Settling-in Tips from Staff at Crown Fribourg

What is special or unique about your city?

Fribourg is one of the three (out of 26) cantons of Switzerland which is bi-lingual, meaning both French and German are spoken. It's a medieval town, almost perfectly preserved and is one of Switzerland's best kept secrets. Despite the medieval aspect of some quarters, it is a modern-at-heart student city, which hosts the summer International Jazz festival, the Folklore Festival, an unforgettable Carnival week-long celebration and many other events. Thanks to its very central location within Switzerland, all big cities are easily within reach, such as Geneva, Z�rich, Bern, etc.

What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?

The city might seem a bit "dull" at first as there are not many people walking the streets in the evenings or Sundays. Shopping can be an initial nightmare for foreigners, especially Americans, as they close at 7pm and are only open until 4pm on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.

Are these impressions likely to change?

It doesn't take long to realize that Fribourg encompasses an intense cultural life and you will find a wide range of activities to choose from. People who like the nightlife will enjoy Fribourg's bars, with the local Irish pub offering a slightly more international atmosphere and serving as the local expat hang-out. In addition, Bern is not too far away (approx. 30 mins by car) and has even more shopping and entertainment choices. Every major Swiss city also has a shop open every day of the week until 10pm at the train station ("Aperto").

What is the local language?

Two-thirds of the population is French speaking, one-third is German speaking and many people are bi-lingual.

How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?

English is widely understood; we can even say that most people have at least a basic knowledge of all three languages.

What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?

There aren't any specific ways to say or do anything that would offend residents of this city. People greet each other with three kisses on the cheeks; also, when saying "cheers" while drinking wine (etc), you need to look into the other person's eyes. Before starting a meal, it is appreciated if you say "bon app�tit".

How might the local weather affect my daily life?

The weather changes a lot on a daily basis, and so can the temperature. It can rain one day, be sunny the next and snow the following day on some weeks. It is not as foreseeable as in some other countries, but this is characteristic of Switzerland. The Old Town of Fribourg, located below the "new town," can be quite foggy in the autumn and winter months, which is good to keep in mind if you are planning on moving to that part of the city.

Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?

Being a small city (around 32,000 inhabitants), it doesn't take long to get to know many people through friends who have friends, etc. Like every small city, people talk and it is best keeping to yourself and observing when you first arrive. Fribourg, just as Swiss people in general, can seem pretty cold and un-interested at first and it takes some efforts to get to know them. But they will most probably be long-time friends once you get to know them. Knowing or learning French will of course make things much easier, but the Fribourg population is usually quite interested in foreigners, as they tend to bring a "new" touch to the city.

Useful Links

Fribourg Development Agency: www.promfr.ch
Living In Switzerland: http://switzerland.isyours.com/e/guide/mittelland/fribourg.html
Fribourg Tourism: www.fribourgtourism.ch

As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?

Two significantly different regimes govern Swiss residence and work permits:

For EC nationals, based on the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Switzerland and the European Community and
For third country nationals. Please note that the “new” EU-Countries (e.g. Poland, Czech Republic) are still treated as non-EU.

All permits are subject to significant quantitative limitations.

What kinds of visas are available?

The following categories of residence and work permits are available:

Short-term residence and work permits („L“-Permits) for stays of up to one year
Unlimited residence and work permits ("B“-Permits)
Border Commuter Permit (Permit G)
Permanent Residence Permit (Permit C)

What is required to obtain these visas?

Procedures for EC Nationals

In Switzerland a quota system limits the number of new work permits issued. B-permits are valid for 5 years and L-permits (short-term residents) are valid for 1 year. For nationals of EC member states and nationals of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the quota system is less stringently applied, and will be abolished after a five-year period ending in 2007.

The duration of the application procedure is usually 7 – 10 days

Procedures for Third Country Nationals

For third country nationals the quota system is stringently applied. The authorities involved have wide discretion in their decision-making process. They usually make high demands on the qualification of the future employees (University degree, e.g. 3 to 4 years of working experience and appropriate salary).
Please note that work permits for employees, who only work up to 4 months in Switzerland, are not contingent and therefore easier to obtain.

Issuance of the Work Permit

Third country nationals do need a work and a residence permit in order to start working in Switzerland.

The following categories of residence and work permits are available:

� Short-term residence and work permits („L“-Permits) for stays of up to one year

� Unlimited residence and work permits ("B“-Permits)

The duration of the application procedure is usually 6 to 8 weeks.

Required documents are as follows:

A copy of passport (for the employee and any accompanying family members)
A current r�sum� (CV)
Copies of higher education certificates
Signed employment contract
Birth certificate (original)
Marriage certificate (original)

Issuance of the Residence Permit

The application for the residence permit is the next step after the granting of the work permit.

Most third country nationals (also those coming from USA, Canada, etc.) do need a Visa in order to legally enter Switzerland and to take up employment.

Required documents are as follows:

Original passports for all family members
Two valid passport photos
Entry permit/visa
Marriage certificate (original)

Criminal Record

Third country nationals need to provide the competent authorities with a Criminal Record. This document is a compulsory requirement for the work permit and residence application.

Because of the fact that in each country there is another authority in charge of the issuance of Criminal Records, the employee has to provide it by himself with the mentioned document.

Border Commuter Permit (Permit G)

A border commuter permit is valid for 5 years for EU and 1 year for non EU-persons. The border commuter permit is given to foreigners who domicile in the border area of one of Switzerland’s neighbouring countries (France, Germany, etc.).

Non-EU persons have to domicile for at least 2 years in this area before the application can be done.

Permanent Residence Permit (Permit C)

After a continuous residence period of 5 years for EU and EFTA and after ten years for the most Non-EU a permanent residence permit will be given. Based on international treaties, after a residence period of five or ten years, it is possible to obtain this type of permit. A permanent residence permit entitles the foreigner and his family to stay without limitation or condition in Switzerland.

Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?

If a spouse wishes to work, he or she will need to obtain the proper visa. Most accompanying spouses enter with a non-working visa, courtesy of the working spouse. Once they find a job, their new employer submits the request for the work visa on their behalf.

What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?

For long-term assignments, you are encouraged to bring important original documents such as birth certificates, mariage licenses, insurance policies, medical prescriptions, employment information, academic certificates and entry permits.

Nationals of Western Europe may enter Switzerland with a valid ID card/passport. A valid passport is required also for those nationals from Eastern Europe or other parts of the world.

Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?

It is necessary to register with the local "contr�le des habitants" as soon as you arrive. It is also advisable to arrange a Swiss driving license as soon as possible, although you have maximum one year in which to do this.

What items should I avoid bringing into the country?

Please avoid importing the following items into Switzerland :

Firearms and ammunition
Alcohol (over 25%) in excess of 12 litres and 200 litres of wine
Any articles derived from protected species including fur skins, ivory, reptile leather and goods made from them
Controlled drugs
Indecent or obscene videotapes, films, books, magazines and other articles
Flick knives and certain offensive weapons
Counterfeit currency
Radio transmitters (walkie talkies, citizen band radios, cordless telephones, etc) which are not approved for use in Switzerland
Radar detector

Please contact Crown Fribourg for more information on restricted items.

Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?

If you respect the above, you should be able to enter and leave in Switzerland without any problems.

Useful Links

Federal Office of Immigration, Integration and Emigration
www.bfa.admin.ch/einreise/visumvorschriften_e.asp

Visa Information
www.passportsplus.com/visa_switzerland.html
www.embassyworld.com
www.sgierpartner.ch

What is the local currency?

The official currency is the Swiss franc (Schweizer Franken/Franc Suisse) divided into 100 centimes.

Swiss francs are shortened either with the official banking name CHF (from the latin name of the country Confederation Helvetica, CH) or sometimes just Fr. or Sfr.

For example, 1 CHF = 1 franc = 100 centimes.

What denominations does it come in?

Notes come in denominations of: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000.
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50

What is the best way to exchange currency?

The best way to exchange currency is either at banks, post offices or at railway stations.

What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)?

The most commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases are cash, debit cards and credit cards.

Do note, there are no cheque books in Switzerland.

Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I’ll need cash.

While major credit cards are very popular, there are still many places in Fribourg and the rest of Switzerland that do not accept credit cards, such as newspaper stands and bakeries. Since you can never be too sure which places these are, be sure to carry at least a small amount of cash at all times. For quick withdrawals, a bank or post office will usually have an ATM machine.

By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid?

Pre-authorized debit is an efficient way of paying gas, water and electricity bills. By this method, your bills are automatically deducted from your bank/post account. The various utility companies can help you with the arrangements.

Should you choose not to arrange the automatic debit, you can arrange for a series of one-time payments for each bill. With each bill, you receive a payment slip (bulletin de versement) that you can use to pay it directly at the post office or send it to your bank or post office. Then the amount will be automatically paid from your account.

What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it?

A bank or post account can be opened at any stage, but the sooner the better. You will need the following:

A valid passport
A work permit
A copy of your work contract
A current address of residence

A very common way to open an account is to have your monthly salary transfered into the new account; this salary account will be free of bank charges.

Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages?

All Swiss banks have employees well-versed in English, as well as other common languages used in Switzerland such as German, French and Italian.

Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?

People holding an L-permit may have restricted withdrawal limits and difficulty obtaining a Swiss credit card.

What are typical banking hours?

9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

They are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock?

Yes, you can find ATM machines all around the city, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Is there any other money information that might help me?

The most common cards in Switzerland are the Maestro Bancomat card and the Post card, which are cards linked to your current bank/post account. These cards are accepted at department stores, supermarkets, gas stations and restaurants. These cards are a good alternative to other cards as there are many places in Switzerland that do not accept credit/debit cards.

Useful Links

Major Banks
UBS: www.ubs.ch
Credit Suisse: www.credit-suisse.com
Banque Cantonale Fribourgeoise: www.bcf.ch

Currency Exchange
www.xe.com
wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/time-zone/europe/switzerland/currency.htm

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

Kitchens are most of the time equipped with an oven, stove, sink, and cupboards. Sometimes, especially for bigger apartments (two bedrooms or more), you get a dishwasher. Parking can be a nightmare in the center of the city and fines are very easily handed out! Houses for rent are rare, therefore most people live in apartments. Houses are usually found in the outskirts of the city in quarters like Marly, Villars-sur-Gl�ne, etc. Most of Switzerland is now going through a housing crisis and if you find a place you like, you need to act quickly in order to obtain it.

What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

Expats do not all live in the same area, but are very well scattered around the city and its surroundings. There are many villages around the city in which you can rent houses (Posieux, Rossens, Nor�az, etc.).
The only residential area within the city that offers house rentals is "Guintzet". It is however, extremely rare that a house comes up for rent, as houses are mostly for sale in that area.
"Marly" is one of the residential areas outside of Fribourg city. You should count on a maximum of a 15-minute drive (5 minutes without traffic) during rush hour. House owners are a mixture of Swiss and a few "wealthy" foreigners. There are often houses for rent in this area.
The "Villars-sur-Gl�ne" area is the second residential area close to Fribourg. It is a 5 minute drive to the city with many houses for rent or sale and quite a few buildings (apartments).
The "Old town" (medieval) of Fribourg offers charming apartments, many of them very well renovated but still keeping the "old touch". Keep in mind that this part of the "lower" city can get quite foggy in Fall and Winter. It is a nice place to be though in the summer, as it hosts the only outside pool of Fribourg.
"Sch�nberg" is often considered the "slums" of Fribourg. High buildings, some very cheap apartments, some more expensive apartments with beautiful views of the city, but the area is considered not very safe and has seen some crime. However, there are some safer and less safe areas within that same quarter.
Please note that Fribourg does not offer any international schools. Expats living in Fribourg send their kids to the International School or British School of Bern located in G�mligen (40 minute drive one way).

Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

Expats are now allowed to buy homes, but in 99.9 percent of the cases they rent. A down payment of twenty percent of the purchase price is requested for a house/apartment purchase. Expats often not knowing how long they will stay rent an apartment/flat when they first arrive.

Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

Yes, a deposit is usually required going from one to three months worth of rent (for example, a monthly rental house of chf2400 will require a chf7200 deposit). It is possible to use a "compagnie de cautionnement" that will pay that deposit for you if you don't want to or can't afford it. In exchange you will have to make a down payment of chf200 and then pay four percent of the deposit to that company each year.

Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

Utilities such as electricity and telephone are extra and need to be organised by the transferee (or through Crown Relocations' consultant). When paying the rent, there are also extra charges for water and heating, which are shown separately as "charges".

Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

Fribourg and its surroundings are very safe. It is however advised to lock your door when leaving your home or roll down the blinds if living on the ground floor when you are away, especially for a holiday. The neighborhoods of "Sch�nberg" and "Villars-Vert" are considered the least safe of Fribourg.

I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

Electric current: AC 220-240 volts
Frequency (Hz): 50
Swiss appliances are compatible with electrical appliances from the UK. Appliances from the USA (110 volts/60 Hz) need a step-down transformer.
Plug shape: standard two or three pinned type. Plug adapters can be bought in most electrical shops.

Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

Keep in mind that most Swiss people live in apartments and not houses. It is not easy finding houses for rent, as most of them are for sale. Parking can be difficult in the city center. Clothes washing could be a concern, as most apartments do not have their own washing machine and you will have to share one, or several, with the other tenants in the building (you would, for example, have one set washing day in the week). Please note that it is extremely difficult to find furnished accomodations in Fribourg (and Switzerland in general) and when there are some, they are quite expensive.

Useful Links

Cantonal tourist office site: www.pays-de-fribourg.ch
City of Fribourg tourist office site: www.fribourgtourism.ch
Swiss Tenants' Association: www.asloca.ch

What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children?

Switzerland is famous for its excellent educational system. Both public and private schools are available, but most Swiss children attend public schools which are free. There are also many private and boarding schools in the region and they have varying fee structures. Since French and German are the common languages offered in public schools, many expats arriving in the region choose English-speaking private (international) schools for their children. Some prefer to send their children to public schools however, because there are many opportunities for bi-lingual or foreign-language education.
Because the public schooling system changes from canton to canton, it is encouraged that you research prior to your arrival where you will be living and what schools are in your area of residence.

For further assistance with regards to schooling contact Crown Fribourg.

What are some examples of these schools?

The International School and British Primary School (ages 3-11 only) of Bern in G�mligen, 40 minutes from Fribourg, if you wish to live in Bern or between Fribourg and Bern.
If you prefer living in the French part of Switzerland and you would rather commute yourself than having your kids or wife/husband commuting, you may want to consider living in the Montreux/Vevey area by lake Leman. There are more international school options, including the International English school in Clarens, near Montreux (35-40 minute drive from Fribourg) or the International school of Lausanne which is further away from Fribourg (55 minutes). Alternatively, there is an International Montessori Primary School in Neuch�tel (approx. 45 minutes away by car).

Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?

Yes, it is best to contact the school as soon as you know you will be moving to Switzerland.

Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)?

Yes, but for the community ones (garderies communales) their prices usually depend on your salary. Private ones are payable at a half or full day rate.

How are most kids transported to and from school?

If they are within walking distance, maximum 20 minutes away from school, they will walk as Switzerland is a very safe country. Otherwise, they take the bus and the international schools also have a bus service that will pick up the kids if they live around the school area.

When does the typical school year start and end?

Public school starts in mid-August and finishes at the end of June.
Private international schools start at the beginning September and finish at the end of June.

Is there anything else I should know about local schools?

Kids go home for lunch, as there is very rarely a cantine (cafeteria/lunchroom) at school.

Useful Links

International School of Bern: www.isberne.ch
British Primary School of Bern: www.isbi.com/istd_newschool/3498-British_School_of_Bern
International English School in Clarens/Montreux: www.st-georges.ch
International School of Lausanne (American program): www.isl.ch
International Montessori Primary School of Neuch�tel: www.isneuchatel.com