Knowledge Centre
Moving to Switzerland: the first 90 days nobody puts on the job offer
The Swiss salary is the exciting part. Then the supporting cast arrives: a rental deposit, payroll deductions, health-insurance invoices, a tax system with cantonal personality, pension contributions and the small matter of whatever money you left in another country. None of this is necessarily a problem. But it is a system — and systems are easier to run when you can see the moving parts.
This is not another relocation checklist designed to make you feel productive while producing a larger folder. The aim is simpler: by day 90, you should be able to explain how your household money actually works in Switzerland.
Start with the 6 questions ↓Six questions that turn “I moved” into “I’m financially set up”
01 · Arrival cash
How much cash gets me to a normal month?
Before the first full salary, you may face a rental deposit, first rent, temporary accommodation, moving costs and health-insurance premiums that are due from the start of cover. A strong annual salary does not make timing irrelevant.
Build your arrival cash buffer →
02 · Payslip
What actually lands in my bank account — and what still comes out afterwards?
Your payslip can include social insurance, unemployment insurance, occupational pension, accident-related deductions and, for many foreign employees, tax at source. Basic health insurance usually sits outside payroll.
Decode your first Swiss payslip →
03 · Insurance
Which insurance is my job, and which is my employer's job?
Basic health insurance is generally arranged by the resident. Accident insurance is linked to employment, with non-occupational cover generally extending to employees working at least eight hours per week for the same employer.
Untangle health vs accident cover →
04 · Tax
Is tax being collected — or actually understood?
Many foreign employees are taxed at source; C-permit holders generally enter ordinary assessment. The useful first step is to identify your regime and canton before assuming the payslip has closed the subject.
Understand your tax setup →
05 · Pensions
What pension system have I just joined?
AHV and, for eligible employees, occupational pension begin to matter immediately. If you have previous Swiss vested benefits or pension rights abroad, they need their own line on the control panel.
Map your pension position →
06 · Cross-border
What did not cross the border with me?
Foreign accounts, investments, property, pensions and income do not become irrelevant because your salary is now in francs. Inventory first; optimisation second.
Build the 90-day setup →
Want the practical version rather than another browser tab?
Your First 90 Days: the Money Control Panel
The guide turns the articles into one page of answers, actions and dates.
Get the Money Control Panel guide →Navinua’s guidance is independent and product-neutral. We explain systems, trade-offs and questions to ask; we do not recommend specific banks, insurers, pension funds or investment products. Educational content, not regulated financial advice under FinSA/FIDLEG.