Housing

Very hard. Vacancy rates are below 0.5% in Zurich and below 0.3% in Geneva. Expect to search for 3–6 months before securing a permanent apartment. Use all available platforms (Homegate, ImmoScout24, Comparis), respond to listings within hours, have all documentation ready, and consider a furnished short-term apartment as a landing pad.

Landlords typically request a Betreibungsregisterauszug - a debt register extract from your Swiss cantonal registry. As a new arrival, you won't have Swiss debt history, so a clean extract is easy to obtain but meaningless to the landlord. A strong employment contract with a recognized company and a reference from a previous landlord compensates for this.

Yes, with proper documentation. Cats and dogs from EU/EFTA countries need a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and an EU pet passport. From non-EU countries, additional health certificates and possibly a waiting period apply. Switzerland has strict regulations about exotic animals - check the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) list.

Nebenkosten are additional charges on top of the base rent (Nettomiete) and typically cover building maintenance, common area heating, hot water, and sometimes caretaker services. They do NOT usually include personal electricity, internet, or TV licence (Serafe). Always clarify exactly what Nebenkosten covers before signing - the all-in cost can be CHF 100–300/month more than the advertised Nettomiete.

Technically yes for B permit holders purchasing a primary residence. Practically, it is extremely expensive - expect CHF 1–2 million+ for a modest 2-bedroom in Zurich. Swiss mortgages require 20% equity (minimum 10% from non-pension savings). Most expats rent for the duration of their Swiss stay and invest the savings elsewhere.

Swiss tenancy law requires 3 months' notice, given on specific contractual dates (typically end of March, June, September, or December - the 'Kündigungstermin'). You can also find a suitable replacement tenant (Nachmieter) and leave with just 30 days notice if the landlord accepts the replacement. Swiss tenant protections are among the strongest in Europe.