Knowledge base
Swiss immigration law, explained
Practical, source-referenced articles on permits, family reunification, naturalisation and free movement: clear explanations, not individual legal advice.
Knowledge base
Practical, source-referenced articles on permits, family reunification, naturalisation and free movement: clear explanations, not individual legal advice.
14 articles
- Moving & cantons
Moving to Switzerland: the checklist of key steps and deadlines
The essential steps, authorities and deadlines for relocating, in the order you actually need them.
Being reviewed by a lawyerUpdated 13.06.2026 · 16 min read - Permits
B permit or C permit: what's the difference?
How temporary residence (B) differs from permanent settlement (C), who qualifies for each, and what changes when you convert.
Being reviewed by a lawyerUpdated 13.06.2026 · 11 min read - Family
Family reunification in Switzerland: rules, deadlines and conditions
Which relatives can join you, the deadlines that apply, and the conditions you have to meet.
Being reviewed by a lawyerUpdated 13.06.2026 · 12 min read - Citizenship
The path to Swiss citizenship: requirements and timeline
The requirements, the residence clock, and how the naturalisation procedure unfolds step by step.
Being reviewed by a lawyerUpdated 13.06.2026 · 13 min read - Free movement
EU/EFTA free movement: which rights apply in Switzerland
The residence, work and family rights free movement grants to EU/EFTA nationals, and where the limits lie.
Being reviewed by a lawyerUpdated 13.06.2026 · 17 min read - Permits
Self-employment in Switzerland: the permit for self-employed people
The permit route for founders and freelancers, and what the cantonal authorities expect from your application.
Being reviewed by a lawyerUpdated 13.06.2026 · 13 min read - Moving & cantons
Changing cantons: what a move to another canton changes
What you must report, which deadlines apply, and how a cantonal move can affect your residence permit.
Being reviewed by a lawyerUpdated 13.06.2026 · 9 min read - Policy
The '10-million' initiative: what permit holders should know
What a population cap could mean for permit holders: the proposal and its possible effects, explained calmly.
Being reviewed by a lawyerUpdated 13.06.2026 · 10 min read - Moving & cantons
The cost of living in Switzerland: a newcomer's budget guide
What rent, mandatory health insurance, food, transport and taxes really cost, and how to build a realistic monthly budget before you move.
Being reviewed by a lawyerUpdated 28.06.2026 · 8 min read - Moving & cantons
Your first weeks in Switzerland: a practical arrival checklist
Registering at your commune, picking up your permit, signing up for health insurance, opening a bank account and the rest of week one, in order.
Being reviewed by a lawyerUpdated 28.06.2026 · 8 min read - Moving & cantons
Finding an apartment in Switzerland as a newcomer
How the tight rental market works, the application dossier landlords expect, the deposit, and how to compete without a Swiss rental history.
Being reviewed by a lawyerUpdated 28.06.2026 · 8 min read - Moving & cantons
Opening a Swiss bank account as a newcomer
Which account you need, the documents banks ask for, traditional banks versus neobanks, and how to open one even before your permit card arrives.
Being reviewed by a lawyerUpdated 28.06.2026 · 8 min read - Moving & cantons
Getting around Switzerland: the public-transport guide for new arrivals
How the world-class rail and bus network fits together, and whether the Halbtax, a GA or a regional pass is right for you, plus easy day trips.
Being reviewed by a lawyerUpdated 28.06.2026 · 9 min read - Moving & cantons
Which language do you need? Switzerland's four languages explained
German, French, Italian and Romansh, the Swiss-German dialect reality, English at work, and what language level integration and naturalisation expect.
Being reviewed by a lawyerUpdated 28.06.2026 · 9 min read