Guide for Newcomers: Vaud (Lausanne)
Vaud is a large, French-speaking canton on the shores of Lake Geneva, with Lausanne as its vibrant capital. Lausanne hosts the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Court of Arbitration for Sport, several major international companies, and the prestigious EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne). The canton offers stunning lake and mountain scenery, a dynamic cultural scene, and a more relaxed pace than Geneva — at somewhat lower cost.
Capital
Lausanne
Population
855,106
Language region
French-speaking
First Steps After Arrival
Newcomers to Lausanne register at the Contrôle des habitants within 14 days of arriving. Other Vaud communes have their own offices — check your commune's website. The Service de la population (SPOP) at Avenue de Beaulieu 19 in Lausanne handles all cantonal permit matters, renewals, and status changes.
Contrôle des habitants de Lausanne
Place de la Riponne 10, 1014 Lausanne
lausanne.ch/habitant
Registration deadline: within 14 days of arrival.
Required documents:
- Valid passport (non-EU) or national ID card (EU/EFTA)
- Rental contract or written accommodation confirmation
- Employment contract (for B permit)
- For Status S holders: Permit N card
- Family documents: marriage certificate, children's birth certificates
- Registration fee: approx. CHF 20–40
Residence Permit
All residence permit processing for Vaud canton is handled by the Service de la population (SPOP). EU/EFTA citizens with a valid employment contract register at the Contrôle des habitants and receive a B permit. Non-EU nationals require the standard federal sponsorship process. SPOP also handles extensions, family reunification, and changes of cantonal status.
Health Insurance
Average health insurance premium (2026, adult, standard):
~CHF 500/month
Apply for Subsides d'assurance maladie (premium reductions) at vd.ch/subsides. Vaud has relatively generous income thresholds — a single person earning up to approx. CHF 60,000/year may qualify. The Service des assurances sociales et de l'hébergement (SASH) administers subsidies. Compare premiums at priminfo.admin.ch — Telmed models in Vaud save approximately 20–25% vs. standard.
Main hospital: CHUV (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois) at Rue du Bugnon 46 (+41 21 314 11 11) — one of Switzerland's five university hospitals. Clinique Bois-Cerf and Clinique Cecil are major private facilities in Lausanne. Emergency line: 144.
French Language Courses
ÉLAN – Cours de français
Free French integration courses for permit holders and Status S residents in the Vaud region. Various levels, mornings and afternoons. elan-vd.ch
Lire et Écrire Vaud
French literacy and integration courses for newcomers with basic language skills. Free for qualified participants. lire-et-ecrire.ch/vaud
OSEO Vaud – Intégration
French courses and professional integration support for migrants. Priority for Status S holders and permit holders. oseo-vd.ch
Finding Housing
Average 1-room apartment rent in Lausanne:
CHF 1,600–2,000 / month (Lausanne)
Lausanne's housing market is competitive but less extreme than Geneva. Suburban communes like Renens, Prilly, Crissier, and Morges offer lower rents (CHF 1,400–1,700) with excellent tram and bus connections to Lausanne. Students can try EPFL housing or Unigestion residences. For emergency housing support, contact the Service social Lausanne.
Useful Contacts
| Office | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service de la population (SPOP) | Avenue de Beaulieu 19, 1014 Lausanne | +41 21 316 41 11 | vd.ch/spop |
| Service social Lausanne | Avenue Jomini 14, 1004 Lausanne | +41 21 315 75 75 | lausanne.ch/social |
| Contrôle des habitants Lausanne | Place de la Riponne 10, 1014 Lausanne | +41 21 315 33 00 | lausanne.ch/habitant |
| Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) | Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne | +41 21 314 11 11 | chuv.ch |
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak French to live in Vaud?
French is the official language of Vaud. English is widely spoken in international organizations, EPFL/UNIL, and tourism-related work, but daily life — administration, shopping, neighbours, local jobs — operates in French. Investing in French from day one is essential for integration.
What is the IOC and how does working there affect my permit?
The International Olympic Committee headquartered in Lausanne employs internationally recruited staff who typically receive a legitimation card from the Swiss DFAE rather than a standard permit. If you are locally recruited at an IOC-adjacent company, a standard B permit applies.
How is transport between Lausanne and Geneva?
Lausanne to Geneva by direct IC train takes 33–40 minutes. The TL (Lausanne public transit) monthly pass costs approx. CHF 76. The M1 and M2 metro lines connect the lake area to the university and train station. Many Vaud residents work in Geneva and commute daily.
Other Major Cantons
Explore our newcomer guides for other Swiss cantons:
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