Guide for Newcomers: Bern
Bern is Switzerland's federal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its medieval arcades, bear parks, and unhurried pace compared to Zurich. Home to federal government institutions, international organizations, and a thriving university city atmosphere, Bern attracts both civil servants and students. Rents are below Zurich levels, making it an attractive option for newcomers.
Capital
Bern
Population
1,071,216
Language region
Bilingual
First Steps After Arrival
After arriving in Bern city, register at the Einwohnerdienste Bern within 14 days. If you live in a commune outside the city (e.g. Köniz, Ostermundigen, Muri bei Bern), register at that commune's Einwohnerkontrolle. Permit questions and extensions are handled separately by the Migrationsdienst des Kantons Bern (MIDI).
Einwohnerdienste Bern
Predigergasse 5, 3011 Bern
bern.ch/einwohnerdienste
Registration deadline: within 14 days of arrival.
Required documents:
- Valid passport or national identity card
- Rental contract or accommodation confirmation
- Employment contract or proof of income
- For Status S holders: Permit N card
- Family documents: marriage certificate, children's birth certificates
- Registration fee: approx. CHF 25–35
Residence Permit
The Migrationsdienst des Kantons Bern (MIDI) at Ostermundigenstrasse 99B handles all residence permit processes. EU/EFTA citizens are registered at the Einwohnerdienste and their permit issued automatically. Non-EU nationals require the standard employer sponsorship and SEM federal approval process before arriving.
Health Insurance
Average health insurance premium (2026, adult, standard):
~CHF 470/month
Apply for Prämienverbilligung at be.ch/praemienverbilligung. Single-person households with income up to approximately CHF 65,000/year may qualify. The Sozialversicherungsanstalt Bern processes applications. Compare premiums at priminfo.admin.ch — Telmed and HMO models with CHF 2,500 franchise can reduce the premium to around CHF 300–340/month.
Main hospital: Inselspital Bern at Freiburgstrasse 18 (+41 31 632 21 11) — one of Switzerland's largest university hospitals. Lindenhofspital (+41 31 300 88 11) is another major facility. Emergency line: 144.
German Language Courses
BUAS (Berner Fachhochschule) – Deutschkurse
German language courses for newcomers, including integration courses subsidized by the canton. bfh.ch
Caritas Bern – Sprachkurse
Free and affordable German integration courses for newcomers with low income, Status S holders, and refugees. caritas-bern.ch
Migros Klubschule Bern
German courses from A1 to C1 at multiple Bern locations, from CHF 220 per course level. migros-klubschule.ch
Finding Housing
Average 1-room apartment rent:
CHF 1,400–1,800 / month
Bern offers more accessible housing than Zurich, though competition in the city centre is still significant. The city-run Wohnbaugenossenschaften (housing cooperatives) provide subsidized housing — long waitlists apply. For temporary housing, contact the Sozialamt Kanton Bern. Newcomers sometimes find short-term furnished rooms on Ronorp.net or Flatfox.ch.
Useful Contacts
| Office | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Migrationsdienst des Kantons Bern (MIDI) | Ostermundigenstrasse 99B, 3006 Bern | +41 31 633 56 11 | be.ch/migration |
| Sozialamt Kanton Bern | Münstergasse 45, 3011 Bern | +41 31 636 50 50 | be.ch/sozialamt |
| Einwohnergemeinde Bern – Einwohnerdienste | Predigergasse 5, 3011 Bern | +41 31 321 61 61 | bern.ch/einwohnerdienste |
| Inselspital Bern – Emergency | Freiburgstrasse 18, 3010 Bern | +41 31 632 21 11 | insel.ch |
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bern a good city for English speakers?
Bern is predominantly German-speaking. English proficiency is common among younger professionals and in the federal and international sector, but daily life — shops, bureaucracy, neighbours — largely operates in Bernese German. Learning High German (Hochdeutsch) is strongly recommended.
How do I commute within and around Bern?
Bern's public transport (Bernmobil — trams and buses) is excellent. A monthly city pass costs approx. CHF 78. The SBB mainline station (Bern Hauptbahnhof) connects to Zurich (58 min), Geneva (1h45) and Basel (55 min). S-Bahn covers suburbs. The city is also highly cycle-friendly.
Are there international schools in Bern for expat families?
Yes — the International School of Berne (ISB) in Gümligenand the École Française de Berne are the main options. Swiss public schools teach in German but are required to accept all resident children regardless of language level — integration support is provided.
Other Major Cantons
Explore our newcomer guides for other Swiss cantons:
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