Swiss Expatriate Checklist
Moving to a new country means a bucket-load of things to worry about – which is why we have prepared a checklist to help you prepare and make sure that nothing is forgotten before your big move!
3 Months Before you Leave
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your departure
Register yourself and your family members at the mission or embassy of your new resident city
Medical check up: keep any medical exam results or scans, as well as the names of your usual prescriptions
Tell the authorities why you’re leaving:
o Pension
o Tax office
o Health care
o Other: __________________
1 Months Before you Leave
Cancel your subscriptions and contracts:
o Phone
o Television
o Insurance
o Memberships (gym, club, etc)
o Credit cards
o Other: ________________
Get your mail forwarded by a post service,
Check your pension, some countries allow you to take it out before the age of retirement.
Close your bank account if you’re moving permanently to your new destination, or designate someone to the power of attorney to look after your account,
Get your documents translated by a sworn translator (https://www.ge.ch/traducteurs/recherche.asp) if they’re not in English, French, Italian or German.
Get quote from international movers to get the best price if you’re shipping furniture or luggage.
If you have pets
Get vaccinations for rabies,
Do a medical checkup, which can come in handy if your pet is over 7 years old and need insurance,
Buy a space on the place for your pet (for small animals: usually about 100$ USD for the space by your feet)
Get more details here
Right Before You Go
Bring a copy of:
o your passport and keep it separate from your passport, in case of theft or loss
o your birth certificate
o diplomas and certificates
o your work contract, if you already have one
Bring some money for the country of your destination, at least the equivalent of 100$ USD is a good idea.
Check the local weather of your destination and bring appropriate clothing on board.
Learn the emergency numbers of your country of destination (for Switzerland).
Prepare your luggage (don’t forget to grab your favorite snacks/book for the flight!).
Make sure your liquid bottles are under 100ml for the carry-on and they all fit into a standard sealable plastic bag.
Online check-in and print your ticket(s).
