Settling in Switzerland: the list of administrative steps
Here, in the order they usually come up, are the administrative steps to know when settling in Switzerland. The principle is the same in every canton, only some office names change from one canton to another - we note the Geneva example whenever it's useful. Not all of these steps necessarily apply to you - the vehicle and children steps depend on your situation.
1. Arrival declaration
As soon as you settle in, you must register with the population office of your municipality or canton of residence - in Geneva, that's the OCPM, online via e-démarches. The office's name changes from one canton to another, but the step itself is mandatory everywhere in Switzerland.
2. Health insurance (LAMal)
A legal deadline of 3 months from your arrival date applies, with retroactive coverage - identical across Switzerland. Every insurer offers the same basic benefits, only the price changes depending on your canton and profile: comparing is free.
3. Housing: private liability insurance and rental deposit guarantee
In most cantons, landlords require proof of private liability insurance before handing over the keys - an especially systematic requirement in Geneva. For the rent guarantee, either a classic bank deposit or a surety bond guarantee are possible anywhere in Switzerland.
4. Vehicle: customs clearance and registration
If you're importing a vehicle, it must clear customs (federal form OFDF 18.44, valid throughout Switzerland) then be registered with the cantonal vehicle office of your canton of residence (the OCV in Geneva, an equivalent office elsewhere) - proof of liability insurance is mandatory at the time of registration.
5. School, daycare and after-school care
Depending on your children's age: school enrollment, finding a daycare spot, and registering for after-school care, organized by your municipality or canton (the GIAP in Geneva, an equivalent system elsewhere) - often with a specific registration window not to miss.
Answer a few questions once: wézon identifies what applies to your canton and pre-fills every step for you, for free.
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