Highlights
- Switzerland is a sought-after destination for many expatriates due to its picturesque landscapes, stable high-tech economy, and low unemployment rate. While English is widely spoken, it is not an official language, thus learning one of the four national languages (German, French, Italian, or Romansh) could be beneficial. It offers a high standard of living with equally high costs of living, particularly in cities like Geneva, Bern, and Zurich.
- For those relocating to Switzerland, understanding the nuances of car registration is important. Depending on the origin country and its official language, newcomers may need to secure an international driving permit or Swiss driving license, with conditions varying significantly based on individual circumstances. Moreover, certain nationals from countries like Australia, the USA, and Japan have the provision to only take the theory exam to acquire a Swiss driving license.
- Individuals moving to Switzerland should be meticulously prepared while crossing the border, ensuring all their household goods and their values are declared in the customs declaration to avoid criminal offense charges. It is advised that people moving from New Zealand register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for assistance with the relocation process.
- Anticipating and understanding the financial obligations while living in Switzerland can aid in a smoother transition. With one of the highest costs of living globally, prospective residents should prepare for substantial rent costs, which do not typically include utilities and might require a deposit equating to three months’ rent in advance. Despite the high living costs, Switzerland promises an efficiently organized country boasting a high quality of life.
Switzerland – a beautiful, picturesque country that many people move to for a wide variety of reasons. Relocating to a foreign country can be as exciting as it seems and at the same time a bit frustrating.
There are many things to consider, plan and think about before you move to live in Switzerland. This country can give you a lot but you have to prepare in advance. When moving to Switzerland as an expat, you may be wondering: “What do I need to know?”.
The tips we will give you here plus info on the cost of living, customs regulations and car registration are what you should be informed of when relocating to this great country. You can easily make your move abroad simpler. After our guides on moving to Germany, relocating to Australia and the UK, it is time to present to you our guide with moving to Switzerland advice.
Moving to Switzerland Info
This neutral country uses 4 languages so if you are moving to Switzerland from a country speaking German (being spoken by the largest percentage of people), French (used more in the west), Italian (in the south), or Romansh, you will not feel that large language barrier if you spoke none of those 4 languages.
If you are moving to Switzerland from Canada, the UK, or another English-speaking country, then learning a bit of the local languages will be a relief. English is spoken but it is not an official language. The Confederation comprises of 26 cantons. It is a Federal Republic with about 8.7 million people population. 26% of those are foreigners according to OECD.org.
The country has various climates but most of it is temperate. The southern part is more mountainous and the southern has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are humid and warm. One of the unique features of Switzerland is that it has more than 1,500 lakes!
You can also enjoy the beautiful city of Basel with its medieval town center, Lucerne – an attractive tourist destination, Lausanne has plenty of museums you can visit and lots of other interesting places, from Winterthur, you can take a boat across Lake Zurich… The opportunities for fun and joyful experiences are countless in Switzerland.
The economy is stable and high-tech which makes the country an attractive center for those searching for largely new experiences not only in relation to climate and culture but also in terms of getting a job. Unemployment is minimal and compared to other developed countries, taxes in general are very low. It has free trade agreements worldwide and doing business there is relatively easy.
If you are moving to Switzerland from the US you will find health costs much lower; however, they are higher than compared to other European countries like Germany and France. It is good to study a bit about what the different parts of the country offer as this will matter in terms of finding the right job for you and choosing to live in an area where certain languages are more spoken.
If you are moving to Switzerland with pets, you can learn what to do step by step on the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs website.
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