Living and working 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.
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Currency
The Swiss Franc (CHF) is the official currency in Switzerland
Famous people
Some famous Swiss people are Roger Federer, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Ursula Andress
Population
Switzerland has ~8.7 million residents, many living in Zurich
Typical food
Émincé de Veau à la Zurichoise (veal, mushrooms, cream sauce), Swiss Fondue (melted cheese), Pâté Vaudois (meat based snack), Röstis (butter baked potatoes)
Avg. working week
Switzerland has an average of 34.6 hours per week
Location
Switzerland is in central Europe and borders France, Italy, Austria, Germany and Liechtenstein. The capital city is Bern
Languages
The official languages are German, French, Italian, and Romansh
Healthcare
Swiss healthcare is ranked high on a global scale. Everyone has access to essential healthcare
What you need to know about working in Switzerland
Switzerland is a popular destination for job seekers because of high salaries and high quality of life with work benefits such as social security, healthcare and insurances, annual leave, maternity/paternity leave, and pensions. This makes the job market a little difficult because the employer must prove why hiring a foreigner instead of a local is beneficial – you can read more about this HERE. However, it’s still a very dynamic market and one of the most prominent economic sectors is the tourism sector, which is constantly hiring locals and foreigners.
Zurich is a perfect city if you desire to boost your career. It attracts professional workers in the financial sector, which makes up for one quarter of the jobs. This makes up for ⅓ of the wealth of the city. In Zurich you will find job opportunities in the IT, computing, and engineering sectors. It is worth highlighting that the salaries in Zurich as an expat are high. It is true that the cost of living is high as well, but we can assure you that if you manage your spending well, you’ll end up saving way more than in any other country with a lower cost of living.
Work permits for EU/EFTA nationals in Switzerland
EU and EFTA nationals, i.e including Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, can stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days, due to 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.
Quick note: After BREXIT, residents from the UK are not included in this agreement.
Taxes in Switzerland
Taxes in Switzerland are divided into at least three levels. There are federal taxes, cantonal taxes, and communal taxes. Furthermore, if you have any religion you may have to also pay a church tax. However, the approximate sum of all these taxes is around 21% to 46% depending on your location, while the marginal wealth tax is about 0.15% to 1%.
Once you’re registered in any job in Switzerland or you are getting paid from Swiss sources, even for the 90 days the EU agreement permits, you are eligible to pay taxes in Switzerland.
What you need to fix when you move to Switzerland
Next to your work permit and tax registration, there are a couple of things you need to fix when you start living and working in Switzerland:
- Register your address; mandatory during your municipal registration
- Open up a local bank account; needed for salary payments
- Health insurance; mandatory in Switzerland. You must get basic health insurance within 3 months of arrival
- Get a local SIM card
Speak to one of our recruiters
Life in Switzerland
With breathtaking landscapes, including majestic Alps, lakes, and picturesque villages, Switzerland has natural beauty that inspires and attracts people from near and far. 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.
5 fun facts about Switzerland
- The shape of the flag of Switzerland made it world famous, it’s a square! A white cross on the red background can be seen on official buildings or during national holidays and events.
- Switzerland remained neutral during WWII, and they have in general remained famous for their neutrality. Switzerland is not a member of the European Union nor NATO nor European Economic Area.
- Around 25% of residents in Switzerland are foreigners. So, they are are really open to expats.
- They have one of the most strict laws regarding pets ownership. Social animals such as guinea pigs can’t live alone on the charge of abuse. Fortunately, to avoid pet-buying circles, pet-renting services work well.
- Despite being neutral in so many ways, Switzerland is well prepared in case of war. One of their defence strategies is placing explosives in every main centre of the country. Switzerland is also well prepared in case of nuclear attack, as cities are equipped with nuclear bunkers by law.
Typical food in Switzerland
Some of the cultural gems of Switzerland are found in the gastronomy section and there are two things which most probably came to your mind while reading this sentence. The first one is of course chocolate, known as the best in the world. You have probably heard about Toblerone and Lindt, right? Making chocolate in Switzerland is frequently close to art.
Some of the most popular Swiss dishes are:
- Émincé de Veau à la Zurichoise is a sliced veal with mushrooms cooked with a cream sauce and wine
- Swiss Fondue consists of one or two kinds of melted cheese mixed together with garlic and wine
- Pâté Vaudois (meat based crispy snack)
- Röstis is sliced potatoes baked with butter, which might be served with meat or eggs
- Malakoff de Vinzel, or le Luins, are simply balls of fried cheese
Famous desserts worth trying are definitely Leckerli, La Salée au Sucre or Le Gâteau Payernois. And when it comes to alcoholic drinks, their wine has to be mentioned. Especially the vineyard in Vaudois, which is even listed in UNESCO World Heritage List.
Finding accommodation in Switzerland
Finding accommodation in Switzerland can seem like a demanding task. However, remember that it’s not impossible to find accommodation on your own. Use online renting portals to see what prices are in which regions and how many offers are available. The average monthly rental costs in Switzerland:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €2,000-€3,100
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1,000-€1,500
- Room in a shared apartment: €800-€1,300
How expensive is living in Switzerland?
Switzerland is known for its high cost of living. It’s true that three of their major cities are ranking into the 10 most expensive cities in the world (Zurich, Bern and Geneva) but at the same time the salaries in Switzerland easily counterbalance this cost of living, having an average salary of around €6200. Below you can see examples of general expenses:
- Groceries: €420-€630 a month
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €25-€40
- Coffee in a café: €4-€6
- 0.5L Beer in a bar: €6-€9
- Gym membership: €50-€100 a month
- Cinema ticket: €15-€22
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.
The best way to make the most of living and working in Switzerland is to try to understand locals, respect their customs and learn the language of the region you live in. But even before, you will quickly realise why Switzerland is a well-known dream expat destination. There are plenty of benefits at work, magnificent nature, a constantly growing economy, and high salaries, which attracts people from afar. If you spend your money wisely you will meet no barrier to creating lifelong memories and at the same time developing your professional career.
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.
Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. Around 60% of the population speaks German and it will be easier for you to land a job in Switzerland if you speak German at a certain level. There are numerous apps dedicated to teaching Swiss German, so it would be great for you to start downloading one of those before getting into your Swiss journey. These apps are: Grüezi Switzerland, utalk Swiss German, Schweizerdeutsch Lernen and Dialäkt Äpp.
Pro tip: Try to learn Swiss-German, since it’s the variation of the language that is actually spoken in Switzerland.