🇨🇭 Newcomer Guide 2026
New in Switzerland?
Your complete 2026 guide — from Anmeldung to your first weekend trip.
From Anmeldung to your first SIM card — we’ve mapped out everything expats and newcomers need in their first weeks in Switzerland — from registration and SIM cards to internet, banking, home setup and weekend travel. The most complete Swiss expat guide online, updated for 2026.
Your Move-In Checklist
1Register address (Anmeldung)
2Get a Swiss SIM card
3Open a bank account
4Set up internet at home
5Furnish your apartment
6Electronics & appliances
7Plan your first weekend trip
Track Your Progress
Click items to mark as done — your Swiss setup at a glance
Anmeldung
SIM Card
Bank Account
Internet
Home Setup
Electronics
First Trip
🚨 Week 1
Your First Week — Non-Negotiables
These two things are legally required or time-sensitive. Do them before anything else.
1
⏰ Within 14 days — legally required
Register Your Address — Anmeldung
Go to your local Gemeinde or Einwohnerkontrolle office
▼
What is the Anmeldung?
In Switzerland, everyone must register their address with the local municipality (Gemeinde) within 14 days of arrival. This is called the Anmeldung (registration). It’s a legal requirement — not optional.
What you’ll need to bring:
- Your passport or national ID card
- Your rental contract (Mietvertrag) or a confirmation letter from your landlord
- Your work permit or EU/EFTA residence documentation
- For non-EU/EFTA nationals: your visa or L/B permit
- A recent passport photo (some offices require this)
What happens after registration?
You’ll receive a Meldebescheinigung (registration confirmation). This document is essential — you’ll need it to open a bank account, sign up for internet, and for many other administrative steps. Keep it safe.
💡 Tip: Book your Anmeldung appointment online in advance. Major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel are busy — walk-in queues can be 2–3 hours. Search “[your city] Anmeldung Termin” to book online.
📋 Anmeldung Checklist
☐ Passport / ID
☐ Rental contract
☐ Work permit / visa
☐ Passport photo (check)
☐ Book appointment online first
After registration you’ll get your Meldebescheinigung — keep multiple copies. You’ll need it for bank accounts, SIM contracts and more.
2
📱 Do this Day 1 — you’ll need it for everything
Get a Swiss SIM Card
Without a local number you can’t set up most services
▼
Switzerland’s mobile networks
Switzerland has three main mobile networks — all with excellent coverage. Most smaller providers and budget plans use one of these networks as their backbone, often giving you similar coverage at a lower price.
- Largest network — widest reach including rural & mountain areas. Best if you travel frequently outside cities.
- Second network — strong urban and suburban coverage, competitive pricing, popular with younger users and expats.
- Third network — solid all-round option, strong in cities and major corridors, often bundled with home internet.
Types of plans
- Prepaid (no contract) — available in supermarkets and convenience stores. No paperwork, no commitment. Good for your first weeks before address registration is complete.
- Monthly subscription — lower cost per GB, usually includes roaming to Germany, France, Italy & Austria. Requires a Swiss address.
- All-inclusive plans — unlimited data, calls & SMS plus EU roaming. Best value for heavy users or remote workers.
What to look for
- Data: most people need 5–15 GB/month for everyday use
- Roaming: essential if you cross borders into neighbouring countries regularly
- Contract length: start without commitment, upgrade once you know your needs
ℹ️ Our partner providers cover all major networks. See our Mobile & Internet page for current verified plans, prices and exclusive deals from our partner providers — all on one page.
Compare Swiss SIM Plans
Find the best deal for your needs
Digital Republic
From CHF 19/mo · No contract
Expat fav
Alao
Compare all plans instantly
Best price
See full comparison on our Mobile & SIM page
📅 Month 1
Your First Month — Essentials
Get your financial and digital infrastructure in place. These services will take a few days to activate so start early.
3
🏦 Open within your first 2 weeks
Open a Swiss Bank Account
You’ll need one for salary, rent & everyday spending
▼
Swiss banking as an expat
Swiss banks are famously bureaucratic — but newcomers have more options than ever. The easiest route is to start with a digital bank or prepaid card and open a traditional account once your residence status is confirmed.
Best options for newcomers
- Neon / Yuh / Zak — Swiss digital banks. Cheapest fees, open in minutes via app, all in English. Neon is free. Best starting point.
- Revolut — widely used by expats before they have a Swiss account. Not a Swiss bank, but accepted everywhere and useful for multi-currency spending.
- Swiss Bankers Prepaid — physical prepaid Mastercard, no bank account needed. Good bridge solution while waiting for a full account.
- Traditional Swiss banks — higher fees but required by some employers and landlords. Ask your HR which banks they pay salaries into.
What you’ll need to open an account
- Valid passport or EU/EFTA ID
- Meldebescheinigung (Anmeldung confirmation — from Step 1)
- Your Swiss address
- For Neon/Yuh: just your phone — fully digital, no paperwork
ℹ️ Strategy: Open Neon (free, digital, instant) immediately for day-to-day spending. Then open a traditional account with a major Swiss bank once you have your Meldebescheinigung. Use both.
Swiss Cards & Banking
3 verified card options for expats
Swiss Bankers
Prepaid Mastercard · No account needed
Instant
Cashback Cards
1% cashback · No annual fee
Save more
American Express
Gold & Platinum · Lounge access
Premium
Cards, cashback & premium options compared
4
🌐 Book early — installation takes 1–2 weeks
Set Up Home Internet
Switzerland has excellent fibre — but you need to order in advance
▼
Swiss internet options
Switzerland has some of Europe’s fastest internet, with widespread fibre (Glasfaser/fibre optique) coverage in most cities. The main types are fibre, cable (Kabel), and DSL — what’s available depends on your address.
Main providers
- Swisscom — most expensive but best coverage, especially in rural areas. Includes TV bundles.
- Sunrise — good fibre speeds, competitive pricing, often has new customer deals.
- UPC (Salt Home) — cable internet, often fastest raw speeds in cities, good value bundles.
- iway — independent Swiss ISP, excellent customer service, recommended for expats who want flexible contracts.
- Wingo / Yallo — budget options, piggyback on Swisscom/Sunrise networks, no frills.
What speed do you need?
- Home office / streaming: 100 Mbit/s is comfortable
- Multiple people streaming / gaming: 300–1000 Mbit/s (widely available)
- Switzerland average: most plans offer 300 Mbit/s+ as standard
💡 Tip: Order internet before you move in if possible — installation can take 1–2 weeks. Use your mobile data (Step 2) in the meantime. Ask your landlord what provider currently serves the building — it’s often the cheapest to stay with the existing infrastructure.
Internet Providers
Compare Swiss broadband deals
iway
Flexible · English support · No lock-in
Expat pick
All major Swiss ISPs compared by price & speed
5
📋 Important — understand your status
Understand Your B/C Permit
Your permit type affects what you can do in Switzerland
▼
Swiss residence permits explained
Switzerland issues different permits depending on your nationality and employment situation. Knowing your permit type is important — it affects banking, tax, and how long you can stay.
Common permit types
- L Permit (Kurzaufenthaltsbewilligung) — Short-term residence, usually tied to a job contract of less than 1 year. Limited rights.
- B Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung) — Standard residence permit for most expats. Usually 1 year, renewable. You can change jobs (check your canton).
- C Permit (Niederlassungsbewilligung) — Permanent residence. Typically after 5–10 years. Much more freedom.
- EU/EFTA nationals — under the Freedom of Movement Agreement, registration process is simpler but still required.
Key things B permit holders should know
- You must re-register if you change address (even within the same city)
- Changing employers may require cantonal approval — check before switching jobs
- Quellensteuer: most B permit holders pay tax at source — your employer deducts it automatically
- After 5 years of residence, you can apply to upgrade to a C permit
ℹ️ Quellensteuer: As a B permit holder, you’ll usually pay tax at source (Quellensteuer). This means it’s deducted from your salary automatically. You don’t need to file a full tax return in most cases — but keep your payslips.
Permit Quick Guide
B permit essentials at a glance
⏰ Must register within 14 days
📍 Re-register when you move
💼 Check rules before changing jobs
📄 Keep all permit documents safe
🏠 Home & Living
Furnishing Your Swiss Home
Swiss apartments often come unfurnished — no lights, no kitchen appliances, sometimes no built-in wardrobes. Here’s how to set up without overpaying.
6
🏠 Swiss apartments are often completely empty
Furniture & Home Essentials
Where to buy in Switzerland without overpaying
▼
The Swiss rental reality
Most Swiss apartments are rented completely empty — no light fittings, no kitchen appliances, no curtain rails. Budget around CHF 3,000–8,000 to furnish a 2–3 room apartment from scratch depending on quality level.
Best places to shop
- Large furniture chains — major Swiss cities have several big-box furniture stores with delivery available, ideal for full room setups.
- Conforama — Swiss home store, often the most competitive on larger items. Regular sales with up to 70% off.
- LIVIQUE — quality mid-range furniture, good mattress selection. Frequent coupon deals.
- nettoshop.ch — online electronics and appliances, often the cheapest in Switzerland. Fast delivery.
- fust — Switzerland’s biggest electronics chain. Good for washing machines, fridges, dishwashers.
- Second-hand marketplaces — expats leaving Switzerland often sell quality items cheaply on Swiss classified platforms. Great money-saver in your first month.
Priority shopping list for Week 1
- Mattress or bed — some stores offer same-day pickup, check availability before visiting
- Basic kitchen items: pots, knives, plates (Migros / Coop home section)
- Light bulbs + lamps (Swiss apartments have zero ceiling lights)
- Shower curtain if bathroom has a bath, not a shower box
💡 Money tip: Check Conforama’s current sale and use LIVIQUE’s CHF 20 coupon before any large purchase. Both run regular seasonal sales where sofas and beds can be 50–60% off. See our Home & Living deals page for current codes.
Home & Living Deals
Best Swiss furniture shops compared
Conforama
Up to 70% off — sale now live
🔥 Sale
LIVIQUE
CHF 20 voucher with code
CHF 20 off
nettoshop
Cheapest appliances online
Best price
7
💻 Switzerland uses Type J plugs — adapters needed
Electronics & Appliances
Where to buy tech in Switzerland & what to watch out for
▼
Swiss plug sockets — Type J
Switzerland uses its own Type J plug — it’s different from EU Type C/F plugs. Your EU or UK electronics may need adapters or new cables. Buy a multi-adapter pack immediately on arrival.
Best electronics shops
- mobilezone.ch — phones, tablets, accessories. Good for SIM plans bundled with new devices. Next-day delivery.
- kaufsignal.ch — strong brands at net prices, no inflated RRP. Great for appliances and household electronics.
- 3ppp3.ch — compatible printer ink and toner up to 60% cheaper than original cartridges.
- SPC Shop — Swiss price comparison tool, helps you find the lowest price across retailers before you buy.
- safeshop24.ch — specialist for home security: safes, fireproof boxes, smart locks, discreet delivery.
Voltage & compatibility
- Switzerland uses 230V / 50Hz — same as EU. Most modern electronics (laptops, phone chargers) handle this automatically.
- If bringing a US device (110V), check the power adapter label — many need a voltage converter.
- Appliances like hair dryers, kettles, and irons usually need to be replaced if from a non-European country.
💡 Tip: Always compare prices before buying appliances in Switzerland — prices vary widely between retailers. Use SPC Shop to check the lowest current Swiss price. See our Electronics & Tech page for current offers from all our partner shops.
Electronics & Tech
Best Swiss electronics shops
3ppp3 CH
Tech & Electronics
andersign CH
Digital Signage & Displays
dronebro CH
Drones & Cameras
PeachStore CH
Tech Accessories
safeshop24.ch
Security & Smart Home
sak digital CH
Digital Solutions
SPC Shop
Swiss Price Comparison
bitconsult CH
IT Consulting & Services
✈️ You’re settled — now explore
Plan Your First Swiss Weekend
Once the admin is done, Switzerland is your playground — mountains, lakes, and easy access to France, Italy, Germany and Austria. Here’s how to do it cheaply.
8
✈️ Save 40% by avoiding Swiss school holidays
Weekend Trips & Travel Deals
Switzerland is the perfect base for European travel
▼
Travel smart from Switzerland
Switzerland’s central location makes weekend travel incredibly easy. You’re 1–2 hours from Milan, Munich, Paris, and Vienna by train or short flight. Take advantage of this.
Weekend trips within Switzerland
- Luzern — Lake Lucerne, Chapel Bridge, day trip from anywhere. Classic.
- Interlaken — Between two lakes, access to Jungfrau, great for hiking and adventure sports.
- Lugano / Locarno — Italian-speaking Switzerland, palm trees, Mediterranean feel. 2 hours from Zurich by train.
- Zermatt — The Matterhorn. Car-free village. Unforgettable.
- Geneva / Basel — Each has world-class museums, great food scenes, easy weekend base.
European trips on a budget
- Fly from Milan MXP or Munich MUC — flights are 30–50% cheaper than from Zurich. Train to Milan takes ~3.5 hours from Zurich.
- Travel in June / September — avoid Swiss school holidays (February Sportferien, July Sommerferien) and prices drop significantly.
- Use freedreams CHF 49 hotel voucher for Swiss hotel weekends — amazing value.
💡 Newcomer tip: Get a Swiss Half-Fare Card (CHF 120/year) — it halves the price of every train, bus, and boat ticket in Switzerland. It pays for itself in 2 return trips. Absolute essential for anyone living here.
Swiss Travel Deals
Hotels, packages & getaways
freedreams
Hotel voucher CHF 49 (was CHF 85)
🔥 Deal
TUI Switzerland
Summer packages — up to 40% off
40% off
Kuoni
CHF 100 off with code KUONI100
CHF 100 off
❓ FAQ
Common Questions — Answered
The questions every newcomer and expat asks in their first months in Switzerland. Plain answers, no bureaucratic jargon — covering B permit, Krankenkasse, Quellensteuer and more.
How long do I have to register my address after arriving?▼
You must complete your Anmeldung within 14 days of moving into your new address. This applies both when you first arrive in Switzerland and every time you move home — even within the same city. Failing to register can result in fines. Contact your local Gemeinde or Einwohnerkontrolle (residents’ registration office) to book an appointment.
Can I open a Swiss bank account with just a B permit?▼
Yes. Most Swiss banks and all digital banks (Neon, Yuh, Zak) accept B permit holders. You’ll need your passport, Meldebescheinigung, and Swiss address. Traditional Swiss banks may ask for additional documents. Digital banks are the easiest starting point — Neon is free and fully digital.
Do I need Swiss health insurance (Krankenkasse)?▼
Yes — health insurance is mandatory for everyone living in Switzerland, including expats and B permit holders. You must enroll within 3 months of registering your address. If you don’t enroll in time, your canton will assign you to a provider and you may be charged backdated premiums. Compare providers at priminfo.admin.ch (official Swiss government tool). Costs vary by canton, age and chosen deductible (Franchise).
What is Quellensteuer and do I have to pay it?▼
Quellensteuer (source tax / withholding tax) is deducted directly from your salary by your employer. Most B permit holders and non-Swiss nationals earning under CHF 120,000/year pay tax this way. You generally don’t need to file a full tax return — your employer handles it. However, you can (and sometimes should) request an additional tax assessment if you have significant deductions. Check with your canton’s tax office.
Can I change jobs with a B permit?▼
For EU/EFTA nationals: generally yes, you can change employers freely after the first year of your B permit. For non-EU/EFTA nationals: you usually need to notify your cantonal migration office and may need a new work permit application — this depends on your canton and employment situation. Always check before handing in your notice.
Is Switzerland expensive? How can I save money as a newcomer?▼
Switzerland is one of the world’s most expensive countries — but there are smart ways to save. Cross-border shopping (Einkaufstourismus) in Germany, France or Italy for food and non-perishables is popular and legal up to CHF 300/day duty-free. Use comparison sites like JustPick.ch for mobile plans, internet, and home goods. Get the Swiss Half-Fare Card (CHF 120/year) immediately — it halves all public transport costs. Shop at Aldi and Lidl for groceries (both are in Switzerland and far cheaper than Migros/Coop).
Do I need a car in Switzerland?▼
In cities: no. Swiss public transport is world-class — trains, trams, and buses cover almost everywhere. A GA Travelcard (unlimited travel) or Half-Fare Card makes car ownership unnecessary in most cities. Outside cities: a car becomes more useful, especially in smaller villages. If you do drive, buy the Autobahnvignette (CHF 40/year) — it’s mandatory on Swiss motorways and sold at every petrol station and post office.
How do I get a Swiss driving licence?▼
If you hold an EU/EFTA driving licence, you can exchange it for a Swiss licence within 12 months of registration without retaking tests — visit your cantonal road traffic office (Strassenverkehrsamt). If you hold a non-EU licence (e.g., US, UK post-Brexit, Indian), you will likely need to pass a Swiss theory test and practical exam. Some nationalities (e.g., USA) may have an exchange agreement — check your canton’s Strassenverkehrsamt website.
🇨🇭 JustPick.ch
Ready to compare & save?
Browse our category pages for the best deals, codes & comparisons
Mobile & Internet
Compare mobile plans & internet providers. Find the cheapest SIM & broadband deal for expats in Switzerland.
Compare Providers →
Home & Living
Conforama, LIVIQUE, fust, nettoshop — furniture & appliance deals with verified coupon codes.
Browse Deals →
Sports & Outdoor
Ochsner Sport, EVOC, Bergfreunde — get geared up for Swiss hiking, cycling & skiing.
Get Geared →
Travel & Holidays
TUI, Kuoni, freedreams — verified travel codes & weekend getaway ideas from Switzerland.
Find Deals →
Electronics & Tech
mobilezone, SPC Shop, dronebro, Swiss Bankers — compare tech shops and find the best Swiss deals.
Shop Tech →
Banking & Cards
American Express, Cashback Cards, Swiss Bankers — find the right card for life in Switzerland.
Compare Cards →
© 2026 JustPick.ch 🇨🇭 Independent Swiss Expat Guide — information is provided for guidance only. Always verify official requirements with your canton. Commissions earned on partner links do not affect our recommendations.