Your First Week in Switzerland Checklist
The essential checklist for your first seven days in Switzerland, covering all the critical registrations and setups you need to complete.
Register at Your Municipality (Day 1-2)
Within 14 days of arrival, visit your local Einwohnerkontrolle (residents' registration office) with your passport, rental contract, employment contract, and passport photos. You will be registered as a resident and receive a confirmation document. This is the most important administrative step and is a prerequisite for almost everything else.
Many municipalities require an appointment. Check your commune's website and book ahead, especially in larger cities like Zürich, Geneva, or Bern.
Get a Swiss SIM Card (Day 1)
Purchase a prepaid SIM card at the nearest provider store or supermarket. You will need your passport for identity verification. Having a Swiss phone number (+41) is essential for setting up bank accounts, receiving verification codes, and communicating with landlords and service providers. Swisscom has the widest coverage, while Salt and Yallo offer more affordable prepaid options.
Open a Bank Account (Day 2-3)
Visit a bank branch or download a digital bank app (Neon, Yuh, or ZAK by Bank Cler) to open a Swiss bank account. You will need your passport, residence permit or registration confirmation, and proof of address. A Swiss IBAN is necessary for receiving your salary, paying rent, and setting up recurring payments. Digital banks can have your account ready within 24 hours.
Open the account as soon as you have your municipal registration confirmation. Share your IBAN with your employer immediately so your first salary is not delayed.
Apply for Health Insurance (Day 1-3)
You have 3 months from arrival to choose a health insurer, but your coverage is backdated to your arrival date. Compare plans on priminfo.admin.ch or Comparis.ch and enroll as soon as possible. Choose your insurance model (standard, HMO, Hausarzt, or Telmed) and deductible level. Submit your application online or at an insurance broker's office. Your insurance card will arrive by mail within 2-3 weeks.
Set Up Public Transport (Day 1-2)
Download the SBB Mobile app for train schedules, ticket purchases, and real-time travel information. If you will commute by public transport, visit an SBB travel center to discuss GA Travelcard (unlimited travel throughout Switzerland), Halbtax card (50% discount on all tickets), or local zone passes. Purchase a SwissPass, which serves as your digital carrier for all travelcards and subscriptions.
The Halbtax card costs CHF 185 per year and pays for itself after just a few intercity trips. It is recommended for almost everyone living in Switzerland.
Register for Serafe and Redirect Mail (Day 3-4)
Every Swiss household must pay the Serafe radio and television fee (CHF 335 per year). You will receive a registration form in the mail, or you can register proactively at serafe.ch. Also visit the post office to set up mail forwarding from your old address and register your new address for deliveries. Consider getting a Post.ch account for package tracking and digital mail scanning.
Set Up Internet and Utilities (Day 3-5)
Order a broadband internet connection from Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt, or Init7. Installation typically takes 1-2 weeks. Electricity is usually arranged through the local utility provider and may already be active at your address. Check with your landlord about the electricity provider and whether a transfer form is needed. Gas and water are typically included in the Nebenkosten.
Init7 offers fiber internet at very competitive prices with no contract lock-in. Swisscom has the most extensive coverage, including in rural areas.
Explore Your Neighborhood (Day 4-5)
Walk around your neighborhood to locate the nearest supermarkets (Migros, Coop, Aldi, Lidl), pharmacy (Apotheke), post office, public transport stops, and your local doctor/dentist. Note their opening hours, as many Swiss shops close at 19:00 on weekdays and 17:00 on Saturdays, with limited Sunday openings typically only in train stations. Download the local city app for event listings and municipal services.
Set Up TWINT and Essential Apps (Day 5-6)
Download and set up TWINT (Switzerland's mobile payment system) by linking it to your bank account. Also install these essential Swiss apps: SBB Mobile (trains), local transport apps (ZVV for Zürich, TPG for Geneva), MeteoSwiss (weather), AlertSwiss (emergency alerts), and Comparis (price comparisons). Set up E-Banking through your bank's app and familiarize yourself with QR-bill payments, which are the standard bill payment method in Switzerland.
Connect with the Expat Community (Day 6-7)
Join local expat groups to build your social network. Popular platforms include Meetup.com, Internations.org, and Facebook groups for expats in your city. Many cities have English-speaking community centers, international clubs, and regular social events. Your municipal integration office (Integrationsförderstelle) may also offer free welcome events, city tours, and language partner programs for newcomers.
Attend a Stammtisch (regular informal meetup) in your area. These casual gatherings at a local restaurant are a great way to meet both Swiss locals and fellow internationals.
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