Pre-arrival formalities
In parallel to making sure your online EDH pre-registration (PREG) has been completed prior to your arrival at CERN, you must:
1. Obtain the necessary documents (for yourself and any accompanying family members)
Visa requirements and procedure for France and Switzerland.
N.B.: third country nationals (including US citizens) not subject to short-stay C visa requirements as tourists must obtain a short-stay C visa for Switzerland when staying at CERN for a total of more than 8 days within the same calendar year and engaging in gainful occupation (including when the employer is based outside of Switzerland). Please refer to the Swiss authorities' overview of visa provisions according to nationality, paying particular attention to the "V1" specification.
N.B.: holders of a residence permit issued by one of the Schengen states are entitled to stay for a maximum of 90 days in (an)other Schengen state(s) in any 180 day-period. Exception for those taking up employment and residence in Switzerland (Guidelines amended on 1st September 2022): Third Country nationals, holders of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen State, are now exempt from the visa requirement to take up employment and family reunification. The same rule applies to those who hold a valid D visa issued by a Schengen State.
Documents for non-EU/ non-Schengen nationals (see also: Stay in the Host States).
2. Organize your health insurance and social security
Health Insurance: all Users, Cooperation Associates (COAS) and Visiting Scientists (VISCs) specifically and all Associated Members of the Personnel (MPAs) in general must have health and accident insurance (including protection against occupational illnesses and occupational accidents) providing adequate cover in Switzerland and France, as well as in any countries visited on duty travel. Additionally, any accompanying family members must also have health and accident insurance providing adequate cover in Switzerland and France. If, for any reason, the home institution is unable to provide the MPA with such health and accident insurance, it must be obtained by the MPA..
3. Organize your relocation
Importation formalities (vehicles, furniture, etc.)
Pre-travel information
In addition to completing the necessary pre-arrival formalities, you need to find out about the following:
1. Cost of living and adequate financial resources
To inform your choice of place of residence, carefully look into the cost of living in France and Switzerland as prices vary significantly from one country to the other.
Pay particular attention to the adequate financial resources for Switzerland.
N.B.: a D visa for Switzerland only entitles you to take up residence in Switzerland, not France.
2. Life in the Local Area
Childcare, education, taxes, etc.
3. Important cultural notes
Head coverings (including when worn for cultural and religious reasons) are not authorised in official French ID documents, including in the mandatory special residence permit issued to CERN Associated Members of the Personnel taking up residence in the CERN Local Area. The passport photographs provided upon submission of the application will therefore need to comply with the requirements of the French authorities.
N.B.: head coverings are fully permitted on CERN documentation, such as access cards.
Certified/sworn translations of your personal documents (marriage certificate; birth certificate; CV; etc.) into French may be required by the local authorities or other private parties to complete official or personal formalities. As the cost of certified/sworn translations may be higher in France and Switzerland than in your home country, we advise you to get your documents officially translated before travelling.
