Your Expat Community in Switzerland

Living in Switzerland: Your Questions, Answered

If you’re a new or soon-to-be expat in Switzerland, you probably aren’t quite sure yet what it will be like. That’s why we gathered the answers to some key questions you may have about life in Switzerland. If you want to ask more specific questions — or even share your own tips — join InterNations! You’ll be part of a community of new and experienced expats who love to help each other out.

1. Is it necessary to speak the local language?
Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. While English is widely spoken, especially in business environments, it's recommended to learn the local language of the region you'll be living in. Speaking the local language can help you make friends, navigate bureaucracy, and better understand the culture.

2. What is the cost of living in Switzerland?
Switzerland is known for its high cost of living. Here are some average monthly expenses to give you an idea:

• Rent: Varies by location and type of accommodation
• Utilities: 100–200 CHF (108–216 USD) per month
• Groceries: 300–600 CHF (324–648 USD) per month
• Transportation: 70–150 CHF (76–162 USD) per month

3. What are the average rent prices in popular expat locations?

Zurich:

• Single-room flat: 1,500–2,500 CHF (1,620–2,700 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 3,000–5,000 CHF (3,240–5,400 USD) per month

Geneva:

• Single-room flat: 1,300–2,300 CHF (1,404–2,484 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 2,600–4,600 CHF (2,808–4,968 USD) per month

Basel:

• Single-room flat: 1,100–1,800 CHF (1,188–1,944 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 2,200–3,600 CHF (2,376–3,888 USD) per month

4. What is the healthcare system like in Switzerland?
Switzerland has a high-quality, universal healthcare system. All residents, including expats, are required to have health insurance. The system is funded through a combination of public and private contributions, and individuals can choose from a variety of insurance providers. Healthcare services can be expensive, but the coverage provided by insurance plans is comprehensive.

5. What's the process of obtaining a residence visa?
Non-EU/EFTA citizens need a visa to stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days. There are several types of visas, including work visas, student visas, and family reunification visas. The specific visa you need depends on your reason for moving to Switzerland, and you'll need to meet certain requirements and provide the necessary documentation when applying.

6. How safe is Switzerland for expats?
Switzerland is known for its safety and low crime rates. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. It's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

7. Can I drive in Switzerland with my foreign driver's license?
If you hold a valid driver's license from an EU/EFTA country, you can drive in Switzerland without any additional permits. If you have a license from

Embark on Your Life as an Expat in Switzerland

Switzerland may not have a coastline, but it has plenty of leisure activities, as the central European home to the mountainous high peaks of the Alps. Its exciting hiking trails and ski resorts are world famous. Its cities are also world-renowned, from the commercial hub of Zurich to the bohemian diplomatic Geneva. Most expats move to Switzerland for its banking and finance industries, as well as its chocolates. Switzerland's major cities have been praised for their excellent infrastructure and it was voted as the fourth best place for expats to live in the InterNations Expats Insider survey. Switzerland was also voted as the safest place to live, and as the country with the best travel and transportation and the country that offers the highest quality of life. Excellent living conditions and safe cities no doubt contributed to the results. Its strong economy draws expats from all over the world with low employment, a skilled labor force, and the highest per capita GDP in the world. Switzerland was also voted as the best country for expat education, so it is great for families.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Qatar or Saudi Arabia, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

Find Like-Minded People to Share Your Adventure in Switzerland With

In order to become a member of InterNations, all of those interested go through an approval process to ensure we uphold the high quality of our network. This way, you can rest easy that all of your interactions on InterNations, both online and offline, will be conducted in a safe environment. Once you have joined InterNations you will have instant access to the groups and events taking place in Switzerland. From Geneva's jazz lovers to Zurich's dancing and Latin clubs, if you have a hobby or interest that you are keen to start or continue you can do it through InterNations. And what's great about these groups is that you get to meet lots of like-minded expats that know exactly what you are going through and will be able to support you on your journey in Switzerland. To meet a wide range of international people with fascinating stories to share, you can also attend our larger community-wide social events.