Please have a look at the checklist for newcomers, it will give you information regarding administrative arrangements before, upon and after your arrival.
You will also find complementary administrative information on this page.
Arriving in Switzerland
| Declaring your arrival
| Insurance
| Finance
Declaring your arrival
If you will stay in Switzerland for more than 3 months, you should report your arrival within 8 days to the residents' registration office of your municipality. It is recommended to go there quickly as this is a prerequisite for other procedures such as opening a bank account. The application for a residence permit is made automatically during this procedure.
A fee is charged for the declaration and the establishment of the residence permit.
Check the necessary documents in the tabs opposite, depending on your nationality.
Nationals of countries which are members of the EU/EFTA must have the following documents:
- An up-to-date passport or identity card
- A birth certificate.
If you are married, your marriage certificate must be in French, German, Italian or English, or accompanied by a translation into one of those languages.
Contact your commune’s register office for precise information on the documents needed for the declaration.
Nationals of countries which are not members of the EU/EFTA must have the following documents:
- A passport or identity card
- An up-to-date type D visa or confirmation of entry clearance
- A birth certificate.
If you are married, your marriage certificate must be in French, German, Italian or English, or accompanied by a translation into one of those languages.
Contact your commune’s register office for precise information on the documents needed for the declaration.
Insurance
Health insurance is compulsory for everyone living in Switzerland.
Contributions will not be deducted from your salary: you are responsible for paying them.
Insurance companies are required to provide cover for anyone who is required to take out insurance, whatever their age or state of health, without conditions or a time limit.
With or without accident cover?
Everyone employed by UNIL is insured against accidents (professional and other, at the workplace and elsewhere). You should take out health insurance without accident insurance.
However, visiting researchers are covered only against occupational accidents. It is therefore important to include insurance against non-occupational accidents with their health insurance.
Useful documents
Guide to the Swiss health insurance system.
Comparisons can be found on this website priminfo (provided by the Federal Office of Public Health in the Swiss national languages)
Another comparison website comparis (in the Swiss national languages and English)
Public liability insurance is not compulsory but is nevertheless strongly recommended in Switzerland. You may be asked for it when you rent accommodation or by nurseries.
Public liability insurance is compulsory for the purchase of a motor vehicle.
It is sometimes included in household insurance. The price comparison website comparis.ch will help you to estimate costs and find the best prices.
What it covers
Damage to property or personal injury caused to a third party by you or a member of your family.
What it does not cover
Damage or injury caused in road traffic accidents.
Household insurance is not compulsory in Switzerland but is strongly recommended.
It covers property in your accommodation in the event of fire, water damage, breakage of glass or theft.
You can obtain an estimated price and compare different insurance companies on comparis.ch.
Insurance against fire and damage from the elements, from the ECA (Établissement Cantonal d’Assurance) is compulsory in the canton of Vaud.
It covers damage caused by fire and natural catastrophes.
Download the form here or consult the ECA website for further information (in French).
Public liability insurance becomes compulsory when you buy a car or motorcycle.
The insurance covers damage to property and personal injury to third parties caused when you are driving.
It does not cover damage to your own vehicle.
For more information on comprehensive or partial insurance for damage to your vehicle (in Swiss national languages): Touring Club Suisse (TCS).
Overview of the offers available and price comparisons: comparis.ch.
Finance
To enable your employer to pay your salary, you need to open an account with a Swiss bank or the Swiss Post Office. You should then send your account details to the Human Resources Department.
You will need to bring the following documents with you:
- Your residence certificate (delivered by the immigration office or municipality) or residence permit if you already have it
- Your passport or ID
- An invitation letter or employment contract from UNIL.
There is a branch of the Banque Cantonale Vaudoise (BCV) on campus, in the Internef building.
The following social security contributions are deducted from your salary:
- Old age and survivors insurance / disability insurance / income compensation insurance (AVS/AI/APG)
- Unemployment insurance (AC)
- Accident insurance (LAA)*
- Occupational pension plan (LPP).
Health insurance is compulsory but you are responsible for arranging it.
*Accident insurance is deducted from your salary if you work for more than eight hours a week. Otherwise, it should be added to your health insurance.
To help you estimate your monthly budget, you can consult this website (available in the Swiss national languages). It provides examples of typical budgets according to your income and family situation.
Quick translation:
Revenus = income
Famille avec un/deux/trois enfants = family with one/two/three children
Personnes seules avec un/deux/trois enfants = single parent with one/two/three children
Personnes seules = single person
For an example of the budget needed for a research stay, please refer to the detailed information available here.
Taxes in Vaud Canton
In Switzerland, taxpayers (individuals) are subject to income tax.
The Confederation levies tax on all income (direct federal tax). This tax is also levied by the cantons and municipalities. The following website will give you an overview of the Swiss tax system: ch.ch
Foreign workers who do not have a permanent residence permit but are domiciled or resident in the canton for tax purposes are subject to tax deducted at source, i.e. deducted directly from their salary. For more information, please consult the official website of the canton of Vaud (in French only).
We recommend that you consult a tax adviser or chartered accountant to help you understand your specific tax obligations.
