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Welcome to Lugano! Live Lugano carefree: practical guide to logistics from lodging, budget, permits, insurance to transportation.
How can we help you?
Do I need a visa or a residence permit to live in Lugano?
Citizens from member countries of the European Union or the European Free Trade Association EFTA, (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), do not need to obtain a visa to enter Switzerland.Â
Attention, you must get a residence permit!
For citizens from other countries, the need for a visa depends on nationality. Please check the requirements for travel documents and visas by consulting the Travel Document and Visa Requirements by Nationality.
Please note, you need to get a residence permit!
Which insurance is mandatory in Lugano?
Every person residing in Switzerland is required to obtain insurance for medical care within three months of arrival or birth in the country,
The start date of the insurance contract must coincide with the date one moves in.
Foreign students, pupils, trainees and interns who hold a residence permit for study purposes (stay for training) are exempt from the insurance requirement if they are already covered by equivalent insurance for medical care in Switzerland.
How much does it cost to live in Lugano?
Lugano is a city for all budgets!
Discover Lugano with tailored budget solutions! We offer indicative estimates of living costs to give you a preview of your city experience. Enter the heart of Lugano with the peace of mind of a customized budget!
How can I find an accomodation?
Lugano offers a variety of places to live, from university residences to elegant downtown apartments.
To find the ideal accommodation for you, check out the real estate portals, websites and resources dedicated to student housing!
Don’t forget to check the rental rules and the complete guide to being a good neighbor!
How can I save money on public transportation?
Those who are domiciled or live in Lugano are entitled to subsidies from the City for the purchase of the annual Arcobaleno (second-class) season ticket.Â
To purchase the season ticket, go to one of the outlets on the map, presenting ID and, if a student, proof of study.
The City of Lugano also provides domiciled citizens with SBB Flexicard day cards, through which it is possible to travel in Switzerland for 24 hours, at the price of CHF 40.
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The answer to your questions
Those who are domiciled or reside in Lugano are entitled to subsidies from the City for the purchase of the annual Arcobaleno (second-class) season ticket.
- Young people under 20: 50% subsidy for zones 10, 11, 12
- Students under 27: 50% subsidy for zones 10, 11, 12
- Young people 20-25 years old who are not students: 50% subsidy on the difference in cost between zone 11 and 10 or 11+12 and 10
To purchase a season ticket, go to one of the outlets on the map, presenting ID and, if a student, proof of study.
The City of Lugano also provides domiciled citizens with Municipal Saver Day Pass, through which it is possible to travel in Switzerland at favourable prices.
Visit the transportation page to discover more!
To search for housing in Lugano and the surrounding areas, we encourage you to consult the options made available by your university, or browse the real estate portals or websites found on this page.
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As soon as you arrive in Lugano, remember to:
- Announce your arrival: All Swiss or foreign persons transferring domicile or residence to the City of Lugano for a lasting period must announce themselves within 8 days of arrival by going to the City Point counters.
- Apply for a residence permit: To obtain a residence permit, it is essential to apply to the cantonal migration authority or the labor market office at the place of residence.
- Affiliate yourself with Swiss health insurance: If you are domiciled in Switzerland, you must be insured with a Swiss health insurance company.
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When you arrive in Switzerland, you have three months to take out health insurance. Upon application, foreign students, pupils, trainees and interns who hold a student residence permit (the one with the endorsement “stay for training”) are exempt from the insurance requirement if they have equivalent health insurance coverage in Switzerland. The relevant cantonal authority (for the Canton of Ticino, it is the Social Insurance Institute in Bellinzona) can exempt these people from the obligation to have insurance in Switzerland for a maximum of 6 years.
Every person residing in Switzerland is required to obtain insurance for medical treatment within three months of arrival or birth in the country, according to the Federal Law on Health Insurance (KVG/KVG/LAMal).
