What you need to know about moving to Switzerland

Switzerland has much more to offer than chocolate and snow-capped peaks—it’s a country built for efficiency, stability, and opportunity. You can hike before lunch, then hop on a train that arrives precisely on time. For professionals, Switzerland combines career opportunities with a lifestyle that prioritizes balance and well-being. 

But moving there isn't as simple as booking a one-way ticket. You’ll need to understand the requirements to move to Switzerland, including strict visa and permit rules, as well as manage logistics like housing and healthcare. 

Whether you’re moving independently or relocating for work, this article lays out what it takes to make a smooth transition. Explore the key benefits of moving to Switzerland, the steps you’ll need to take, and what to know once you arrive. 

Why move to Switzerland?

Switzerland promises a rich quality of life that draws many people to move there every year. In 2024 alone, the number of immigrants entering Switzerland surpassed 200,000. Here are some of the benefits of moving to the country:

• A thriving, stable economy: Ranked among the world’s most resilient economies, Switzerland is home to powerhouse companies like Nestlé and Novartis, a strong financial sector, and a workforce known for precision. Low unemployment and a focus on innovation make it a fertile ground for career growth.
• High salaries: Salaries in Switzerland tend to outrank many other countries, including the U.S., in both specialized fields and professions like teaching, engineering, and hospitality. While the cost of living in Switzerland is high, wages support a lifestyle many describe as clean, organized, and comfortable. 
• Healthcare and education excellence: Switzerland’s regulated, privately run healthcare system keeps wait times short and quality of care high. Education is equally strong, with world-class universities and a wide network of international schools for families relocating.
• Safety and political stability: With low crime rates, steady governance, and a history of neutrality, Switzerland is one of the safest countries to live in.
• Cultural diversity: You’ll hear French in Geneva, Swiss German in Zurich, Italian in Ticino, and even Romansh in parts of Graubünden. This rich cultural diversity supports a truly global professional environment. Add seamless travel links across Europe, and Switzerland becomes both a home base and a gateway to the world. 

What to consider before moving to Switzerland

Relocating anywhere comes with its share of hurdles. While there are numerous reasons moving to Switzerland might be appealing, it’s important to understand what challenges you may face. Here are a few things worth preparing for: 

• High living costs: From groceries to housing, Switzerland regularly ranks as one of the most expensive countries in the world. While competitive salaries may offset expenses, budgeting carefully is essential—especially in major cities like Zurich and Geneva, where the cost of living is highest.
• Strict visa and permit requirements: The country has clear, tightly enforced policies around residence and work permits, and non-EU nationals typically need a job offer before applying for a visa. Understanding the full scope of Switzerland's immigration requirements is key to avoiding delays.
• Language barriers: English is common in cities and business settings, but daily life often runs in the local language, which could be German, French, or Italian, depending on your region. Knowing a few basic phrases helps, and in some cases, it may even be required for permit renewals. 
• Cultural norms: Precision and punctuality are part of the national DNA. Workplace dynamics and interactions may feel more formal, but many international workers grow to appreciate the sense of structure and clarity. 
• Alpine winters: Switzerland’s alpine beauty comes with long winters. Cities like Geneva and Bern stay fairly mild, but mountain regions can experience heavy snow and limited daylight during peak winter months. 

How to move to Switzerland

The process of moving to Switzerland starts long before your flight lands. It involves a few key steps based on your nationality, employment status, and long-term plans. Here’s what to do when preparing to move. 

1. Secure a job offer

Unless you’re a student or moving to reunite with family, you’ll typically need to secure a job in Switzerland before applying for a residence permit. Americans and other non-European Union and European Free Trade Association (EU/EFTA) nationals fall under the “third-country” category, and the employer must prove that their skills aren’t readily available in the local talent pool. If you plan to work remotely for a non-Swiss company, you’ll still need to follow the country’s residence and tax laws. 

2. Choose the right visa and permit

Typically, you’ll apply for a long-stay visa first, then a residence permit once you arrive. There are often stricter requirements for third-country nationals, such as holding advanced qualifications or possessing several years of professional experience. 

3. Plan for housing and finances

Rental housing in Switzerland is competitive, so it’s a good idea to start researching neighborhoods and properties well in advance. You’ll also want to open an account with a Swiss bank, but note that some banks may ask for a residence permit first. If you’re still waiting on official documents, a signed work contract may be enough to get you started.

4. Prepare for the cost of relocating

How much it costs to move to Switzerland varies based on the amount of personal belongings, services used, and where you’re coming from. A move to Switzerland from the U.S. can start around $3,500 and increase quickly depending on your needs. Be sure to factor in permit application fees, insurance, and short-term housing if you arrive before finding a long-term solution.

Visa and immigration options

Your visa path in Switzerland depends on why you’re relocating—whether for work, school, or family reunification. Below are the main long-stay visa options.

Work visas

To work in Switzerland, you’ll need a job offer before applying for a visa. Work visa applicants need to demonstrate specialized skills, such as advanced degrees or several years of experience in a high-demand field. For longer-term employment, you’ll apply for both a work visa and a Swiss residence permit. Employers usually handle much of the application process for foreigners, but you’ll need to register with the cantonal authorities once you arrive. Some international employees relocate through third-party arrangements, such as an employer of record. This lets foreign companies legally employ workers in Switzerland and provide visa sponsorship without setting up a local entity.

Student visas

If you’re planning on studying in Switzerland, you can apply for a student visa once you've been accepted by an accredited Swiss institution. Applicants must show proof of enrollment, a study plan, and evidence of sufficient financial resources. A residence permit is issued for the duration of your program, with renewals available. 

Family reunion visas

Close family members of Swiss residents may qualify for a family reunion visa. Eligibility and requirements vary based on your nationality and the type of permit your relative holds. Generally, spouses, registered partners, and dependent children can apply. You’ll also need to demonstrate proof of adequate housing and financial independence. 

While Switzerland doesn’t currently offer a digital nomad visa, certain residence permits may allow remote workers to live in the country if they meet the requirements. Remote work laws vary widely, so it’s worth getting legal advice to understand how Swiss immigration rules apply to your situation.

Living and working in Switzerland

Here’s a quick look at what to expect while living and working in Switzerland:

• Work-life balance: The average workweek is around 40–42 hours, with Sundays largely reserved for rest. Generous vacation policies, strong social protections, and mandatory health insurance mean a high quality of life.
• Healthcare insurance: Healthcare in Switzerland is high quality but comes at a price. Everyone is required to purchase private health insurance and premiums can be costly. On the plus side, the care system is efficient, accessible, and consistently well-rated.
• Tax obligations: Switzerland's tax system varies by canton, so where you live affects how much you’ll pay. On top of that, if you’re a U.S. citizen, you must still file with the IRS while abroad, so it's worth speaking with a cross-border tax advisor to optimize your financial planning. 

Streamline global relocation with Oyster

Switzerland attracts working professionals from around the world, and companies must be ready to support employees making this move. Oyster helps businesses hire and support talent in Switzerland without needing to open a local entity. We handle payroll, ensure accurate worker classification, and manage compliance so teams can focus on onboarding and growth.

Whether you’re scaling across borders or supporting a single relocation, Oyster provides the tools to manage global employment, compensation, and benefits seamlessly and in one place. 

Explore how Oyster can support businesses through our Global Compliance and Talent Mobility solutions. 

About Oyster

Oyster is a global employment platform designed to enable visionary HR leaders to find, engage, pay, manage, develop, and take care of a thriving distributed workforce. Oyster lets growing companies give valued international team members the experience they deserve, without the usual headaches and expense.

Oyster enables hiring anywhere in the world—with reliable, compliant payroll, and great local benefits and perks.