Living and working in Valais

To live or work in Switzerland for more than three months, a permit is required. There are short-stay permits (L permit, up to one year), residence permits (B permit, limited stay), settlement permits (C permit, unlimited stay) and cross-border commuter permits (G permit). 

People who move to Valais usually rent an flat. In our flatfinder you can find the rental flats from our real estate partners. In addition, the flatfinder of ImmoScout contains rental flats from third-party agencies and private persons. If you want to buy a property directly, it is best to enquire at specialized real estate agencies.

All Swiss residents must take out their own basic health insurance plan. New arrivals in Switzerland have three months to take out a policy. If you fall ill during this time, the costs are covered retroactively. Basic health insurance is offered by numerous private health insurance providers.

In Switzerland, your salary is usually transferred into your bank account. For private individuals, there are various offerings available from the numerous banks and Swiss Post. Fees, interest and benefits vary, which is why it is worth comparing them in advance. It is usually free to open an account.

Anyone who moves to Switzerland and already has a driving licence from another country must have it converted into a Swiss driving licence within 12 months. The canton is the responsible authority. In Valais, the application must be submitted to the Cantonal Office for Road Traffic and Shipping.

Social insurance is financed by the inhabitants of Switzerland and are usually compulsory. Contributions are deducted directly from the employee’s salary. In general, the deductions amount to around 12–18% of the gross income. Employers, the self-employed and those not currently in work also make financial contributions.

The conditions for obtaining a work permit depend on your country of origin. EU citizens benefit from bilateral agreements that enable them to enter Switzerland and change their employer or place of residence. All foreign nationals must have a residence and work permit before starting work. You can apply for this at the residents’ registration office (Einwohnerkontrolle) of your municipality.

If you are moving to Valais with your family, you should pay attention to the school facilities as well as the family and school-related childcare options when choosing your place of residence. Childcare provision varies from municipality to municipality and is often organised in a network of municipalities. Early registration is generally recommended for childcare. Individual weekdays are popular - those who are flexible with regard to care days can usually organise themselves more easily.

Liability insurance is not compulsory. Nevertheless, it is strongly recommended that you take out personal liability insurance. This is because you are liable for any damage caused unintentionally, or if persons, animals or property for which you are responsible cause damage to third parties.

In Valais, shops are free to organise their own opening hours as long as they comply with the specified closing times. Many shops are open until 6.30pm on weekdays and until 5pm on Saturdays. Shops in petrol stations, railway stations or in large tourist resorts (seasonal), which are normally open seven days a week and usually open earlier and close later.

In principle, if you move to Switzerland, you can take your household effects, collections, pets and car with you duty-free. Any items you bring must have been in use for six months before the move, and you must continue to use them afterwards. Many removal companies also take care of customs clearance.

Employees who work more than eight hours a week are automatically insured by their employer against accidents in their work and leisure time. Employees who work less than this are not insured against accidents in their leisure time and must take out their own accident insurance.