Moving to Switzerland offers a blend of exceptional quality of life, natural beauty, and world-class infrastructure. Whether you’re settling in Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, or Lausanne, setting up your essential utilities will be one of your first practical steps toward making your new home comfortable.

This guide will walk you through how to set up:

• Electricity and Gas

• Water and Waste Management

• Internet and Mobile Services

It also includes details on key providers, average costs, and practical tips to help you manage your utilities efficiently.

Electricity and Gas

Electricity in Switzerland is supplied by local or regional companies. While the electricity grid is partially liberalized, in many areas you must use the local utility provider (“Stadtwerk” or “Elektrizitätswerk”). Large consumers, such as businesses, have more choice.

If you’re renting, check whether electricity is already active or included in your rent (“Nebenkosten” or additional charges). For homeowners, you’ll need to register with the local supplier as soon as you move in.

Documents required:

• Residence permit or ID

• Rental contract or property ownership papers

• Bank account details for direct debit

• Move-in date and meter number

Major providers:

• EWZ (Elektrizitätswerk Zürich) – Zurich

• SIG (Services Industriels de Genève) – Geneva

• IWB (Industrielle Werke Basel) – Basel

• BKW – Bern and surrounding regions

• Groupe E – Western Switzerland

Average costs:

• Apartments: CHF 70–120/month (€70–€120)

• Houses: CHF 120–250/month (€120–€250) depending on size and usage

Gas:

• Gas is less common in Switzerland, used mainly for heating and cooking in certain cities. Gas service is also managed locally.

Average gas costs:

• CHF 50–150/month (€50–€150), depending on heating needs and season

Tips:

• Electricity is billed quarterly in most cantons.

• Check if your building uses district heating (“Fernwärme”) instead of gas, it’s common in urban areas.

• Choose green energy (“Naturstrom”) if you want renewable electricity options.

Water and Waste Management

Water in Switzerland is supplied and billed by local municipalities, and tap water quality is among the highest in the world. You can safely drink it anywhere.

Water and waste disposal charges are typically included in your building’s operating costs or billed quarterly if you own your property.

Documents required:

• Proof of residence

• Move-in date

• Bank account details (for homeowners)

Average costs:

• CHF 30–60/month (€30–€60) for water

• Waste disposal fees vary by municipality, averaging CHF 20–50/month (€20–€50)

Waste management in Switzerland:

Switzerland has a “polluter pays” waste policy. You must use official garbage bags (“Zürisack”, “Taxe au Sac”, or regional equivalents), which include disposal fees. Recycling is mandatory and free for glass, paper, cardboard, metal, and PET bottles.

Tips:

• Check your municipality’s waste calendar for collection days.

• Purchase official garbage bags from supermarkets or kiosks.

• Return PET bottles to collection points found in most grocery stores.

• Many areas charge for excess waste, so separate recyclables carefully.

Internet and Mobile Services

Switzerland has a highly developed telecommunications network, offering some of the fastest and most reliable broadband in Europe. You can choose between DSL, fiber-optic, or cable internet depending on your location.

Documents required:

• Residence permit or ID

• Proof of address (rental agreement or utility bill)

• Bank or credit card details

Main internet providers:

• Swisscom (national provider with widest coverage)

• Sunrise

• Salt

• UPC (now part of Sunrise group)

• Quickline

Main mobile providers:

• Swisscom

• Sunrise

• Salt

• Lycamobile (prepaid, international-friendly option)

Average costs:

• Home internet: CHF 50–90/month (€50–€90) depending on speed and plan

• Mobile phone plans: CHF 30–80/month (€30–€80), including data and unlimited calls

Tips:

• Fiber internet (“Glasfaser”) is expanding rapidly; check coverage in your area before signing up.

• Many providers offer bundled deals (internet, TV, and mobile) for better value.

• Prepaid SIM cards are easy to buy at airports, supermarkets, or electronics stores.

General Tips for Managing Utilities in Switzerland

• Nebenkosten: Review your rental contract carefully. In many leases, utilities such as heating, water, and waste are included in the additional costs (“Nebenkosten”).

• Payments: Most providers accept direct debit (“Lastschriftverfahren”) or e-billing through eBanking.

• Meter readings: Take readings when you move in and out to avoid disputes.

• Local variation: Utility setup and rates can differ between cantons and municipalities, check with your local “Gemeinde” (municipal office).

• Recycling: Switzerland has one of the highest recycling rates globally; failing to separate waste correctly can result in fines.

• Language support: Most providers offer English support in major cities, but smaller towns may communicate in the local language (German, French, or Italian).

Wrapping Up

Setting up utilities in Switzerland is efficient and well-organized, but it’s important to understand which services are managed locally and which are handled by national companies. Once your electricity, water, and internet are connected, you’ll enjoy reliable, clean, and sustainable services, hallmarks of Swiss quality.

By preparing your documents and contacting providers early, you can complete most registrations within a few days and focus on settling into your new home amid Switzerland’s stunning landscapes and modern comforts.