You are moving to Switzerland for a new job, your studies or just your next adventure? There are a lot of things to consider. Get important information and useful tips on the topic of entry, residence and housing.
Entering, staying and working in Switzerland
For entry and residence in Switzerland, a distinction is made between EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals. It also makes a difference whether you want to work or study in Switzerland. A short overview is given here. Please consult the official authorities to be on the safe side.
EU/EFTA nationals
Are you a citizen of the EU/EFTA? Then you can stay in Switzerland for up to three months without a residence permit. This means that you can change your place of residence to Switzerland or Zurich at any time. For entry you need a valid passport or a valid identity card.
If you want to stay longer than three months, you need a residence permit and must report in person within 14 days to the responsible Residents' Registration Office and submit a residence application. This will be forwarded by the Residents' Registration Office directly to the Migration Office of the canton. If the requirements for issuance are met, the Migration Office will issue the corresponding foreigner's identity card.
You are gainfully employed and would like to work in Switzerland? Here too, you may work in Switzerland for up to three months without a permit. The following residence permits for gainful employment are available from three months:
Short-term residence permit (L) - is granted if you have an employment contract of more than three months but less than one year. In addition, the average working time must be more than 12 hours per week.
Short-term residence permit (L) - is granted if you have an employment contract of more than three months but less than one year. In addition, the average working time must be more than 12 hours per week.
Residence permit (B) - is issued if there is an employment contract for an indefinite period or for more than one year. In addition, the average working time must be more than 12 hours per week.
Cross-border commuter permit (G) - EU/EFTA nationals can be granted a cross-border commuter permit if they reside in an EU/EFTA state and are employed by an employer in Switzerland.
Third-country nationals
For third country nationals it is a bit more complicated. In addition to the residence and work permit, which are issued by the migration office of the canton, you need a visa to enter Switzerland.
The migration office checks the application for a residence permit and informs the responsible Swiss embassy or consulate in your country of residence if a visa is needed and the application is accepted. The visa must therefore always be issued by a Swiss embassy or consulate abroad.
A work permit for third country nationals is only issued under certain rather restrictive conditions. However, there are some exceptions to these conditions, but each case must be considered separately.
As a rule, the application for a work permit must be submitted by the prospective employer to the Office of Economics and Labor (AWA).
Study in Switzerland
You come to Switzerland to study? Students from EU/EFTA countries as well as from Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and Great Britain are exempt from the visa requirement.
However, you must register at the Residents' Registration Office at your new place of residence within 14 days of arrival and apply for a residence permit. Students from all other countries must apply for a national visa "D" at the responsible Swiss representation abroad (embassy or consulate) at their place of residence. This visa is valid for 3 months and entitles you to enter Switzerland once. After entering Switzerland, you will receive a residence permit for Switzerland, which must also be applied for within 14 days at the Residents' Registration Office at your new place of residence.
Further detailed information for students can be found at the respective universities, e.g. ETH Zurich or University of Zurich.
Finding an apartment in Zurich
Finding an apartment in Zurich is not always easy. If you prefer your own apartment, Homegate or Flatfox are the most common platforms. For shared apartments, Facebook, WGZimmer.ch and RonOrp.ch are the best options.