Hi,

Since 1.1.2022 Croatians are allowed to work in Switzerland. I just have a quick question about this.

I'm in Switzerland already (Biel) and live with my friend in his apartment. What is the order in which I can start looking for work, get a permit and start looking for my own place?

Start applying for jobs first (do I need a permit already for this step?) or apply for permit first without a job? Do I need my friend to sign me in his apartment before I apply for a permit? Do I already need a job to start looking for my own place (I have some money saved).

I'm very confused by the order in which I'm supposed to do these steps. Thanks for the help!

The work permit which is also the residence permit is issued only after you have found the job. However, it would be wise to mention in your CV that you are eligible for a work permit, most Swiss (employers) have no clue which country is in the EU, which is in the EU and has lesser rights, etc etc. Good luck.
I actually know people who had interesting discussions with the Immigration office, some employees seem to believe that certain countries don't have the same rights as EU-15 so expect some confusions even at that level but don't give up and gently tell them to inform themselves better.

Thanks! Will do! What about the apartment? Do I need a job to find something small(ish) or is it possible to get one without the permit and the job? If I have the money for deposit and everything that goes with it.

You need to prove that you have a stable monthly income so yes, everything is connected to the job. Also, the official recommendation is that the rent you pay should amount no more than a third of your net income. However, you can find some short term rental in one of those furnished and serviced apartments till you actually sign the work agreement and so on, but as you can imagine that is going to be more expensive.
Some companies pay for your accommodation till you find your own place so it would be good to ask your future employer if they offer any relocation bonuses or relocation package. It's good if you can come here with your own money but don't be shy to ask about this stuff as everything is so expensive here.

How long have you been living here? Can only be here as a tourist for up to 3 months. And has your friend let their landlord/agency know you're living there?

Incorrect. Since the OP is an EU national they can apply for a job seeker permit after they've reached the tourist limit of 90 days.

But yes, definitely make it clear on the CV that you're eligible for a permit without any of the non-EU hiring hassle.

I guess there's that too, but only for 6 months and in my opinion it is a tad useless. It won't substitute a residence permit or a work agreement when looking for his own flat for instance. RAV won't help OP find a job either. I can't personally see any sense in asking for this permit which might be or might be not that easily granted, or who knows what other strings they might attach to it. OP should be careful to not overstay his 90 days period and his friend should announce the landlord that he lives at that address, otherwise it amounts to 0 in my view. Ready to change my opinion if necessary though.

In total, I didn't actually go above the 90 day limit since I've been going back and forth due to the holidays and vacation etc. But if that would help my case, I could say that I was here for 3 months. If it changes anything, my friend didn't notify the agency since my time here was sporadic.

If I were to apply for the permit based on being here longer than 3 months, I'd have to immediately apply for health insurance as well I presume? While in the other case (find job > apply for permit) I'd only have to start paying for insurance once I apply for the permit? Correct?

You're sort of missing the point here. The only permit they can apply for atm is a job seeker if they're over the 90 tourist limit. Without having either a job already lined up or proof of sufficient funds to support themselves for several months plus a rental contact they will not get a residence permit, plain and simple.

It's not useless since the Swiss consider that if you haven't found a job within 6 months (tourist 3 months/job seeker for 3 months) then you need to go elsewhere to look for work. They don't expect you to stay in the country indefinitely nor do they want you to if you can't find work.

As for insurance you'd need to apply for that within 3 months of registering as being resident here or you risk being put on the commune's/gemeinde's default insurance which may cost more than you want to pay. You'll be covered from the day of registration regardless and any medical expenses you have before you sort out the insurance can be claimed back once you have the insurance in place.