Switzerland Guide

Getting used to living in a new country is always a challenge. The Just Landed Guide is designed to help you deal with the day-to-day challenges of living, working or studying in Switzerland. It is full of useful information and step-by-step guides on how things work and how to survive in Switzerland.

Culture

• Getting married in Switzerland: A step-by-step guide
• Diversity in Switzerland: A few cultural differences on a cantonal level

Jobs

• The job market: Job chances for foreigners in Switzerland
• Finding a job: The best way of searching for jobs in Switzerland
• Work permits: Who needs a work permit? And how do you apply for it?
• Job applications: How to impress a Swiss employer
• Qualifications: Recognition of international diplomas and qualifications
• Working: Salaries, working hours and annual leave
• Social security: An introduction to the Swiss social security system
• Unemployment insurance: How to get money if you lose your job
• Old-age insurance: The three pillars of the Swiss pension system
• Accident insurance: How you're covered for accidents at work and at home

Housing & Rentals

• Student Housing : How to find a student flat
• The rental market in Switzerland: What you need to know
• Getting started: How to prepare your housing search in Switzerland
• Classifieds: Big choice - big competition
• Estate agents: How to deal with paid search services
• Short-term housing in Switzerland: Conditions and alternatives for short-term stays
• Rental contracts: Notice periods, deposits and house rules
• Household & utilities: What to take care of when moving in

Property

• Introduction: An overview of the Swiss property market
• Research: How to find a house in Switzerland
• Buying property: How to buy property in Switzerland
• Loans and mortgages: Financing your Swiss property
• Running costs: What your property will cost you

Health

• Introduction: Doctors, dentists and hospitals
• Pharmacies: Tips on buying drugs and medicines
• Emergencies: Emergency numbers, doctors and ambulances
• Health insurance: Health insurance system in Switzerland

Money

• Banking in Switzerland: An overview
• Opening an account: How to open a Swiss bank account
• Services: Credit cards, currency exchange and cheques

Language

• Languages: Languages and dialects in Switzerland
• Learning: Language schools, learning tips and language exchanges

Telephone & Internet

• Introduction: The Swiss telecommunication market
• Public phones: How to make a call on a public phone
• Getting a phone line: How to get a phone line installed at home
• Mobile phones: Mobile operators and networks in Switzerland
• Which deal: What to consider when choosing a mobile calling plan
• Important numbers: Emergency numbers and phone enquiries
• Making a call: Tips on using the telephone in Switzerland
• Internet cafés: Where to go online without a connection at home
• Internet Access: How to get your internet connection at home
• Calling cards: How to save money on international calls
• Choosing: Choosing a prepaid calling card
• How to use: Using an international phonecard

Education

• Introduction: The Swiss education system
• Schools in Switzerland: Primary & secondary education
• Private versus state schools: Which school should you send your child to?
• Higher education in Switzerland: Going to university in Switzerland

Business

• Switzerland Business Structures: Forms of Company used in Business
• Switzerland Business Registration: The necessary procedures
• Tax Residency in Switzerland: Need for tax residency in business
• Registration Requirements in Switzerland: Requirements for individuals
• Switzerland Business Licensing: Licensing of Business Activity
• Switzerland Income Tax Rates and Bands: The Tax Structure for Businesses
• Taxation in Switzerland: Value Added Tax (VAT)
• Taxation: Business Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
• Summary - Opening a business in Switzerland: All you need to know

Travel & Leisure

• Public Transport in Switzerland: Travel by train, bus or plane
• Driving: Rules and advice for drivers in Switzerland
• Car insurance: Which insurance do you need for your car in Switzerland?
• Importing a car: How to import your car to Switzerland
• Exchanging your driving licence in Switzerland: Driving in Switzerland

Visas & Permits

• Introduction: Which permits do you need to live in Switzerland?
• Residence permits: Regulations for EU citizens and Non-EU citizens
• Residence registration: When and how to register your new address
• Naturalisation: Taking up Swiss nationality

Moving

• Before you move: A checklist of things you have to consider
• Professional removal companies: How to work with them
• Doing it yourself: How to arrange your move abroad
• Insurance in Switzerland: Where to start