Switzerland – Visas
Switzerland participates in the Schengen Area yet remains outside the European Union, producing a two-track immigration framework. Citizens…
Read more →
Your life in Switzerland starts here
Make your move to Switzerland
Alpine lakes, clean cities and exceptional safety define Switzerland, with excellent healthcare and tax rates that vary widely by canton. A lump-sum route offers a welcoming option for older arrivals.
Switzerland at a glance
Cost of living
Very high
Property
Very expensive
Healthcare
Excellent
Safety
Very safe
Climate
Cool (~10°C)
English
Very widely spoken
Expat community
Very large
Where Switzerland is strongest: healthcare #4 of 78safety #13 of 78size of expat community #17 of 81
Worth weighing up: property affordability #75 of 75cost of living #77 of 77visa ease #62 of 81
TaxCantonal rates vary, lump-sum regime for wealthy
Visa / residencyAge 55+ lump-sum route, work quota-capped, 10yr PR
General information to compare destinations, not personal financial, tax or immigration advice.
Health insurance in Switzerland
The dream is the easy part. Make sure you’re covered from day one: compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes, no obligation.
Moving your belongings too? Get up to 5 free quotes from international movers → Sending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates →
Plan your move to Switzerland
Loading the insurance checker…
Start here
Your first steps to Switzerland
Switzerland – Residency
Switzerland runs a structured, permit-based residency framework, jointly overseen by the federal State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and…
Read more →A little inspiration, once a month
Join our free monthly newsletter: stories, practical tips and everything you need to plan a new life abroad. No spam, ever.
Fresh from Switzerland
Latest articles
Understanding Your Swiss Pay Slip: Deductions and Benefits Explained
When moving to Switzerland, many expats find themselves navigating a new employment landscape. One of the most crucial…
Read more →How To Open A Bank Account In Switzerland
The banking secrecy and privacy laws of Switzerland are world-renowned. Starting as a way to protect wealthy European…
Read more →How To Rent Or Buy Property In Switzerland
Switzerland is a Central European country, home to numerous lakes and mountains, which is particularly well known for…
Read more →You won’t be the first
Real people who made the move
Rossella Meloni, Zurich
Who are you? I am an Italian who has been living overseas for the last 20 years.Where, when…
Read more →Menorca C, Basel
Who are you? I am an Indian expat in Europe, currently living in Switzerland. I work in research…
Read more →Diana, Geneva
Who are you? My name is Diana, I was born and raised in Mexico. I am currently living…
Read more →Sarah Ryrie, Steinhausen
Who are you? Sarah Ryrie, mum of two and wife to one(!). I am a full time mum…
Read more →Katrien David, Gruyère
Who are you? I’m Katrien David and was born and raised in Belgium. As most of the Belgians,…
Read more →Christina Popa, Geneva
Who are you? My name is Cristina and I am a Romanian national having lived abroad in at…
Read more →The complete picture
Switzerland moving guide
Switzerland – Air Travel
Despite being a small, landlocked nation, Switzerland boasts a remarkably comprehensive air travel network. Three major international airports…
Read more →Switzerland – Animal Welfare and Cultural Issues
Switzerland is consistently recognised as one of the most forward-thinking nations in the world when it comes to…
Read more →Switzerland – Banking
Among the world’s most reliable and sophisticated financial systems, Switzerland’s banking sector is overseen by FINMA and backed…
Read more →Switzerland – Buses and Trams
Switzerland’s bus and tram network enjoys a global reputation as one of the most seamlessly integrated public transport…
Read more →Switzerland – Buying or Importing a Car
Purchasing or bringing a vehicle into Switzerland is entirely possible for foreign nationals, but the process involves a…
Read more →Switzerland – Buying Property
Foreign nationals can purchase property in Switzerland, but the process is subject to strict legal controls. The central…
Read more →Switzerland – Car Rental
For most visitors and new arrivals, hiring a car in Switzerland is a relatively uncomplicated process. The minimum…
Read more →Switzerland – Citizenship
Swiss citizenship can be acquired through ordinary naturalisation (which demands at least 10 years of lawful residence and…
Read more →Switzerland – Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Switzerland occupies a distinctive position worldwide in its acceptance of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Swiss voters chose…
Read more →Switzerland – Cost of Living
Switzerland is almost universally recognised as one of the priciest nations on earth, consistently outranking the majority of…
Read more →Switzerland – Cycling
Switzerland is a genuinely bike-friendly nation with a thriving cycling culture, more than 11,000 kilometres of signposted routes,…
Read more →Switzerland – Dentists and Dental Treatment
Dental care in Switzerland operates almost exclusively through private providers — no public dental service exists for adults…
Read more →Need an international mover?
Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from trusted international movers who know the route to Switzerland, and compare them side by side.