Live and work in Switzerland
Switzerland is famous for their stunning mountainous landscapes, great economy, watches, and Swiss chocolate. do you also wonder what it is to actually live there?
Here we will give you more insight on the cool country.
Popular cities in Switzerland
Life in Switzerland
With breathtaking landscapes, including majestic Alps, serene lakes, and picturesque villages, Switzerland boasts natural beauty that inspires wonder every day. The country is known for its high standard of living, efficient public services, and excellent education and healthcare systems. Swiss cities, like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern, are vibrant and multicultural, offering a mix of modernity and tradition.
Furthermore, Switzerland’s strong economy provides diverse job opportunities, attracting professionals from all over the world.
Quick facts about working in Switzerland:
- Average working hours per week: 34.6 hours
- Typical working day: Between Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Number of Vacation days: 20 days / 4 weeks
- Commute: Mostly by bus, train/tram
- Work culture: Flat hierarchy
Quick info about Switzerland
Typical food
Swiss chocolate, Swiss cheese, Émincé de Veau à la Zurichoise (sliced veal with mushrooms, cream sauce), Swiss Fondue (one or two kinds of melted cheese), Pâté Vaudois (meat based crispy snack), Röstis (sliced potatoes baked with butter)
Population
~8.7 million people
Location
Switzerland is in central Europe and borders France, Italy, Austria, Germany and Liechtenstein. The capital city is Bern.
Languages
German, French, Italian, and Romansh
Famous people
Roger Federer, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Ursula Andress
Currency
Avg. working week
Average of 34.6 hours
Healthcare
Swiss healthcare is ranked high on a global scale. Everyone has access to essential healthcare.
Other countries nearby
FAQ
EU and EFTA nationals, i.e including Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, can stay in Switzerland freely up to 90 days, this is because of the Agreement on the Free Movement of People, however if you’re planning to work and live in Switzerland, you need to ask your employer to register your employment either through the government’s online portal or with the local canton authorities (since each canton, or district, has their own regulations) in order to get a work permit and be able to stay longer, this has to be done before starting your job.
You can read more by clicking here.
After BREXIT, residents from the UK are not included in this agreement.
Switzerland has four official languages; German, French, Italian and Romansh, but 60% of the population speaks German and it will be more useful to land a job in Switzerland if you manage to speak German at a certain level.
Tip: Try to learn Swiss-German, since it’s the variation of the language that it’s actually spoken in Switzerland.
There are numerous apps dedicated to teach Swiss German, so it would be great for you to start downloading one of those asap before getting into your swiss journey. These apps are: Grüezi Switzerland, utalk Swiss German, Schweizerdeutsch Lernen and Dialäkt Äpp.
Switzerland experiences a varied climate due to its diverse topography. In the lowlands, like Zurich and Geneva, summers average around 20-25°C, while winters see temperatures ranging from -2°C to 7°C. In the mountainous regions, such as the Alps, temperatures are cooler, with summers averaging 15-20°C and winters ranging from -5°C to 0°C. It’s essential to be prepared for temperature fluctuations, especially in mountainous areas, where weather conditions can change rapidly.
Getting around in Switzerland is a breeze due to its efficient and extensive transportation network. The country has a well-developed system of trains, trams, buses, and boats, making travel between cities and regions convenient and punctual. The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited access to public transportation and allows exploration of the picturesque landscapes with ease. Additionally, cycling and walking paths are abundant, encouraging eco-friendly commuting and leisurely exploration.
Healthcare in Switzerland is renowned for its high quality and accessibility. The country has a universal healthcare system, providing comprehensive medical services to all residents. Private and public health insurance options are available, ensuring that everyone has access to essential healthcare services. Switzerland’s healthcare system consistently ranks among the top in the world, offering advanced medical facilities and well-trained healthcare professionals.
Still not convinced about Switzerland?
The Swiss people value work-life balance, and outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and biking are easily accessible. Safety, cleanliness, and efficient public transport are part of everyday life. The Swiss are known for their punctuality, precision, and hospitality.
Moving to Switzerland you may experience a real culture shock. Not because Switzerland is specific in one, certain way. Just the opposite, a multicultural environment speaking four languages, none of which is English, might be overwhelming when you are not prepared for that. Of course, English is well known in society, however, it may get lost in diversity. The overall level of the country’s order is incredible and nationals are proud of it, but you may not find it out directly from them, since Swiss people appreciate privacy a lot.
Making friends with locals is often hard at the beginning, they are quite reserved toward expats, because the international community has been tense for a long time already. But don’t let it make you feel bad, they like privacy but after some time they will let you join their circle. Start from your colleagues, after all these are people you meet on a daily basis, so creating a bond shouldn’t be a problem!
