Moving to Switzerland - Lugano

"If you don't hurry up and let life know what you want, life will damned soon show you what you'll get."
Robertson Davies

Switzerland is a popular destination for emigrants from all around the world: there are decent job offers, the working conditions are good and thanks to low taxes enough money is left for a comfortable life at the end of the month. Apart from a high living standard, the country offers beautiful and diversified landscapes, an well-developed infrastructure of public transport and a citizen-orienteed political system. Therefore it is not surprising that almost 120,000 people decided on moving to Switzerland last year.

Residents' Registration Office:
After arrival in Switzerland, you must register with your local area office within eight days (if you begin work before this, you must register prior to starting work).
Necessary documents:
- Valid proof of identity (for yourself and each family member)
- Proof of health insurance (compulsory basic health insurance)
- 1 passport photo (of yourself and each family member)
- Civil status documents (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate of children under the age of majority, etc.)
- Contract of employment

Personal liability and household insurance:
It's essential to take out a personal liability insurance for yourself and any family members living in the same household. If you cause any bodily or material damage to others, then you are liable by law and must pay the financial consequences of the damage. Without insurance this can be a long and costly business. You should also insure the contents of your new apartment. Household insurance compensates damages arising from fire, water, theft or glass breakage. comparis.ch will compare on your behalf the premiums offered by major Swiss insurance companies for personal liability and household coverage.
Click here to compare personal liability and household insurance.

Compulsory health insurance:
According to health insurance laws, basic health insurance is mandatory for all persons resident in Switzerland. You must therefore take out basic insurance at the minimum. You must conclude basic health insurance within a period of 3 months after your arrival.
Click here to compare: Basic health insurance or Family health insurance

Car registration:
Deadline for car registration:
Importation as a personal effect: 12 months.
Importation as a new car: 1 month.

Car insurance:
In order to register the vehicle in Switzerland you will need proof of insurance with a Swiss insurance company.
Click here to compare car insurance.

Driving Licence:
Your foreign driving licence is valid in Switzerland for the first 12 months. After this period a Swiss driving licence is compulsory. During the first year you can exchange your foreign driving licence for a Swiss licence at the vehicle and driver registration office in Camorino, near Bellinzona (Uffficio circolazione). If you miss this deadline, you will have to take the Swiss driving test.

...and if you obey all the rules you are almost Swiss!