Expatriates
Welcome to Switzerland
Switzerland is best known for chocolate, watches and their banks. But it has much more to offer. On this side we would like to support you as an expat in order to make your stay in Switzerland the most comfortable. Therefore we collected relevant information about the private and business life in Switzerland. Please feel free to e-mail us if you have any queries: e-mail
Housing
In comparison housing in Switzerland is quite expensive. However, the buildings are clean, built of high quality and normally the way to work is not that long as in other metropolis.
Homegate - largest network for flats and houses in Switzerland
Immoscout24 - second largest network for flats and houses in Switzerland
Law
The Swiss law collection is available on the official side of the Swiss Federal Auhorities: www.admin.ch. Here is the direct link:
Normally your employer will assist you in all legal aspects of your new homebase in Switzerland. However, sometimes it makes sense to get in touch with an independent lawyer. Here are a few trusted partners:
Voillat Facincani Sutter + Partner - ask for Nicolas Facincani
BodmerFischer - ask for Moritz Naef
Taxes
Taxes in Switzerland are paid on your total income, on your real estate and on your wealth. Basically taxes in Switzerland are low in comparison with other countries. However, there are even large differences between the cantons in Switzerland. For example the canton Zug is well known for its low taxes while the canton of Waadt is known for high taxes. In the end it depends on how you optimize you incomes. Therefore it's useful if you get in touch with tax experts in Switzerland.
Cars/public transportation
SBB - the national railway coporation
ZVV - local railway corporation Zurich area
BVB - local railway corporation Basel area
Schools
It's unusual to send your children to private schools in Swizerland because the public schools are very good and professional. However, there are international schools and private colleges all over Switzerland. Here are a few:
NSH - Private school in Basel
HWS - Private School in Basel
HSO - Private School in Zurich
Culture
Swiss speak at least two languages which is German and French and most people also speak English. Swiss are always open to meet new poeple from different cultures. Most of the people know foreign countries quite well because they usually spend their holidays abroad. You can find more information about the Swiss culture on mySwitzerland.com
Important contacts
Local authorities Canton Zurich
Local authorities Canton Lucerne
Local authorities Canton Basel
Police: dial 117
Firebrigade: dial 118
Emergency Medical Services: dial 144
Insurances
All insurances in terms of your employee relation have to be provided by your employer. These are: social security insurance, unemployment insurance, accident insurance. These three insurances are paid half by your employer and half by you. Often you also get a sickness leave insurance. Additionally your employer has to contribute to your pension fund.
The main insurance groups in Switzerland may help you and support you with additional insurances for your family, cars, house etc.
Moving
There are a couple of international moving companies that will help you with all aspects of your new home in Switzerland:
Sports
Swiss people love to play football, volleyball, basketball, tennis and they like to do all kinds of wintersports. Sports like american football, baseball or cricket are not popular, however there are some local clubs. Swiss also like to go to the gym and you will find all kinds of fitness chains in your city. If you want to do sports, the best way is to join a local club in your city.
Meeting locals
Swiss like to go clubbing or having after work parties. The easiest way is to go out with your colleagues at work.