HowToSwiss

Lucerne: with family checklist

Luzern • German • Updated August 2026

Schools, family reunification and partner work rights.

Income tax (~CHF 100k)
20.5%
Rent 1BR
CHF 1’500
Health insurance
CHF 320/mo

Lucerne · free tool

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Permits & paperwork

  • Apply for family reunification

    REQUIRED
    ~6–12 weeksCHF 100–300

    Spouse and children under 18 can join you. EU citizens: nearly automatic. Non-EU: requires adequate housing proof and income above social welfare threshold.

  • Confirm spouse work rights

    REQUIRED
    ~30 minFree

    EU spouses can work freely. Non-EU spouses joining a B permit holder can work, but employer may need a separate authorization.

Children

  • Enroll kids in school

    REQUIRED
    ~1 dayFree (public)

    Public school is mandatory from age 4. Contact the Gemeinde school office. Kids are usually placed in a 'welcome class' for language support.

  • Find childcare (Kita) if needed

    OPTIONAL
    Weeks–monthsCHF 80–180/day

    Childcare is expensive and waitlisted. Some cantons subsidize based on income. Apply 6+ months before you need a spot.

  • Apply for family allowances

    RECOMMENDED
    ~1 hourFree (you receive money)

    Switzerland pays CHF 200–330/month per child via your employer's compensation fund. You apply, your employer processes.

Healthcare

  • Insure each child separately

    REQUIRED
    ~1 hourCHF 100–150/mo per child

    Every person needs their own KVG policy, including newborns within 3 months of birth. Children get reduced premiums.

Want to tick these off and save your progress? Open the interactive with family checklist.

Keep reading

All 26 canton checklists

Lucerne is set as your canton, so checklists and tools across HowToSwiss now use its rates.