Fantastic Zurich

Thinking of moving to Zurich, doing business here or planning a visit? Start by getting to know the canton beyond its largest city: Winterthur, the towns along Lake Zurich, the hills of the Zürcher Oberland and the vineyards of the Weinland. This guide brings together practical information, local highlights and useful contacts to help you find your way, settle in and make connections.

Zurich is the cantonal capital. German is the official language, while Swiss German is spoken in everyday life. English is widely used in international business and academic settings.

Zurich is the canton’s main business and cultural centre. Winterthur has a strong industrial heritage and a rich museum scene. Around Lake Zurich, towns combine residential neighbourhoods with access to the water. The Oberland offers hills and walking routes, while the Weinland is known for villages and vineyards.

The canton is a major centre for finance, insurance, technology and research. ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich are based in the city, while the Zurich University of Applied Sciences has campuses across the canton.

Zurich Airport is in Kloten, outside the city. Zurich Hauptbahnhof is a major railway hub. Trains, trams, buses and boats connect communities through the regional public transport network.

The city of Zurich and the canton of Zurich are not the same administrative authority. Your local municipality is an important first point of contact when settling in. Schools, local services and municipal tax rates can differ depending on where you live.

Moving to the canton of Zurich involves more than finding a home. Start with your residence requirements, choose your municipality and prepare the documents you will need on arrival. The checklist below helps you organise the main steps.

Check which entry, residence and work requirements apply to your nationality and reason for moving. Do not assume that an employment offer or rental agreement alone gives you permission to live and work in Switzerland.

Prepare passports, employment or study documents, civil-status certificates and any existing residence permits. Ask the relevant authority whether translations or additional documents are needed.

Official starting point: Moving to Switzerland.

Your address determines which local authority you deal with. Living in the city of Zurich, Winterthur or a smaller municipality means different local contacts and services.

Before choosing a home, compare your commute, public transport connections, nearby schools and childcare options. If you book temporary accommodation, ask whether you can use the address for residence registration.

Contact the residents’ registration office of the municipality where you will live. Ask about the registration deadline, appointment requirements and documents for your situation before you arrive.

Keep your identification, proof of accommodation and employment or study documents readily available. Municipal registration and permission to work are separate matters, so clarify both where applicable.

Prepare an inventory before shipping your household goods. When transferring your residence to Switzerland, belongings you have personally used for at least six months and will continue to use may qualify for duty-free import.

Customs documentation and proof of your move are required. If using a removal company, agree who will prepare the paperwork and handle customs clearance. Check vehicles and pets separately.

Official instructions and forms: Swiss moving and customs guidance.

Clarify your Swiss health-insurance obligations early, including the enrolment deadline, start date of cover and whether an exemption applies to your situation.

Ask your employer about accident cover. Review personal liability and household insurance separately, and check any insurance requirements in your tenancy agreement.

Contact the local school authority before the move to discuss enrolment, school placement and language support. Have previous school reports and relevant documents ready.

Arrange childcare separately from school registration. Ask providers about availability, schedules and fees before committing to your work and commuting arrangements.

Once your address is confirmed, organise electricity, internet and mobile services. Check local waste and recycling arrangements, update your postal address and choose a suitable public transport ticket.

If you drive, check the requirements for your foreign driving licence and vehicle. Keep copies of registrations, applications and insurance confirmations together so you can follow up easily.

Your municipality is the first contact for local registration and everyday administrative questions. Residence and work questions may also involve cantonal authorities.

Before paying a relocation provider, ask for a written list of services and fees. Clarify whether the service includes housing searches, appointments, school enquiries or administrative support.

This checklist provides general orientation, not individual immigration, legal or insurance advice. Confirm requirements and deadlines with the responsible authorities.