Team
FAQ
Moving to Basel
New to Basel? This page brings together the most important steps and links for your start in the city. We are also happy to advise you personally.
1. Authorities & registration
Residents' Services Basel-City
Register within 14 days of moving in. Book appointment online. Required: passport/ID, key receipt or lease, residence permit if applicable.
Residence permit (foreigners)
EU/EFTA citizens: registration is sufficient, permit B/C issued automatically. Third countries: apply for visa before entry.
2. Health & insurance
Health insurance
Mandatory within 3 months of moving in. Comparison worthwhile — premiums vary greatly. Apply for premium reduction if low income.
3. Transport & mobility
BVB & BLT — Public transport
Tram, bus and S-Bahn in the TNW fare network. Annual pass worthwhile for regular use.
Cycling in Basel
Basel is one of Switzerland's most cycle-friendly cities. PubliBike sharing, bike stations at SBB station.
4. Waste & disposal
Rubbish bags & waste disposal
Rubbish bags (fee-based) at kiosks, petrol stations and supermarkets. Free: glass containers, paper, garden waste.
5. Education & children
Public Schools — Registration
Children are automatically assigned to the school in their residential quarter. Registration via the Volksschulamt Basel-City. Assignment by home address — no admission procedure required.
International & Private Schools
ISB (International School Basel) — IB programme in English, ages 3–19, Reinach/Aesch. Écoles Françaises de Bâle (EFDB) — French school system, 3 months to 12 years. Freies Gymnasium Basel — private Matura school. HWS (Huber Widemann Schule) — private Gymnasium & commercial Matura. NSH Bildungszentrum — languages, commerce, continuing education.
Childcare & day structures
Day nurseries, day homes and lunch offerings. Registration often with waiting list. Apply early.
6. Emergency Numbers Basel
Police
Cantonal Police Basel-City: 117 (emergency). For non-urgent matters: visit the police station or report online.
Ambulance / EMS
144 — Medical emergency line. For life-threatening situations, accidents, medical emergencies. University Hospital Basel (USB) is the regional centre hospital.
Fire brigade
118 — Fire brigade. Also responsible for gas leaks, flooding and animal rescues. Basel professional fire brigade operates 24h.
Samaritans & Crisis support
143 — Die Dargebotene Hand (Samaritans): around the clock, free, anonymous. Confidential support for personal crises, loneliness or feeling overwhelmed.
Further emergency numbers
112 — European emergency number (incl. from abroad). 140 — TCS breakdown service. 1414 — Rega (helicopter). 145 — Tox Info Suisse (poisoning). 147 — Pro Juventute (children/youth in distress).
7. Miscellaneous
Tax declaration
Tax liability from taking residence in Basel-City. Online submission via TaxMe-Online.
Electricity, water & internet
Electricity & water city: IWB. Baselland electricity: Primeo Energie (60 municipalities) or EBL. Re-register after moving in. Internet: Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt, init7.
TV services
Zattoo: Swiss streaming with SRF, ARD, ORF — free basic version. Swisscom TV: cable/IPTV with recording.
Questions about your move to Basel?
Contact us