The Ultimate Expat Checklist for Settling in Ticino

Relocating to a new country is an exciting step, but it can also feel overwhelming without the right preparation. If you’re planning to move to Ticino in 2025, having a clear and structured plan will allow you to focus on the adventure instead of drowning in paperwork.

This expat relocation checklist is designed to guide you through every stage of your move — from preparing before boarding your flight, to setting up your daily life during the first weeks, to thriving long-term in southern Switzerland.

Whether you’re settling in Lugano, Bellinzona, Locarno, Mendrisio, or one of the many lakeside villages, these steps will make your transition smoother and give you the confidence to enjoy everything that life in Ticino has to offer.

Before Arrival: Laying the Groundwork

A successful relocation to Switzerland begins months before you land. The first crucial step is clarifying your residence permit. Most expats start with a B permit, valid for employment, family reunification, or financial independence. If your long-term plan includes permanent settlement, it’s important to understand the requirements for a C permit early on, since language skills and integration are often decisive. By knowing the path from the start, you can adapt your employment contracts, enrol in Italian language courses, and strategically plan your future in Switzerland.

Next comes finding a home in Ticino. Housing can be competitive, particularly in Lugano and Bellinzona. Many newcomers choose temporary accommodation first — such as short-term rentals, serviced apartments, or hotels — before committing to a neighbourhood. Suburban areas like Breganzona, Massagno, or Pregassona, or smaller towns such as Mendrisio, often provide more space and quieter surroundings compared to city centres. Remember that Swiss landlords usually request up to three months’ rent as deposit, and the handover process is very precise, including inventory and cleaning protocols.

Healthcare in Switzerland is another fundamental step. All residents must arrange basic health insurance within three months of registering, with coverage applied retroactively from the first day of residency. Take time in advance to compare deductibles, managed-care models, and supplementary coverage — especially if you have children or specific medical needs.

Other essentials to prepare include:

• Valid passport, birth and marriage certificates (with certified translations if not in Italian, German, French or English).

• School records and immunisation certificates for children.

• International or Swiss banking options for smoother first months.

• Driving licence conversion rules if you plan to drive, and car import regulations.

• Pet vaccinations, microchips, and EU pet passports.

By preparing these details ahead of time, you’ll free up valuable energy to enjoy your new expat life in Switzerland.

Your First Week: Setting Up Daily Life

The first days in Ticino are both exciting and busy. Within 14 days of arrival, you must register at your local Comune (municipality). This is a legal requirement that triggers the residence permit process. Bring your passport, lease agreement, employment contract or proof of income, and health insurance confirmation.

Once registered, focus on communication and finances. Getting a Swiss SIM card or mobile plan in Lugano or Bellinzona is easy and ensures smoother interactions with landlords, schools, and medical services. Opening a Swiss bank account is also essential for rent, salary, and insurance payments. Many banks in Ticino offer English-speaking staff, but scheduling an appointment in advance is wise.

Transportation is another priority. Ticino’s Arcobaleno public transport network integrates trains and buses, making commuting convenient. Monthly passes are often more economical than car ownership. If you choose to drive, secure parking permits and purchase the Swiss motorway vignette.

Don’t overlook everyday services: pharmacies, supermarkets, post offices, and recycling rules. Waste disposal in Ticino is regulated, with prepaid rubbish bags and strict recycling separation. Also, every household must pay the Serafe broadcasting fee. Taking time to explore your neighbourhood — cafés, playgrounds, parks — will help you feel quickly at home.

Your First Month: Paperwork, Schools, Community

After the first week, focus on building a more solid foundation for daily life. Families with children should prioritise school enrolment. Ticino’s public schools welcome international students and often provide language support. For those preferring English-speaking education, several international schools in Lugano and Locarno offer bilingual or international curricula.

Healthcare should also be organised at this stage. Choose a family doctor (medico di base) to coordinate treatments and referrals. Pharmacies can recommend local practitioners, and digital platforms from insurers simplify claims and medical records management.

If you started in temporary housing, this is the time to secure a long-term rental in Ticino. Visiting apartments in person provides a clearer sense of the environment and helps avoid surprises. Contracts are usually in Italian, so having a consultant or local friend can be invaluable.

From a financial perspective, check your tax obligations in Switzerland. Some expats are taxed at source, while others must file a full tax return. Familiarise yourself with the three-pillar pension system (AVS/AI, LPP, Pillar 3a), as early planning optimises your financial future.

Finally, start integrating into the local community. Join Italian language classes, sports clubs, or cultural groups in Lugano, Bellinzona, or Locarno. Participation in shared activities accelerates integration and helps you form lasting connections.

Long-Term Tips for Thriving in Ticino

Master the Languages

Italian is the official language of Ticino and is key to real integration. Even if you work in English, speaking Italian will enrich everyday life, from interacting at the Comune to making friends. Free and low-cost courses are available in most towns.

Join Local Events

Immerse yourself in Ticino’s cultural identity by attending festivals, parades, concerts, and open-air cinemas. From Lugano’s summer events to Bellinzona’s historical parades and Locarno’s film festival, these experiences deepen your connection to the region.

Build a Support Network

A balance of expat and Swiss friendships is crucial. While other expats understand your challenges, Swiss neighbours and colleagues provide insights into taxes, healthcare, and local traditions.

Manage Finances Proactively

Review deductions, allowances, and pensions after your first tax season. Consider opening a Pillar 3a account for tax savings and long-term retirement planning. If property ownership is your goal, learn about Swiss mortgages, interest rates, and maintenance costs.

Enjoy Ticino’s Outdoors

The canton is famous for its lakes, valleys, and mountains. Swim in Lake Lugano, hike in Verzasca, cycle along Lake Maggiore, or ski in Airolo. Outdoor life is a defining part of the Ticino lifestyle.

Keep Learning

Take advantage of evening courses, libraries, and community centres. Continuous learning is a powerful way to meet people, integrate, and keep life stimulating.

Talk with a Relocation Advisor

Settling in a new country involves much more than paperwork. It’s about creating a fulfilling life. Working with a relocation advisor in Ticino can save you time, reduce stress, and help you navigate both administrative tasks and cultural nuances.

Our team in Lugano assists with residence permits, housing, schools, healthcare, banking, and social integration. We support expats step by step in building a successful life in southern Switzerland.

📲 WhatsApp: +41 76 771 30 22

📧 Email: info@knotted.ch

Contact us today to discuss your relocation to Ticino. We’ll guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you truly feel at home under the southern Swiss sun.