I am moving near St Gallen in March. I am British so getting a 3month visa is straight forward. I will be looking for work in IT somwhere however my level of german is very basic so after reading a few threads I can see this might be quite difficult at first. I can however support myself playing Poker where I can comfortably make 1000-2000CHF a week. What are my options with regards to permits to visas if I do not have that job yet? After 3 months what happens? My swiss girlfriend is saying don't worry about it nobody will come looking for you however I would prefer to do things properly and not risk any further headaches if I am able to get a job/permit sometime in the future. Is there a minimum amount that I have to show to the government that I can substain myself to be able to stay in the country? What options are avaliable to me?

I've looked at some of the existing threads and official websites but I am seeking a straight answer really.

Thank you!

As you are British you do not need a visa at all.

If you are coming to live here then you do need to register at the local town as a job seeker where you will get an initial 6 month residence permit (extendable). You also need to arrange medical insurance.

If you intend showing poker winnings as your main source of income you'll be laughed out if the office so you should have some other proof of your ability to support yourself while job seeking.

thanks bob. Yea I wasn't going to show them anything but my bank statements. so after the 6months.. I can apply for another 3 months after that if I show evidence that I'm looking for a job? I want to work. Playing a stupid card game is only for the short-term

my biggest fear is that after 6months.. I'm still unemployed and be forced to return to england.

You can get an extension if you can still support yourself. Also, the job situation for experienced IT guys is quite good. You'll probably need to look at ZH though, unless you speak German.

Where abouts in SG ? ZH is easily reachable in an hour from some parts - much longer from others.