHF 480/month. The full breakdown — commune-level tax spread, rents, insurance and where to live — is in the Moving to Geneva guide.