How To Move to Switzerland (2024 Guide)
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Many Americans, Canadians, and EU citizens may be eager to move to Switzerland for its high quality of life and employment opportunities. In fact, more than 30% of Switzerland’s population is foreign-born. If you’re curious about a change, our guide below covers everything you need to know about how to move to Switzerland, including visa applications, moving expenses, housing, and more.
Reasons To Move to Switzerland
Switzerland has a lot to offer its citizens and residents beyond the beauty of the Alps. Here are some of its most noteworthy appeals:
Economy: Switzerland boasts low unemployment rates and ample job opportunities.
Education: Switzerland has a strong education system, and it’s affordable even if you attend a private institution.
Families: The country offers maternity and paternity leave. The government allows mothers up to 14 weeks of leave, and fathers get two weeks.
Healthcare: The government requires new residents to file for healthcare within the first three months of residency. The healthcare system and facilities are excellent.
Safety: Switzerland has an extremely low crime rate and is considered a safe country.
How To Move to Switzerland
The Swiss government has different guidelines for residents based on their nationality. European Union and European Fair Trade Association (EU/EFTA) citizens don’t need visas to live and work in Switzerland but must apply for permanent residency to stay longer than three months. Non-EU/EFTA residents must apply for visas to gain entry.
A Schengen visa, or a Type C visa, permits American visitors to stay up to 90 days for tourism, study programs, or special events. The visa costs 80 EUR for adults and 40 EUR for children aged six and older. It’s free for children under six. You need a passport to qualify.
You can file for a Type D visa if you plan to stay longer. The Swiss government advises long-term visitors to file for their visas two months before they intend to travel and six months before a move. Below, we outline long-stay visa types:
Retirement Visas
You must be 55 years old and have the financial means to live without government aid to qualify for a retirement visa. You can apply at the United States’ Swiss embassy. Applicants must get Swiss health and accident insurance and prove they have a connection to the country, such as owning property.
The 2023 Natixis Global Retirement Index rated Switzerland as the second-best country in which to retire based on global retirement security.
Reunification Visas
You can apply for a reunification visa if your partner, spouse, or parent already lives in Switzerland. You must be married or registered as partners to qualify, and your child must be younger than 18.
Families must also prove financial independence from government aid. The family member living in Switzerland must present their passport, marriage or partnership certificate, permit status, and visa status.
Student Visas
A student can apply for a visa if a Swiss university has granted them admission. Applicants must submit a certificate from the university, a curriculum vitae, proof of payment for school fees and housing, and a letter of intent confirming they will leave Switzerland upon completion of studies.
Work Visas
You can qualify for a work visa if you’ve secured employment in Switzerland. You must supply an offer letter from your employer and hold a managerial or specialist position to qualify.
Employers must prove they were unable to fill a particular position with an EU/EFTA citizen or a Swiss citizen and must file for a residence permit according to the local Swiss region in which you intend to live.
Permit Types Available to U.S. Citizens
Review the permit types available to U.S. citizens and how long each permit is valid:
- B Permit (Residence Permit): The B permit is a temporary residence permit and is valid for one year for non-EU/EFTA citizens. It can be renewed.
- C Permit (Settlement Permit): U.S. citizens can apply for this permanent residence permit after five years of continuous residence.
- Ci Permit (Residence Permit With Gainful Employment): This permit is for relatives of government employees or embassy workers. It is valid for as long as their family members have visas and permits.
- L Permit (Short-Stay Permit): The L permit is for residency that lasts up to a year. You can’t renew it.
Cost To Move to Switzerland
Moving internationally can get expensive, and it takes a lot of planning to move to Switzerland. Consider the following cost factors before confirming your move:
- Fees: You have to pay customs, import taxes, and fees as part of your move. Expect to add roughly 2% of what it costs to ship your belongings to your total bill for these fees.
- Housing: Expatistan estimates that the average rent in Switzerland for an 85-square-meter home is CHF 2,866 in 2024. That’s about $3,240 per month. Overall, the cost of living in Switzerland is about 17.5% higher than the United States average. Prices fluctuate depending on your destination.
- Insurance: Most international moving companies offer a standard insurance plan that covers about $0.60 per pound. Consider upgrading your insurance for long moves.
- Shipping: Your load’s size will affect how much you pay a moving company. Moving large items will cost more.
- Traveling: An airline ticket costs about $1,400, and traveling with a pet costs an extra $300 to $1,000.
- Vehicles: Shipping your car costs between $1,000 and $5,000. Your bill will depend on whether you ship via boat or air.
- Switzerland has a higher cost of living than many other places. Mercer rated Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, as one of the top three most expensive cities for international employees. Geneva, Basel, and Bern are also in the top ten.
Cost data in this section was sourced from Angi unless otherwise noted.
Finding a Place to Live
Population growth in Switzerland has made it competitive to find a home. A leading financial institution determined that the country is likely to face a shortage of 51,000 homes by 2026. It could take three to six months to find a place to live. You can hire a relocation services specialist to help you find the right home for you.
Tips for a Smooth Move to Switzerland
An international move can be especially stressful. Follow the tips below to ensure your move is both cost-efficient and low-stress:
- Cut costs by packing up your house and unpacking yourself.
- Determine which school your child will attend ahead of time.
- Secure all necessary paperwork and vaccinations for your pets.
- Learn the public transportation system.
- Open a bank account before you move.
- Purchase international health insurance.
- Study an official language that’s spoken in Switzerland. The official Swiss languages are German, French, Italian, and Romansh. More than 60% of the population speak Swiss German as their main language.
Conclusion
We recommend you visit Switzerland on a Schengen visa before deciding to make a permanent move. Contact a real estate agent or relocation specialist to find a home at least six months before your moving date, request quotes from recommended international moving providers, and consider upgrading your moving insurance.
FAQ About How To Move to Switzerland
How much money do I need to immigrate to Switzerland?
Many visas, such as retirement and student visas, require you to show proof you will be able to financially support yourself when you immigrate to Switzerland. Also, factor in move costs, including whether you require additional services such as vehicle shipping. Allied, a moving company that services some international moves, estimates that moving from the U.S. to Switzerland costs $3,450.
Can I live in Switzerland without a job?
You can live in Switzerland without a job, but you’ll have to meet certain criteria to do so. U.S. citizens must have sufficient funds and health and accident coverage to make the move. Students have to show proof of admission to a university, a study plan outlining their goals, and a curriculum vitae.
How do I apply for Swiss citizenship?
To apply for Swiss citizenship, expats must have lived in the country for at least ten years and possess a residence permit. You also have to speak French, German, Italian, or Romansh proficiently.
What is the difference between a resident permit and a work permit?
The difference between a resident permit and a work permit is that one allows you to live in a foreign location, and the other allows you to work there. Your employer must file for your work permit through cantonal immigration and employment market authorities. You can then file for a Switzerland resident permit through them.
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