Handbook for Investors. Business location in Switzerland.

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13.2.1 Relocation A move to a foreign country raises many questions depending on one’s individual situation. Which school is the most appropriate? Where can you shop? How do we find a house? How high are the taxes, duties and other fees? There are competent, internationally experienced consultants in all parts of the country who can give further assistance with these issues. Specialized relocation agencies offer comprehensive packages that cover relocation issues and the initial orientation period in Switzerland. The Internet offers a wealth of information. A number of the cantonal economic development agencies also have their own online information platforms that cater specifically to expatriates. Household items, personal collections, animals or a car can be imported into Switzerland duty-free. The only requirement is that the imported objects must have been used by you personally for at least six months and will continue to be used by you after import. Upon entering the country, you must present assurance that a residence permit will be granted (or an employment contract, tenancy agreement or deregistration certificate from the previous country of residence for citizens of EU-17 or EFTA countries) as well as a completed application form. After entering Switzerland, you are required to register within the first eight days in the municipality in which you will reside. The following documents are required: • Valid official identity document such as passport or identity card (for each family member entering the country) • Confirmation of health insurance (proof of mandatory basic coverage). The period for registering with a Swiss health insurance fund is three months, so confirmation of health insurance can also be submitted later • One passport photo (for each family member entering the country) • Personal documents (e.g. extract from register of births and marriages, marriage certificate, birth certificates for minor children, etc.) • Employment contract If a vehicle is being brought into Switzerland, it must be insured and licensed in Switzerland within twelve months. A Swiss driver’s license is also required within the same time period. Customs information about relocation www.ezv.admin.ch Link: Information for private individuals > Important note > Moving house … Languages: German, English, French, Italian Tips and price comparisons www.comparis.ch/immigration Languages: German, English, French, Italian 13.2.2 Language courses Many Swiss citizens understand English and/or a second national language of Switzerland. In order to become integrated into Swiss society, however, knowledge of the national language spoken in the particular region is a great advantage. Depending on the area, the language may be German (spoken by 63.7 % of the Swiss population), French (20.4 %), Italian (6.5 %) or Romansh (0.5 %). The fact that there are four national languages in Switzerland does not mean, however, that all Swiss people can speak four languages. There are large numbers of private companies and individuals offering language courses tailored to every need. Public institutions also offer language courses in the respective national language in conjunction with immigrant integration efforts. Consulting the Yellow Pages or the website of the Swiss Federation for Adult Learning is recommended. Languages in Switzerland www.swissworld.org Languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese 122 Handbook for Investors 2010
Yellow Pages yellow.local.ch Languages: German, English, French, Italian Tenants receive monthly bills from the utility company for the electricity consumed in the property itself. Since there are various providers of telephone and Internet connections (and often cable television as well), tenants enter into separate agreements for these services and pay providers directly. Swiss Federation for Adult Learning www.alice.ch Languages: German, French, Italian 13.3 Renting a property. Anyone interested in renting a property should contact the advertiser (often a professional property management company) and set up an appointment to see the property. If it meets your expectations, you are generally asked to fill out an application form. This form includes information such as age, marital status, profession or occupation, children, residence status, employer, salary and pets. Applicants are often required to provide an excerpt from the debt enforcement register as proof that they can pay the rent. This document can be obtained from the local debt enforcement office. 13.3.1 Security deposit and lease agreement Tenants must often pay a certain amount in advance as a security deposit. It may total as much as three months’ rent and is deposited in a special bank account in the tenant’s name. The deposit serves as security for the landlord. After moving out, the tenant will receive the deposit back, with interest. The tenant has the right to move into a clean and functional property. The formal handover takes place before the new tenant moves in. The tenant and landlord inspect the condition of the property together and record any defects in writing. If landlords wish to increase the rent (after renovations or a rise in mortgage rates, for example), they must do so using an official form. Any tenant who considers a rent increase unreasonable has 30 days in which to submit a written appeal to the arbitration authority. The lease or rental agreement may be terminated by either the tenant or the landlord. The required terms of notice are stated in the agreement. Any tenant giving notice of termination must do so in writing, preferably by registered letter. Married couples have equal rights. This means that the notice of termination is not valid unless signed by both spouses. When moving out, tenants are required to hand over a clean property. The tenant and landlord inspect the condition of the property together and record any defects in writing. They decide jointly which party shall pay for any repairs that might be necessary. 13.3.2 House rules and maintenance In most cases, professional property management companies are responsible for building management. In large buildings in particular, there is also a building superintendent who can answer tenants’ questions, make small repairs and oversee security and maintenance. Regional tenants’ associations can also assist tenants with problems. What tenants need to know www.bwo.admin.ch Search: Infoblatt Wohnen Languages: German, English, French, Italian, Portuguese In general, tenants pay rent monthly – in advance for the next month. Usually tenants also pay additional costs such as heating, hot water or cable television costs. Handbook for Investors 2010 123
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Handbook for Investors. Business lo
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Welcome. Dear Reader, By choosing t
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Table of contents. Advantages offer
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10.3.4 Cross-border commuters .....
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9. Excellent educational institutio
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1.2 Climate. Switzerland’s climat
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Despite the close proximity of diff
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1.7.2 Direct investments and Swiss
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1.8 Switzerland in figures. Fig. 7:
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Fig. 9: Industry structure, percent
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2.2.2 Direct investments In additio
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The medical technology industry is
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Dachorganisation Informatik- und Te
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3. Economic framework. Free competi
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Customs information www.zoll.admin.
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Swiss Federal Institute of Intellec
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In the main, Swiss product liabilit
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3.5.2 Environment Swiss environment
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4.2 Political and economic cooperat
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4.3 The euro. Even though the offic
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The following criteria are crucial
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Liability Minimum capital Consultin
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Sole proprietorship and general par
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5.4.2 Entry in the commercial regis
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Fig. 19: Do I need a visa? I would
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6.1.3 Application procedure 1. Pers
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6.3.3 Special case: students The pr
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EU/EFTA nationals EU-17 (original E
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Social insurance for foreign nation
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7.1.2 Temporary accommodation and f
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Fig. 27: Construction sites: market
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Fig. 29: Market prices for owner-oc
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Fig. 30: Permit requirement by grou
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8. Labor market and labor laws. Swi
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Fig. 34: Gross annual earned income
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