Hi everyone,

I've been a lurker here for a while now.. I'm a bit disappointed that my first post has to be a frantic request for help, but I'm pretty much at my wit's end.

Essentially, I was offered a job with a company in St. Gallen. All the approvals came through for an annually renewable permit. As of today, I have been in Switzerland for a week with a D permit, single-entry, valid for 3 months stamp in my passport. The trouble is, I'm the first 'Drittstaater' this company has hired (I'm Indian) and they're not familiar with what comes next.

Additional complications:
1. The company is headquartered in canton SG, but I have to be there only two days a week and work from a smaller office they have let out for the company in Zürich.
2. Also, my boyfriend lives and works in Zürich and I intend to (and have been for this past week) living with him. Naturally, the apartment is only in his name and I'll be chipping in, but without an official rental agreement.
3. Mediocre at best German skills. Sure I could talk to you about your holidays pets and get into a Migros v Coop debate but solo visits to federal offices? I seriously doubt it.

So my question then, is this: I've heard that non EU/EFTA nationals have to register with their local Migrationsamt to have biometric data recorded and Gemeindeverwaltung for the residence permit within 8 days of arriving in Switzerland. Is this about accurate?

And if so, where do I go (Zurich / St. Gallen city? Or the suburb where I live?) I'm honestly completely lost and my otherwise wonderful and helpful HR head doesn't seem to grasp the gravity of the situation. Ah well.

I see this thread mentions the paperwork I should take with me. What do I tell them about the rental agreement?

I would really appreciate any advice you have at this point. Thanks so much and I look forward to getting to know you all better!

You should register where you live.

Well would you look at that! The HR head just followed up. She says pretty much the same thing. Thanks for your reply.

I wonder though, without a rental agreement, will they just take my word for where I live? The boyfriend's away on work until Saturday and I don't think I should delay visiting the Migrationsamt any longer.

Its important that you show up and start the process within the time. If you have lots of papers but are missing some, they will be more forgiving than if you just don't show up.

However, I think that it WILL be a problem that you have nothing showing where you live.

I think (from memory) that this is done on a cantonal level (Migrationsamt) rather than a Gemeinde level, so you need to go to the one in Zurich first.

Given your boyfriend is not around, can you get him to email you (ideally scan and sign) a letter verifying that you are staying with him at the flat he is renting out (and you have not yet been added to the rental agreement). You can then take that to the Gemeinde as evidence.

I am not 100% sure but I learnt that it is necessary to have a registered residence in the canton from where you have received the wrk permit. May be it also depends on the type of work permit. But it important to check.
After having registered residence in that canton you can anywhere in Switzerland provided you have informed the local kriesburo/stadthouse about it.

I would suggest to visit the stadt house/kriesburo and explain them the scenario and they will definitely sggest you the correct thing to do.

And if you dont have your name on house contract then a letter from your boyfriend stating that you are living with him along with his contract should be sufficient.

Thank you Caviarchips, Foxinthesnow & proksy. I'll ask my boyfriend to mail me the letter.

FYI, I've just received some new info that might help others out in my situation. Translated messages below:

"Yesterday I spoke with Mr. so&so (from the authorities in St. Gallen) and clarifed that you can register yourself upto 21.9 somewhere in Switzerland. This can also be Zürich."

and

"You have to go to the Einwohneramt at the place where you live (have your address). At least in the Kanton St. Gallen it is like that."

And here's another level of confusion: I found thisinfo about newcomers registering themselves in Stadt Zürich which says 14 days!

I'll be glad when I have some concrete information to post! *phew*

Resolution:

I spoke with/visited the Migrationsamt in Zuri and my Gemeindehaus.
So I have to register myself with the Geminde, they'll send my papers on to the Migrationsamt, who'll schedule an appointment for me to come in and get the biometric data recorded. Easy peasy.
As it were, the 14 day rule applies in Horgen as well, so that was good to know.

Regarding the housing situation, I have to get a letter from the boyfriend's landlady saying she's okay with me living here. I read elsewhere on the forum about issues with too many roomies in a small apartment, so perhaps that's the rationale behind a letter okaying the move in.

I appreciate your help with this, forummers!