Moving to Switzerland

"It is important to be aware that there are four official languages of Switzerland: German, French, Italian, and Romantsch. Depending on where you are moving to, language proficiency may be important to learn before relocation. Moreover, Switzerland is a highly regulated country, with a lot of paperwork and fees required for administrative procedures. Expats should familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations before moving. Additionally, the cost of living in Switzerland can be quite high. To help manage these costs, some employers may provide cost of living compensation packages. Furthermore, Swiss health care is world class, but expats should be aware of the requirements necessary to be eligible to use the system. Finally, Swiss culture is rooted in tradition, while at the same time being open to the world, making it a great country to move to," said one expat in Switzerland.

"www.immoscout.ch is a good website to find houses/apartments, both for sale and for rent. When you consider to buy a house: - may be a good idea as mortgage interest rates are low - keep in mind that a bank will not give mortgages for more than 80% of the value of the house. You need to finance the rest of the house yourself - check which legal conditions you must oblige when buying property. In particular, try to organise your work/stay permit before you buy, as this will make buying conditions easier and cheaper," explained one expat living in Olten, Switzerland.

"We wanted the 'vacation home' type of chalet. We opted for view, ease of access to town, friendliness of townfolk and one of the most important--are they willing to speak English. Since we don't speak another language, this was very important," said one expat in Wengen.

"The best way to find a place to live in Switzerland is to contact a local real estate agent. This will give you access to the largest selection of properties, and the agent will be able to guide you through the process of signing a contract and finding the right place for you. You can also find listings on websites such as Immoscout24 or Homegate.ch. Additionally, if you are a student, many universities have accommodation services that can help you find suitable accommodation," said one expat who made the move to Switzerland.

"Expat homes and apartments in Switzerland typically offer spacious layout, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and modern furnishing. Many homes and apartments come with modern kitchens with state-of-the-art appliances, designer bathrooms, and ample storage space. They often have balconies with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Alps and Lake Geneva. Expat homes and apartments are usually in close proximity to amenities, such as shops and restaurants. In addition, public transport is usually conveniently located nearby," said one expat in Switzerland.

"It's a ski chalet, 2 bdrm, 1 1/2 bath with a large loft. It can easily sleep 8-10 people. The shower (and when the electricy turns off and on) is the pacing item here," said one expat who made the move to Wengen.

"About the same as in the San Francisco Bay Area. A nice small (100 sq. meters) ski chalet is about USD 450,000. I think that's because it is in a tourist area. I know that some places of comparable size are less expensive in Interlaken," remarked one expat who made the move to Wengen.

"The average cost of housing in Switzerland is generally quite high, with the most expensive cities such as Zurich, Geneva, and Basel costing significantly more than the national average. Housing costs are affected by location, so prices can also vary greatly according to the size of the property, its condition and the availability of services such as shops and transport in the local area. The cost of renting accommodation in Switzerland is often more affordable than buying property, although even this can be relatively expensive compared to other countries," explained one expat living in Switzerland.

"Deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Switzerland may depend on a variety of personal factors, such as budget, desired location, timeframe, and housing needs. Generally, purchasing a home may offer more long-term stability than renting, but it may also involve higher up-front costs, such as down-payments, closing costs and various taxes. Renting generally delivers more flexibility, but renters may also have to deal with fluctuating rental rates and shorter-term agreements. By considering one’s needs and financial means, one can make an informed decision about buying or renting in Switzerland," explained one expat living in Switzerland.

"When moving to Switzerland, it is important to pack practical, warm clothing, as the country has a temperate climate and can get quite cold during the winter. Additionally, packing a few items to help you stay connected to home, such as photographs and items like framed pictures, can help ease the transition. Due to the French, German, and Italian influences, it is a good idea to bring along some basic knowledge of those languages, as well. As for electrical items, be sure to check and make sure that your items will be compatible in Switzerland, as the voltage and frequency may be different than in your home country. Lastly, don't forget to pack your passport to ensure you receive the same protection abroad as you would at home," said one expat in Switzerland.

"This is crazy but Miracle Whip, Saltine Crackers, and KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce are things I can't live without. When we shipped our goods to Switzerland we included about 15 bottles of hair shampoo! Unless you are addicted to a specific kind/type--leave those kinds of things at home," remarked one expat who made the move to Wengen.

"No particular things for myself - as I have a Swiss wife, she could very well prepare me for moving to and living in Switzerland. - There are no real needs to bring to Switzerland. Anything you need is available here as well. - Don't bring washing machines, tumblers, kitchen appliances, as they usually belong to / come with the house or apartment that you buy or rent. Moving these things is very unusual in Switzerland. - When you bring electrical equipment: check plugs and voltage. Swiss electricity comes at 230V/50Hz and plugs and sockets are of type "J", which means that any plug of type "C" or "J" will fit into a Swiss socket, and any other plug won't. - Switzerland is expensive. In particular, medicins, health care and body care products are very expensive. Many Swiss buy them abroad (in Germany) whenever possible. - Switzerland has the best public transport system of Europe, and one of the best of the world. Living without car may be very well possible for you in Switzerland - consider this when you plan to import a car," explained one expat living in Olten, Switzerland.

"It is important to be aware of local customs when visiting Switzerland. Public displays of affection such as hugging and kissing are generally seen as inappropriate, particularly among strangers. It is also important to be punctual when making arrangements with Swiss people. Showing up late may be seen as unprofessional and disrespectful. Additionally, it is considered rude to wear shoes inside the home, so it is best to take them off when entering someone's home. With regard to tipping, Swiss culture does not heavily emphasize tipping and is considered an optional gesture," explained one expat living in Switzerland.

"hmmmm... Swiss sometimes do not understand German jokes. I laugh but the Swiss don't," said one expat in Zurich.

"Switzerland is renowned for its high quality of life and numerous employment opportunities. The country is also known for its stunning landscape, vibrant cities, culture and superb transport system. Expats are also drawn to the country thanks to its excellent education system, low crime rate and renowned banking sector. Additionally, Switzerland has low taxes and offers expansive access to the European Union (EU). The country also prides itself on its strong sense of neutrality and international recognition for its stability and neutrality," wrote one expat living in Switzerland.

"Healthcare services in Switzerland are provided by both public and private providers. The public healthcare system is funded by taxes and is available to all Swiss citizens and permanent residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally high, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. Foreign residents are also eligible for public healthcare, although they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats in Switzerland can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee for some services. They may also choose to purchase private health insurance, which can provide additional coverage," remarked one expat in Switzerland.

"Health Insurance is mandatory but privately paid by the insured. Cost is regulated for basic requirements but supplemental is at providers discretion. Can be expensive," commented one expat living in Lausanne.

"Switzerland has a highly developed healthcare system that provides excellent medical services. The country has a comprehensive network of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer a wide range of medical services. Swiss doctors are highly trained and experienced in providing quality medical care. The country also has a well-developed system of health insurance that covers most medical expenses. In addition, Switzerland has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized treatments and services," commented one expat who moved to Switzerland.