×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Switzerland | What do I need to know before retiring in Switzerland? | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Muensterplatz in Basel, Switzerland

What do I need to know before retiring in Switzerland?

Answer this Question

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Switzerland, they said...

"1. It is important to research both Swiss federal law and local canton laws as these will impact your financial and lifestyle decisions as a retiree in Switzerland. 2. Consider taking language courses or hiring a translator to ensure you can effectively communicate with Swiss authorities and banks. 3. Research banking options to find the best plan for you, including checking cantonal banking services and account providers. 4. Make sure to have comprehensive health insurance in order to receive public health care benefits. 5. Look into tax treatment of your pension income and any other sources when determining how much of your pension income is taxable. 6. Check if residence permits are necessary for yourself or your family members when looking to live in Switzerland for over three months. 7. Examine cost of living before retiring in Switzerland, taking into account accommodation, groceries, transportation and other miscellaneous expenses. 8. Understand the social and cultural norms in Switzerland to ensure a smooth integration process into Swiss society," remarked another expat who made the move to Switzerland.

"Put a good dent in learning German before you get here. People are much more easier to deal with if you can speak to them in German," explained one expat living in Basel, Switzerland.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

Other Questions:

What do I need to know before retiring in Switzerland?

If you live in Switzerland, newcomers to Switzerland would love to hear your answer to this question.

If your answer relates to a specific city or town in Switzerland, please include the name of the city/town below:


About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Muensterplatz in Basel, Switzerland

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute to Switzerland Network Contribute
Help others in Switzerland by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Switzerland.

William Russell
William Russell

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides