Switzerland is a popular place for expats to find work, particularly those who are highly skilled; almost 50% of all executive jobs in the country are filled by foreigners. The country’s appeal is largely due to high salaries and a generally high standard of living. Consequently, competition for jobs is fierce, and opportunities are even more limited for those coming from outside the European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA).   more ...

The only way to register with the health system in Switzerland is to take out private health insurance (Soziale Krankenversicherung / Assurance maladie / Assicurazione-Mallatie) with a recognised Swiss healthcare insurance provider. There is no national health insurance scheme and employers do not offer healthcare plans.   more ...

Every Swiss resident faces the minimum monthly cost of a premium on a private health insurance policy. Healthcare cannot be accessed without it.   more ...

Switzerland spends more than any other European country on its healthcare, but the costs of actual treatment are paid directly by patients in the first instance. Every resident is required by law to have private health insurance to access the healthcare system, but before the insured patient can make a claim they are expected to pay out of pocket, for reimbursement later.   more ...

Switzerland has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, so it’s no wonder that pre-natal and post-natal care in the country ranks among the highest globally in terms of quality.

On average, women living in Switzerland give birth at 30.7 years of age. In 2018 there were 87,851 live births in the country, and the overall population is 8.57 million.   more ...

Around a third of medications in Switzerland can only be obtained with a prescription, whilst the rest can be bought over the counter in a pharmacy.

To obtain a prescription an individual needs to visit their doctor, who will write one out. Prescription medication is covered by the Swiss Mandatory Health Insurance (MHI), therefore its cost is paid by the individual’s health insurance policy.   more ...

With its beautiful scenery and low unemployment and crime rate, Switzerland is considered one of the countries in the world with the highest quality of life and the nation’s healthcare system matches this, ranking among the very best.   more ...

Switzerland has climbed seven places, knocking Singapore off the #1 spot in the HSBC Expat Insider survey. As a long-term favourite expat destination, it is no surprise that this stunning country has secured a position in the top 10 every year since 2011, and placed 8th in the 2018 survey.   more ...

We are all getting more conscious of the need to look after our planet. Around the world, initiatives to clean up the air, the oceans and the food we eat are taking effect. In the UK for example, shops are required by law to charge for plastic bags, seeing a massive drop in the amount of non-degradable junk going to landfill.   more ...

Switzerland has a worldwide reputation for low taxation but in reality, residents pay a wide and varied range of taxes. The key to it all will be whereabouts in the country you choose to live.   more ...