I have a Swiss citizen friend who can be a guarantor.
They are not answering my email nor do they pick up the phone, that's why I'm trying to ask here
Is it possible to get the insurance for the rental deposit from swisscaution if I don't have a permit? I mean I am moving to Switzerland now, I can only start the application to the permit once I'm there... (EU student)
I suspect the easier route is to rent a serviced place or AirBnB for a few months, get registered, and then ask for SwissCaution once you've found a flat and agreed to sign a lease.
It seems unlikely they would guarantee a non-resident. What would be in it for them?
As it says on the website:
*For others permits, one guarantor must be resident in Switzerland.
I can recommend a serviced apartment! Are you a Phd researcher with partner & kids in tow (babe in arms even). Not that much more, less even, if you go for something small that will do and promise SWMBO something larger when you get the permit. There is nothing like being able to view stuff locally, just hire a car and cruise the districts. It cost me 30% above market for 2 or 3 months, but I squeezed us all into a 50% smaller 1.5 as it was temporary and we had room service! In the end, driving about we found a monster Des Res, 15 mins from Zurich (Baden Alt Stadt). Taxes were high in AG but then most don't earn much at first.
I see you mention St Gallen in posts, so not applicable, but in Zurich, generally regarded as more expensive, we rent rooms, all bills inclusive from 500chf pcm cycling distance to ETH.
Not suggesting you break the law, but we rent a decent keller platz lock up in St Margarets, St Gallen, for 150pcm (historical reasons). Toilet access with a key is 20chf extra, and there is a sink for all (once part of a warhroom). We got broken into, strangely nothing taken, and we asked our neighbouring renter to keep a look out. He invited us in, he lives down there It seems like there might be an alternative subculture that old crusties on here don't know about
If you do not have a permit yet, I think renting an apartment which requires a deposit is not a good idea. As far as I know deposit insurance, Swiss Caution, or some of the other firms, will only consider you if you have a permit.
Can you not stay with a friend initially? Otherwise look for a short term furnished place. Does your school offer any suggestions for housing initially? I think you will be studying in St. Gallen.