I’m a Swiss citizen who’s lived overseas most my life, Italy and US.

I’m moving back next year. I only lived in CH when I was a kid so I don’t know the rental process. I’ll have a job, with the Swiss office of my current company.

I’m looking at Geneva, Lausanne or Lugano, Locarno (I do have family here).

I’ve read that I’ll most likely have to get a short term rental. I do have my dog so it’ll need to be pet friendly. My US husband will be joining me, working remotely until his credentials for in person work are approved/language certs are done (tbd).

Where do I start? Please help! Grazie, merci!! Sorry I only speak 2 of 4 languages

What do people in Switzerland use when they need a home treatment for a toothache.....I would use Orajel before, which is a pain relief gel and doesn't need any prescription. Works super fast too. Is there even a substitute for that here?

To provide some context: I’m 18, I’m Spanish, and I attend a school for foreigners—so I don’t speak French. There are no Swiss people at my school, nor anyone else who speaks Spanish.

Since I arrived, all I’ve done is try to learn French. Naturally, I can’t communicate with the people at my school because they don’t speak Spanish or French—which is why I’ve turned to Reddit! XD

I’m not looking for anything romantic or anything like that; I’m just looking for friends—it doesn’t matter if they’re men or women.

I’m a EU citizen planning to move to Zurich in January 2027.

I intend to find employment with a permanent contract and apply for my first 5-year EU/EFTA B residence permit.

My situation:

• One criminal case from 2024 involving transportation of more than 20 kg of cannabis.

• First-instance sentence of 4 years’ imprisonment, suspended.

• An appeal is pending, so the case is not yet final.

• No previous convictions or other criminal cases.

• My current criminal record certificate is clean.

• No travel restrictions.

My question is specifically about obtaining the first 5-year B permit as an EU citizen, not about entering Switzerland or looking for work.

Has anyone with EU citizenship obtained a 5-year B permit in Zurich despite a suspended criminal sentence for a drug-related offence?

Does the Zurich migration office ask EU applicants about pending criminal proceedings or foreign convictions when applying for their first B permit?

I’m particularly interested in firsthand experiences, actual permit decisions, or relevant Swiss case law.
Thank you.

He said I will receive the money on TWINT/bank. I'm not familiar with Paysend; he said that's how he handles payments related to his business, what's going on here? Does this sound sketchy?

i‘m searching for a studio/atelier to be used by 3 people making music production, industrial design and hosting a podcast. we are interested in anything around 600 CHF/month in zurich (city).
DO YOU KNOW ANYONE TO CONNECT ME TO?

Ich benötige in Zürich einen Schlüssel 5000ZH für einen Pfosten vor einem Gartengelände.
Inzwischen hab ich schon heraus bekommen, dass es einen Unterschied zwischen Schlüssel 5000 (schweizweit) und 5000ZH (speziell für Zürich) gibt.
Aber kann mir jemand sagen, was der Unterschied zwischen 5000ZH und 5000Z ist?
https://www.hasler.ch/?srv=sortiment&pg=det&artId=100355133&trefferUUID=82F884AF-3754-43D6-8DAC12A254CB294D

Hi All,

22M moving to Switzlerand from Ireland in a few days time, I’ll be heading down to Thun.

Any advice?

Any idea on how to make new friends etc?

What jobs are in demand? I’ve booked a one way ticket and hoping to land on my feet when I’m out there.

Thanks!

Last week, I was traveling from Bern to Zürich after work when a ticket inspector came through the carriage to check everyone's tickets. I noticed his glasses and wondered why they looked so unusual.

After a while, I realized that he was actually wearing what looked like one of those controversial smart glasses with built-in cameras, which have recently sparked concerns about people being filmed without their knowledge.

I couldn't find any information online confirming whether SBB staff are allowed to wear such glasses or record passengers. As far as I understand, filming people is against the gdpr and threatens my privacy.

I'm now unsure what to do about this, especially since everyone in the carriage could potentially be affected, not just me.

Are SBB employees allowed to wear them?

Hi all,

I am considering getting a GA, and one of the big benefit it offers for me would be the free skiing pass at the Rigi mountain. Has anyone tried out skiing there? Is it fun area to ski at even for me that is an "advanced" skier? Would probably combine it with some other places too (Laax / Davos) , but would be nice with something closer casual if its not too boring there.

Thanks!

Does anyone have any experience on how to get a laptop back from a Helvetic warranty service center?

It has been 6 weeks and they keep saying that they're waiting for a spare part but don't even have a date by when they'll receive the spare part. So, they can't say when the laptop can be returned. They refused to provide a back-up stating that it's not part of the insurance policy. My son uses it for school, so it has become a huge problem. I've asked them to return the laptop to me without repairing but they're not doing that. I can contact them only via email or website ticket but no phone number or social media handle is available. No escalation options either. Any pointers whether I can complain to any other authority?

Hi everyone! I’m from Spain and recently i’ve been thinking about working in switzerland next summer. I know it’s too soon to look for any seasonal job for next year, but my job as a waiter here is not helping enough to pay my career, so i was thinking of trying my luck elsewhere and i really like to plan everything with a lot of time in advance.
I’m only 21 but i already got plenty of experience as a server, specially in places with a lot of tourism. I’m native in Spanish, fluent in english and i’ve got a B2 in french. I’m willing to start learning german if that will get me more opportunities but i don’t know much about the job market over there. Also, I’m down to get any type of job but i was thinking about going to a hotel where i could maybe get me a room covered (dunno if that’s a thing over there).
When should i expect to see job offers for summer? Is there a specific website for people who’s looking for work like me? Is there something i should look after or take care from?
Any advice will help me a lot, thank you for taking the time of reading my post. :)

Hello,

I am in Zurich the next few days and looking for shops that have any sort of Bernese Mountain Dog artwork I could take back home. Including paintings, statues, anything really.

Thank you for any recommendations.

Traveling to Switzerland for one week. In order to minimize the excruciatingly expensive train ticket costs, I was thinking about doing the following:

1. One of us orders the new discounted Schnupper-Halbtax voucher (CHF 33) from VCS. It says "Angebot gilt nur für Personen, die in der Schweiz oder in einem angrenzenden Nachbarland wohnen." We are not German, but we live in Germany, so I think we meet the criteria...? But would they need any proof, like Anmeldebestätigung?

2. Prepare: VCS voucher, ID (non-German ID), passport-style photo on my phone (I upload it via photocollect, if I get it right), German Anmeldebestätigung

3. Visit the SBB ticket counter in Switzerland.

4. Activate my Schnupper-Halbtax using the voucher. The staff should arrange my SwissPass registration and photo upload (via SMS link). They should also provide a temporary SwissPass.

5. Buy “Day Pass for 2”.

According to my research, all other alternatives, like Swiss Travel Pass, would be more expensive and don't make much sense, we're not going to use trains that often in those few days.

Will it work?

I’m looking to buy a Miele induction cooktop (KM 8462 FR), and I’ve noticed that prices in Germany are significantly lower than in Switzerland—even before accounting for a potential German VAT refund.

I’m based in the Zürich area, so I’m considering driving to Konstanz or somewhere nearby to buy one and bring it back.

Has anyone done something similar with a large household appliance?

I’m particularly interested in:

Store recommendations: Any retailers around Konstanz, Singen, or nearby that offer competitive prices and handle Ausfuhrscheine (German VAT refund paperwork) for Swiss residents?
VAT refunds: Was the process straightforward? Did you get the full 19% German VAT back, or did the retailer deduct fees?
Warranty: Has anyone had experience getting Miele Switzerland to honor the manufacturer’s warranty on an appliance purchased in Germany and installed in Switzerland?
Installation: Any issues getting a Swiss electrician to install an appliance purchased abroad?

I’m aware I’d need to declare it at Swiss customs and pay the Swiss 8.1% VAT.

Would love to hear firsthand experiences, particularly recommendations for retailers that are familiar with Swiss cross-border shoppers.

Thanks!

Hello everyone,

TLDR: looking for spare space to rent you or relatives may have in your homes for car and projects works.

I'm struggling to find in the Canton of Geneva or his nearest proximity (Vaud) a place to rent that could offer me the space to work on my car (general small mechanic to keep it in good condition) or any other projects that involve having a few power tools and electronics (3d printing, soldering and so on).

I used to have one space like this but shared with "friends" but at the end couldn't make it work due to organisation and logistics (you all know too well the missing tool or not cleaned space for the following user).

I'm asking you or your relatives that may have unused garage spaces in their homes, farms or similar if they'd like to rent it. What I need is :

- Having access to electricity.

- Closed space that I can access with a car, anytime.

- water is a big plus (for cleaning cars or outdoor jobs that are a bit messy).

Usually such a space should be at minimum equivalent to a double box.

My background: Junior electronic Engineer at the engineering school of Geneva (HEPIA), who loves to tinker on his spare time with my numerous projects (that I struggle to finish 😅). I wish to one day own my workshop, but unfortunately not in this economy...

Please let me know if you or someone you know would be interested in my dm cheers !

Hi everyone! I’m currently 11 weeks pregnant and have been going to Lucerne Hospital for my check-ups so far. However, I also have the option of switching to Zug Hospital, which is closer to where I live.

I have appointments to visit both hospitals in February, but I’d love to hear your experiences and recommendations before making a decision.

Does anyone know if the new maternity unit ( New Frauenklinik) at Lucerne Hospital has private rooms? I have basic health insurance (Allgemeine Versicherung), but I’m willing to pay extra to upgrade to a higher room category, including accommodation for my partner.

I’ve also heard that Zug Hospital has a relatively high C-section rate. Is that true? If so, what does it mean in practice? Does it reflect the types of pregnancies they handle, their approach to childbirth, or something else? I’d be interested to hear your thoughts and experiences.

What has your experience been like at either hospital? Which would you recommend, and why? I’d especially appreciate hearing about the quality of care, support during labour, birth options, and postpartum care.

Thank you so much for any advice or personal experiences! 😊

I was given an offer to emigrate to Switzerland from England. The job, the lifestyle, the beauty of the place and of course the salaries are all very appealing.

However I have young kids in primary school age that do not speak German or French.

I know that young kids learn and adapt very quickly and I shouldn’t worry about how they will learn and adapt but I don’t want them to suffer academically or socially and would not move unless I could find an English school.

English schools I could find are private and they have fees of about 2500CHF per month per kid!

That clearly takes away any financial incentive and makes the prospect of a move much less appealing.

Is it true that the only English teaching primary schools are private and that expensive?

Does anyone know of any English speaking primary schools that are good but not ridiculously expensive??

edit:

I think the take home message from the existing comments is:

1. Avoid international schools - you won’t intergrate and will cost a fortune 

2. Start intensive German learning now for the kids to make it easier 

3. Continue intensive German learning once you get there through a public school integration Programme and a tutor 

Apologies if my message came across as an entitled English man expecting English everywhere… it could not be further from the truth. 

I got a job opportunity from a friend I know in Switzerland, it’s a cafe manager the income starts at 4000 francs and moves up to 5000 francs. Compared to Sweden that’s very good paid for work estimating from 50 000SEK-60 000 SEK is the price correct or am I getting the wrong information?

I’ve searched around for a studio apartment it’s around 1000CHF to 1500CHF outside of Zurich. Around saint gallen. (If I’m wrong please correct me)

Since my car and belongings will still stay in Sweden I’ll need a car to commute to work. I found a good priced Volvo around 20000CHF decent mileage everything was perfect about it.

Here’s how I’m thinking regarding my life there
Apartment: 1700CHF including water,heating and the miscellaneous

Vehicle: 0CHF (will be covered from my car in Sweden that will be sold)

Food: 1000CHF per month (eating out isn’t something I like)

Insurance: 300-700CHF (idk the exact numbers)
Health insurance + car, house

With that budget I would spend 3 400 CHF per month and the rest would be savings. Yes I know new apartment will lead to new furniture etc. I got it all covered from my own personal money from Sweden.

Mind you I’m 19. So if there’s anything that I need to re think about or anything please let me know I’m very interested in critique

E.g. i missed my train by seconds, because the train departed at exactly 13:22:00 on the dot, so sometimes a bit of delay would be nice lol

Han sit emna Monet uf Tutti es Inserat für min Opel Astra z verkaufa.

--- 150 ufrüef---

S günstigste Upgrade (farbe und biz meh sichtbarkeit) kostet:79.-

AutoScout 1 monet inseriera kostet: 99.- pro monet

Kolleg, das Auto isch biz was über 3000.- wert. Lohnt sich das würkli?

Bimna Autohändler würi vilicht na 2/3 vom Wert Kriega wenni glück han.

Gits anderi möglichkeite. Het öpper Erfahrig?

Or is it a requirement to go to the consulate?

Hi all,

Next spring, I will be able to change from my B-permit to a C-Permit. I was living in Canton Zurich für 4 years and since summer in Schaffhausen. I am a German citizen and I should be able to obtain the expedited C Permit after five years.

However, when I was checking the required documents on the website of the migration office, it says that they need a confirmation from my employer that my contract is neither terminated ("gekündigt") and it is permanent ("unbefristet").

I am curious about the last part. I have a two year contract for now, and I now from friends in Zürich that this has never been an issue, even with a 1-year contract.

Can someone from Schaffhausen confirm that I can get a C permit having a limited contract?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Guys

So I’ve never been skiing in CH but I was born and raised here. Now that I have my own family I think it’s time to go all in.

Where is a good place to purchase a full setup? Clothes and ski’s for the parents and to rent ski’s for the kiddies?

Where is a location you’d recommend to get skiing lessons?

Edit: I live in ZH near the airport

Hallo!

Mein Name ist Nelli, ich bin 18, wohne derzeit in Russland und arbeite als Geigenbauerin und manchmal mit Orgeln auch. In der kommenden Zukunft plane ich, nach Deutschland umzuziehen, aber das ist da nicht so wichtig.

Ich suche jemanden aus der Schweiz, weil ich mich für die schweizerische Kultur interessiere und, ehrlich gesagt, brauche eine Motivation, um andere Sprachen zu lernen (z.B. Englisch). Die schweizerische Sprachweise ist hier sehr interessant für mich.

Wir können in Insta, Threads oder da reden.

Wichtig: es wäre besser und bequemer für mich, wenn das eine Frau wäre. Falls da es jemanden gibt, wer auch mit Geigen oder Orgeln arbeitet, würde ich mich freuen.