Checklist for emigrating to Switzerland: 21 important things
You've decided: you're going to make your dream come true and work as a physiotherapist in Switzerland! But where do you start with all the preparations? This checklist with 21 essential points helps you not forget important things.
Do you want a complete checklist with all the details, timelines and practical tips? Then create an account on our takeoff platform where you get access to the extensive emigration checklist.
Official documents and acknowledgements
1. Start SRK PreCheck
Start with the free PreCheck with the Swiss Red Cross. This is the mandatory first step for recognizing your physical therapy diploma. The process takes 4 to 6 weeks and for most European physiotherapists, this is just a formality. You will immediately receive clarity about the next steps.
2. Start a German language course
Start learning German as early as possible. The B2 level is mandatory for your SRK recognition and the exam costs around 300 euros at Goethe or Telc institutes. The sooner you start, the easier it becomes to communicate with patients and colleagues. At takeoff, we work with LinguaThor for hands-on German lessons. Also read our tips to Learn German as a physiotherapist!
3. Request CCPS
Apply for your Certificate of Current Professional Status from the KNGF. This official document proves that you are authorized to work as a physiotherapist in the Netherlands and is mandatory for your SRK application. Plan this well in advance, as it can take a few weeks.
4. Have documents translated
All important documents such as your diploma, grades and resume must be professionally translated into German. Make sure this is done by a certified translator, otherwise they will not be accepted. This usually costs between 200 and 400 euros per document.
5. Activate DigiD and install the app
If you haven't done this yet: install the DigiD app on your phone and activate SMS verification before you leave. This saves you a lot of hassle later, because from Switzerland, you can only apply for a new DigiD at a counter. You need DigiD for Dutch government affairs, taxes and other administration.
Municipality and government
6. Schedule a deregistration from the municipality
You can unsubscribe from 5 days before your departure to the day of departure at the latest. This is mandatory if you are going to live outside the Netherlands for more than 8 months. Always request proof of deregistration.
7. Report a change of address to the tax authorities
Once you have deregistered from the municipality, you must provide your new address to the tax authorities. This can be done online or in writing. Don't forget this, otherwise you will have problems with your tax return and any additional taxes.
8. Registration as a foreign voter
Register with the municipality of The Hague to maintain your voting rights in Dutch elections. As a Dutch citizen abroad, you can vote for the House of Representatives and the European Parliament. You will then automatically receive a postal vote certificate in elections.
Financials
9. Check the Dutch bank account
Most major banks such as ING, Rabobank and SNS Bank are flexible when you move to Switzerland. You can usually just keep your Dutch account for Dutch income and expenses. Be sure to check this with your bank, because each bank has its own rules.
10. Check credit cards
Many credit card companies cancel automatically when you emigrate to a country outside the EU. Switzerland is not part of the EU, so check that your credit card remains valid. Otherwise, request a new one before you leave, as this is useful for your first period in Switzerland.
11. Prepare a Swiss bank account
To open a Swiss bank account, you need your employment contract, rental contract and proof of registration with the municipality. Many employers help with this, because they also have an interest in quick processing. This is because without a Swiss bank account, you cannot be paid out. Do you want to know how much you will earn? Then read our article about what you earn as a physiotherapist in Switzerland.
Home and insurance
12. Cancelling Dutch health insurance
This is mandatory as of your departure date if you no longer live or work in the Netherlands. Under Dutch law, you are no longer allowed to have Dutch health insurance if you live abroad. In Switzerland, you must take out a new health insurance within 3 months, the so-called Grundversicherung. Read more about your health insurance in Switzerland and which extra insurances you should consider.
13. Cancelling the rent or selling a home
When renting a home, you must take into account the notice period in your contract, usually 1 to 3 months. If you sell your home, call in a broker in time and have a valuation report drawn up. Also, consider whether you want to rent out your home instead of selling it.
14. Unsubscribe utilities
Gas, water, electricity and internet must be canceled as of your departure date. Don't forget the final bill and provide your meter readings on the day of departure. This prevents repayments or refunds that are only processed months later. Plan this carefully, because you want to have energy and internet until the last day.
Subscriptions and contracts
15. Cancelling your phone and internet subscription
These subscriptions often have 1 month's notice. You need proof of deregistration from the municipality in order to cancel early due to emigration. Many providers have special procedures for emigration, so please contact their customer service. Once in Switzerland, you can visit the find the best mobile and internet deals through our partners.
16. Gym and other subscriptions
Gyms often have longer notice periods of 1 to 3 months. With an emigration certificate, you can usually cancel early. Also check your other subscriptions such as magazines, libraries, and courses. Check your bank statements for the last 6 months to find forgotten subscriptions!
17. CV maintenance and services
These are the contracts that people often forget because they are so invisible. Think of CV maintenance contracts, alarm systems, cleaning services and garden maintenance. These will continue even if you no longer live there, so cancel them in time.
Car and transport
18. Arrange the car
Are you taking your car to Switzerland? Then you must first deregister it from the Dutch license plate register and register export with the RDW. Are you leaving him in the Netherlands? Then you can sell or suspend it for 1 to 3 years. In case of suspension, you do not pay road tax and you do not have to do an MOT. Also important: within a year, you must exchange your Dutch driving license for a Swiss driving license.
19. Stop a public transport subscription
Cancel your NS subscription and other OV products on time. You can have the remaining balance of your OV chip card refunded to the GVB or NS. Also, don't forget your parking subscriptions and other transport-related contracts.
Preparing for a new life
20. Downloading apps
Download Dutch apps such as DigiD, iDeal and possibly Dutch TV apps before you leave. After you arrive in Switzerland, download useful Swiss apps such as SBB for public transport, Migros for groceries, Bergfex for walks, and Spontacts to meet new people. Check out our complete list of must have apps in Switzerland.
21. takeoff community join
Join our community to meet other Dutch physical therapists who are already working in Switzerland. Through our group chats, you'll get practical tips, ask questions, and make new friends quickly. We also regularly organize fun activities and the annual Physio Summit.
Emigrating to Switzerland step by step: where do you start?
- 6 months before departure: Start with SRK PreCheck and German lessons, start collecting documents. Also read about diploma recognition for foreign physiotherapists.
- 3 months before departure: Have documents translated, request CCPS, arrange housing. Check out our tips for moving furniture to Switzerland.
- 1 month before departure: Cancelling subscriptions, arranging a car, unsubscribing utilities
- Last week: Municipality deregistration, report meter readings, pack hand luggage
- After arrival: Registration for the municipality of Switzerland, open a bank account, take out health insurance. Also handy: read about your paycheck in Switzerland and tax return for physical therapists.
Do you want the complete checklist for moving to Switzerland?
These 21 points are the absolute must-haves, but of course there is more to it. On our takeoff platform, you will find the complete checklist with more than 80 items, exact timelines and deadlines, personalized document list, roadmaps for the SRK process, contact details of all agencies and personal guidance from our team. You can also read more about maintaining your BIG registration and physiotherapy courses in Switzerland.
Ask now create an account for free on our takeoff platform and get access to all the tools you need for a hassle-free emigration to Switzerland.
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