Due to its high quality of life, work opportunities, education, high-quality healthcare, and scenic beauty, Switzerland is a very popular destination for immigration. Switzerland ranked 7th on the list of the best countries to live in the world, and three Swiss cities rank among the top 10 for quality of life: Zurich (2nd), Geneva (8th), and Bern (10th).
All of this makes Switzerland one of the top expat destinations. However, if you are not an EU or EFTA national, moving to Switzerland might be a bit harder. Here’s everything you need to know.
Get Covered Before You Move to Switzerland
Before you relocate, make sure you have the right health coverage in place. Compare top health plans and get expert guidance tailored to your move.
Switzerland is a landlocked country in Western Europe, bordered by Italy, Austria, France, Liechtenstein, and Germany.
Despite its relatively small size, it offers remarkable geographic diversity, from alpine peaks to scenic lakes and valleys.
The country has four national languages – German, French, Italian, and Romansh – reflecting its cultural diversity.
English is also widely spoken, particularly in larger cities and international hubs, making it relatively easy for foreigners to navigate daily life.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc as its official currency and has a population that is historically split between Protestant and Roman Catholic traditions. This balance contributes to the country’s strong sense of cultural identity and stability.
Globally, Switzerland is known for its iconic exports and traditions, including Swiss cheese, Lindt chocolates, and luxury watches like Rolex.
It is also famous for the stunning Swiss Alps and for the unique tradition of the Vatican City guards being Swiss nationals.
Swiss people are generally regarded as polite, orderly, and respectful of different cultures. At the same time, there is concern about “overforeignization,” which has led to policies such as visa quotas to manage immigration and maintain social balance.
Switzerland Immigration Rules
Depending on your nationality, there are different ways and rules for immigrating to Switzerland.
European Citizens (EU/EFTA/Schengen Countries)
There are no specific restrictions on the number of EU/EFTA citizens who can immigrate to Switzerland and obtain a residence permit each year.
Switzerland is not a part of the European Union. But it does enjoy free trade and freedom of movement benefits through its participation in the EFTA (European Free Trade Association) and the EEA (European Economic Area).
The freedom of movement allows EU/EFTA citizens to enter Switzerland without a visa and, however, they need to register and apply for a Swiss residence permit if they want to live there long-term (more than three months.)
Furthermore, Switzerland is part of the Schengen area, which comprises 26 countries. Schengen countries have a visa-free, border-control agreement among themselves.
Schengen citizens, like EU and EFTA citizens, can also move to Switzerland without a visa, but must apply for a residence permit if they plan to stay for more than 3 months. Read more about the Schengen Visa.
Non-EU/EFTA/Schengen Citizens
When it comes to non-EU citizens, certain rules apply.
Similar to Italy’s work visa, Switzerland issues an annual quota for open positions for highly qualified workers, and non-EU/EFTA/Schengen citizens must obtain a job offer that aligns with the quota before starting the visa process.
Your future employer must prove that no suitable person is available in Switzerland or an EU/EFTA state to fill the vacancy. You can expect the visa process to take between 2 and 3 months.
Health Coverage for Your Time in Switzerland
Whether you’re moving temporarily or long-term, make sure you’re protected. We’ll match you with plans based on your visa status, duration, and healthcare needs.
Apply for a Long Stay Swiss Visa for stays over 90 days ( here, we will focus on a work visa) – your employer takes responsibility for that part.
You will be asked to prepare all of your professional and academic documents to help your employer apply for the work visa.
Get a residence permit (everyone must apply for one if they want to move to Switzerland, even EU/EFTA nationals).
You must apply for a residence permit within 14 days of entering Switzerland at a local canton immigration office.
Switzerland is a federal republic with 26 cantons, each of which reserves the authority to decide which immigrants it will allow to enter, and each canton may have different requirements.
Typically, work immigrants apply for and are issued one of the two residence permits:
Residence Permit L
The Residence Permit L is a Swiss permit for short-term residence up to one year and is issued to immigrants who move to Switzerland to work in a specific job or company.
Most likely, you will be issued this residence permit. It can be renewed for up to 24 months.
Keep in mind that since this permit is linked to your work visa, you may not be granted a renewed residence permit if you change work.
Residence Permit B
The Swiss B Permit is called an initial or temporary residence because it can be renewed without restriction (unlike the residence permit L).
Therefore, it opens a path to a Swiss Permanent Residence Permit (Permit C), which you can obtain after living in Switzerland for 10 years.
Note that a residence permit B is issued for one year for non-EU/EFTA nationals, and five years for EU/EFTA citizens.
Swiss Healthcare System
Switzerland’s healthcare system is considered very effective, modern, and high-quality. While healthcare in Switzerland is considered universal, it is not free, not even for its own citizens.
In fact, all Swiss residents must have at least a basic level of health insurance, which can account for approximately 10% of their monthly salary.
Swiss healthcare is covered by the individual, not by your employer (unless it’s included in your expat package), or by taxes.
EU/EFTA nationals residing in Switzerland can obtain basic healthcare through the European Health Insurance Card; however, it is only valid for short-term residency.
All expats must buy health insurance in Switzerland; in fact, all new long-term residents must obtain a health insurance plan within 3 months of arrival, which covers around 80%-90% of common healthcare costs.
Hospitals in Switzerland are of high quality, and especially in larger cities, you can expect doctors and nurses speaking English.
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While the cost of living in Switzerland might seem high compared to other European countries, earnings are high as well. Zurich, Bern, and Geneva consistently rank among the world’s 10 most expensive cities.
The national average salary in Switzerland is USD 95,023.92 per year, or USD 7,918.66 per month. You can compare .
Example Costs of Living in Switzerland
Rent in Zurich City Center: from approximately 2,704 USD for 1 bedroom to approximately 6,782 USD for a 3-bedroom apartment per month
Monthly utilities, such as water, electricity, heating, and garbage, depend on the building and your usage, but range from 204 USD to over 500 USD
Eating out: a meal for one person in an inexpensive restaurant can range from approximately 23 USD to 50 USD
Cinema ticket: approximately 23 USD
1 liter of milk in the supermarket: approx 7.3 USD
Monthly public transportation pass in Zurich: 99 USD
Please note that these prices are approximate. One thing to note is that rent and monthly utilities are the biggest expenses when moving to Switzerland.
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