Moving to Switzerland

Are you moving to Switzerland soon as an expat, military personnel, student, or simply because you want to live there? In this blog, you can read about what you need to arrange, where you can go, and discover some useful links.

Facts & Figures

Moving to a foreign country can be challenging. It is recommended to look into some facts and figures beforehand to prepare yourself and to make your arrival in Switzerland as convenient as possible.

  • Bern is the capital of Switzerland
  • Switzerland has its own currency: The Swiss Franc
  • The national languages are German, French, Italian, and Romansh  
  • Switzerland counts almost 9 million inhabitants
  • There are almost 2 million foreign expats living in Switzerland at the moment

 

Main cities

The largest population in Switzerland is concentrated in Zurich, which is not the capital of the country, Bern is. Over 400.00 people live there. Zurich is followed by Genève, Basel and Lausanne. Expats are mostly centralized in the bigger cities with the larger populations, simply because those places offer the most employment opportunities.

Moving to Switzerland

Check your visa requirements

Before moving to Switzerland, there are some things you should arrange. Citizens of Schengen countries are allowed to move to Switzerland without a visa, but a residence permit when staying over three months is essential. Residents from outside the Schengen countries will need a residence permit for working in Switzerland or for living there.

Health insurance

Switzerland is known for high-quality healthcare. Swiss citizens usually have a full health insurance for covering medical costs since health care in Switzerland is rather expensive. Expats are recommended to get complimentary health insurance when moving temporary to Switzerland.

Bank account

As an inhabitant of Switzerland, you will need a Swiss bank account to arrange all things finance after arriving. You can apply for a bank account before leaving your home country or you can choose to go to a Swiss bank yourself for opening an account upon your arrival. Most bank accounts can be used in the same week after application.

Daily life

Daily life in Switzerland is rather expensive. Public transportation is one of the best, most qualitative and punctual systems in the world, which comes with the necessary costs of course. Also (grocery) shopping in general is expensive in Switzerland, the same applies for going out to restaurants or bars.

Expat life with children

Living abroad with children means making adaptions regarding education. Luckily, the education system in Switzerland is one of the best with in the world. When it comes to health care for children, make sure to arrange a separate health insurance for children.

Useful links for moving to Switzerland
Expatica: Expat Guide - Moving to Switzerland
Living in Switzerland is an enticing proposition for expats, but what’s living there really like? We reveal all in this helpful guide.
Internations: Helpful facts about life in Switzerland
As you prepare for your move to Switzerland, use this guide to help you learn all you need to know about living in Switzerland.
Expat Arrivals: Pros and cons of living in Switzerland
Switzeland lures expats with high living standard. Discover what it really is like to move to Switzerland as an expat.
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