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You are here: Home Moving to Getting Started Editor's Guide: Getting Started in Switzerland
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17/05/2011Editor's Guide: Getting Started in Switzerland

Editor's Guide: Getting Started in Switzerland Newly arrived in Switzerland? Expatica's Getting Started section is an invaluable resource to help you with those essential first tasks.

If you've just landed in Switzerland, it's tempting to start exploring, but there are some essential tasks to get through first and Expatica’s Getting Started section offers a wealth of important information and advice.

Visas and permits
If you haven’t done it already, sorting out your Swiss visa or residence permit is an essential first step.

Opening a bank account
Another essential step is opening a bank account. Visit our Banking section for details on how to do this, as well as find advice on other financial issues.

Finding a home
So you have your visa and bank account. Now you need to find a place to stay. Should you rent or buy a home – and where? Expatica helps you to do the research and decide on the best housing option. For basic guides to renting and buying in Switzerland, visit our Renting and Buying sections.

 

Photo © awinn233

 

Education
Education overseas is another important point for you to consider when moving to Switzerland with your family. You’ll need to decide on local or international education for your children and pick a school. Visit our School section to find out about the Swiss education system.

If you have young children, you may need to enrol them in a daycare centre or hire an au pair. Expatica’s Kids and Pre-school sections will help you to find suitable childcare. Students should visit our Higher Education section and Courses & Workshops has something for everyone.

Setting up home
Once you have found accommodation, you’ll need to set up home. Read Expatica’s guide to setting up utilities in Switzerland, and ask around to find the most cost-effective service providers.

Finding a job
If you are looking for a job, then check out our Job search tool and our Employment & Trends section. Expatica’s A-Z listings will direct you to specialist job and recruitment agencies in Switzerland.

Learning the language
Speaking the local language is important if you want to improve your social life, as well as job prospects. So it is a good idea to enrol in a language school or a municipal course. You can find information about language training in our Languages section.

 

Photo © John.Karakatsanis

Healthcare
So far so good, but don’t forget your health. Expatica offers advice on topics from maintaining your wellbeing across borders to learning about the Swiss healthcare system and choosing a health insurer.

Driving
If you want to get out on the roads, find out if you can exchange your driving licence. If you don’t have one, find out if you can learn, or even take your test in English or a language other than the local one. The Getting Started section has information on driving in Switzerland.

Join the community
The Expatica article ‘Notes for country movers' offers sound advice to singles: Don't become a hermit or a bar-fly. Get out and about, and network. Become a member of the Expatica community in Switzerland, make full use of Expatica’s forums, and use the dating site to meet and interact with like-minded people in the international community.

Photo credits: Jakob Montrasio; John.Karakatsanis awinn233; Simon Aughton


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