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Finance

Finance

Financial tips for your start in Switzerland: withholding tax, reference interest rate, rental deposit, health insurance and budget planning. Clearly explained with templates.

6 articles
Official letter on the kitchen table of a Swiss flatshare, view over village rooftops
11 min20.07.2026

Serafe in a Flatshare and as a Weekly Resident: Who Pays, How Much, and When a Second Bill Looms

A flatshare is one household with one bill of CHF 335. As a weekly resident you pay only at your main residence. Who pays, who is liable, who is exempt.

Jens Herbst
Jens Herbst
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Handover checklist and keys during a rental handover in Switzerland
11 min30.01.2026

Rental Deposit in Switzerland, How to Hand Over Without Disputes (incl. Handover Checklist Template)

Protect your rental deposit in Switzerland: handover checklist, photo docs, timelines and dispute points so you get your deposit back faster.

Jens Herbst
Jens Herbst
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Rent reduction request in Switzerland, letter template and reference rate
12 min01.02.2026

Reference interest rate 1.25 percent, rent reduction in Switzerland, how to request it properly

The Swiss reference rate is at 1.25%. When you can claim a rent reduction, how much is realistic and how to request it from your landlord.

Jens Herbst
Jens Herbst
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Swiss withholding tax, checking your payslip and NOV deadline
13 min05.02.2026

Swiss withholding tax, what expats need to know, NOV, 120k threshold, March 31 deadline

Swiss withholding tax explained. How to spot payslip mistakes, when NOV makes sense and how not to miss the March 31 deadline. Includes templates.

Jens Herbst
Jens Herbst
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Swiss health insurance after moving, documents and deadlines
12 min03.02.2026

Swiss health insurance after moving, the 90 day rule and 7 common mistakes to avoid

You have 90 days after moving to get Swiss basic insurance, and premiums apply retroactively. The rule explained plus 7 enrolment mistakes to avoid.

Jens Herbst
Jens Herbst
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Opening a bank account in Switzerland, smartphone with banking app and Swiss francs
12 min24.02.2026

Opening a Bank Account in Switzerland, Neobank, Big Bank or Cantonal Bank, the Honest Comparison

Which Swiss account fits expats? Neon, Yuh and Zak compared on fees and foreign currency, with the 2025 test winner. Open yours in 10 minutes.

Jens Herbst
Jens Herbst
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