Documents and tips needed to rent an apartment

Accomodation, House and Garden
1
Hello everybody,

I'll soon come to Zurich to do a 6 month internship in a IT company. It's the first time for me that I go living out of my native home (in Italy), and I have some doubts about documents needed to rent an apartment and living there.

From what I've read and understood, you need a proof that you are employed (no problem for that), a copy of your passport (either), and...anything else? I don't think I need a work permit, because I'm from a country in the EU, but this wouldn't be a problem either, since my employer could provide me with that. Do I need a birth certificate from my native town? Do I need to register in some town office as soon as I arrive in Zurich (other than to the Italian consulate)?

Also, since last week I subscribed to hometown.ch, and I daily receive renting offers into my e-mail inbox: So far I've looked for small apartments (I'm single, that is I have no friends who are moving together with me) with kitchen and bathroom for less than 1000 CHF, in the entire city, and I found only very few offers...Could you give me some tips for finding an apartment? Is it better to rent unfurnished apartments and spend money on Ikea/2nd hand furnishment, or searching only for furnished apartments?

Of course, for the first days/weeks I'll live in hotel...

Thanks a lot for your help

2
Welcome to the forum. U definitely dont need the birth certificate.

All you need is a proof of employment / permit. Thats it.

The paperwork is not tough after the landlord decides to give you the apartment. What is tough is whether the landlord will give you the apartment based on your background, qualifications, race, colour etc. Please dont be surprised to see 100 people on a 1000-1500$ apartment for rental applying.

Good luck

3
For 6 months, I think it will be difficult to find a lease, and an apartment to yourself. Unless you plan on remaining in Switzerland after your internship, I would recommend looking for a Wohngemeinschaft (WG) which is a shared apartment or a befristet Untermeiter which is a short term sublet.

When you arrive in Zurich, you will have to register yourself at the Gemeinde (community) within 14 days, where they should take care of getting you a permit. Most likely you will get an L permit, based on your work contract.

4
Check the date of the post by the OP? 2007!!

5
Must need another coffee

6
Nah, you answered because a newbie replied to this very old post