Welcome Guide
First steps — registration, permits, SIM card, bank account in your first 2 weeks
Housing & Real Estate
Finding an apartment, required documents, rights as a tenant and useful portals
Healthcare
Mandatory health insurance, choosing your insurer, doctors and emergencies
Education & Schools
Swiss school system, international schools, universities and Indian weekend schools
Banking & Finance
Opening a bank account, digital banks, sending money to India and taxes
Transport
SBB trains, local networks, Half-Fare card, GA Travelcard and travel apps
Legal & Immigration
Residence permits, OCI cards, naturalization, family reunification and work permits
Language Learning
German, French or Italian — courses, apps, integration classes and community practice
Key Facts for Indian Residents
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Register at Gemeinde
Within 14 days of moving to a new address — mandatory for all residents
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Health Insurance
Mandatory within 3 months. Fine: CHF 50-300/month for late enrolment
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Bank Account
PostFinance and Neon easiest to open for new arrivals without Swiss salary history
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Half-Fare Card
CHF 185/year. Halves the price of all SBB, tram, bus and lake boat tickets
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Betreibungsauszug
Debt register extract — needed for apartment rentals. Free from your Gemeindeverwaltung
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Official Info Portal
ch.ch is the official Swiss government portal for residents — available in English