21 Secrets About Living In Switzerland To Know Before Moving

Moving to Switzerland needn’t be a culture shock. Find out 21 need-to-know secrets about your move to become a resident in a country that boasts some of the highest living standards in the entire world.

Sections

1. The Swiss have four official languages

Switzerland has not one but four official languages. They are:

German (62%)
French (23%)
Italian (8%)
Romansh (0.5%)

The German spoken in Switzerland is also referred to as “Schwiizerdütsch” or “Swiss German,” and two-thirds of the population speak it. Sadly, you won’t get very far if you already know “regular” German – this language is entirely different.

We recommend learning a bit of the local lingo before you travel there; you will find making friends easier. The Swiss people appreciate new expats at least attempting the language, even if it isn’t always 100% accurate!

2. Switzerland’s scenery is out of this world

Ok, we cheated here a little bit. Switzerland’s worst-kept secret is undoubtedly its stunning scenery, with many arguing it’s amongst the best in the world.

Well, there’s certainly nothing quite like it.

From sloping valleys, shimmering lakes, snow laden-mountains, expats will find the romanticism of Switzerland’s scenery to be one of the significant benefits of living there.

3. Their rules and regulations can be baffling

Many Swiss people follow rules that might seem somewhat odd to expats when they first begin living in Switzerland.

Case in point: To reduce noise disturbance, people living or staying in Switzerland are not allowed to flush their toilets after 10 PM. And don’t think about peeing in the standing position after this time either – it’s considered a big no-no.

The Swiss really don’t like noise pollution. On Sundays, don’t think you can mow the lawn or recycle. To keep noise levels to a minimum, these activities are strictly prohibited.

And, you can’t recite poetry when skiing, just in case the idea sounds attractive to you – that’s illegal too!

4. The Swiss love recycling

People in Switzerland are renowned for their eco-conscious attitudes, and part of the expat life in the country comes with the understanding that you will recycle – a lot.

Recycling points are widely available to reduce waste and landfills, and just about everything is recycled, from old oil, batteries, and Styrofoam, to electronics, textiles, and plastic, among many others.

Just don’t think about recycling on Sundays! But more about that in a bit.

5. The cheese

No, not the mass-produced stuff routinely labeled “Swiss Cheese,” available in almost every store across America. Switzerland produces hundreds of different types of cheese, and it’s some of the best in the world.

These are loved by millions all over, but there’s only one place to truly appreciate the unique flavor and undisputed quality: Switzerland itself.

6. Switzerland’s education system is great

Known as having one of the most advanced education systems globally, Switzerland is a hugely popular place for students seeking international study. And it’s no wonder; the education system there is ranked as the sixth-best in the world.

7. Cars are heavily taxed

Cars in Switzerland are taxed on how environmentally friendly they are, both penalizing and rewarding those with high and low emissions, respectively. So, owning a vehicle is not always viewed as economically beneficial. But, unlike living in other corners of the world, owning a car in Switzerland isn’t a necessity for an expat.

This leads us to our next point…

8. They have an efficient transport system

Do you need a vehicle when the transport system in Switzerland is second to almost none?

The whole network is uncomplicated and user-friendly, incorporating buses, trains, cable cars, boats, and lake steamers, making journey planning a breeze.

There is little need to worry if you can’t drive or afford a car.

9. The cost of living in Switzerland is pretty pricey

Switzerland has quite the reputation for being expensive; be prepared to be shocked when you first live in Switzerland and do your first food shop! But – and it’s a big but – the salaries are generally much higher in Switzerland, which offsets the living cost.

And it works out overall to be much cheaper than living in many other European countries.

10. Animals have rights

Unlike a wealth of other countries, Switzerland is pretty progressive regarding its animals. Housing a single animal is illegal – all social creatures are required to be paired in twos.

There was even a referendum in Switzerland about whether animals should have lawyers (yes, really!), although the call was defeated.

11. The Swiss healthcare system

The World Health Organisation ranks Switzerland number 20 globally in terms of its healthcare. It is also one of the most expensive, amounting to around 12% of GDP, and everyone living in Switzerland must have at least basic health insurance.

12. Everything is shut down on Sundays

While most of the Western world now sees Sundays as a relatively unremarkable day, the country pretty much shuts down; this includes the vast majority of shops and businesses.

The local culture dictates that Sundays are a day to spend time with family or friends and go to church, and generally chillaxing.

However, as previously mentioned, don’t think that Sunday is a good day to catch up on your recycling.

One woman was reported by her neighbour for doing her bit for the environment on the day of rest. The police gave the 35-year-old two options – pay 250 Francs or spend two nights in jail!

13. Finding a job can take some time

While there are certain highly sought-after professions, such as IT whizzes and doctors, other jobs aren’t required just as much, and therefore it may take an expat a while to find their perfect fit within the job sector.

Knowing the language to a relatively high standard may increase your chances of bagging the job of your dreams in Switzerland. However, since many multinational companies are keen to employ English speakers, this isn’t always a requirement.

14. Public holidays

While public holidays are popular days throughout the year in Switzerland (and everywhere else for that matter), the dates of these holidays can vary between cantons. Before arranging a meet-up with friends outside of your canton, bear this in mind!

15. They love their sports

Living in Switzerland means taking advantage of those beautiful landscapes we are so used to seeing in those Swiss chocolate ads. It’s one reason skiing is so loved there.

But, the Swiss also have other favored sports, such as ice hockey and soccer – which are both extremely popular.

16. It can be really challenging trying to find a home

We’ll not beat around the bush here – housing in Switzerland is tough to find, and it is also pricey if you are looking to buy, especially in the major cities.

It’s generally considered more accessible for expats to find houses or apartments to rent over buying. Still, again, these prices are high, and this is something foreigners need to factor in before planning a move. However, those in Switzerland are generally paid more than in other countries, which partly explains the high property pricing.

17. The quality of life is great

Switzerland has a solid reputation for affording its citizens an excellent quality of life, routinely being voted one of the happiest countries in the world.

Free time revolves primarily around family and friends, and it’s also considered a very safe country.

And then there’s the work-life balance…

18. Swiss workers have a good work-life balance

Much of the reason that those living in Switzerland enjoy such a good quality of life is the enviable work-life balance that the country employs.

While they work hard, locals value their time off and home life deeply. Even on lunch breaks, it’s common for families to get together and share the time. You won’t find many office workers eating at their desks; it’s generally frowned upon.

By law, the most a company can ask you to work per week is 45 hours (unless you’re a manual laborer, the limit is set at 50 hours). In fact, on average, those living in Switzerland work 200 hours (give or take) per year less than their American counterparts.

19. Explore the fantastic mountains, lakes, towns, and villages

There’s no denying the beauty of Switzerland.

From its mountain valleys perfect for biking, paragliding, or just having a dreamy Sunday hike with the children, Switzerland has absolutely everything that those who love the outdoors could want – including some of the most scenic lakes in the world.

Then there are the historic towns and cities to explore, full of picture-postcard charm and beauty. You’ll be spoilt for choice when living in Switzerland.

20. Taxes in Switzerland

Switzerland’s 26 cantons control the amount of tax its residents must pay, with income tax varying quite a bit from location to location. Depending on your state, you can pay a great deal of money for your taxes. For this reason, people will often choose the state they live in based on the taxes they can afford.

But, some areas will have places that have reasonable taxes, probably lower than most other areas in Europe.

21. Can you find love in Switzerland?

Let’s be honest; finding love anywhere is not always easy, and dating can be quite the minefield!

But, if you are familiar with the customs and traditions of the local community (and if you are not, get learning!), then this will make finding your soulmate so much easier. But it’s equally as common for foreigners to fall in love with other expats!

One crucial consideration to remember is that those in Switzerland are not known to be particularly romantic, well, not openly. Romantic displays of affection in public are rare, given that Swiss people are quite a reserved group of people in general.

FAQs

Does Switzerland have international schools?

Yes, Switzerland has plenty of them! Known for providing some of the best tuition in the world, many of these international schools have both day schooling and boarding options.

In addition to this, there are various teaching methods, and many include international curriculums such as British, American, and Japanese.

Can a foreigner buy property in Switzerland?

Yes, but there are some restrictions.

An expat in Switzerland who doesn’t have a Residence Permit will only be granted permission to purchase property in a tourist area, such as Montreux – not in many cities such as Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, or Geneva, which are set aside for those living in Switzerland.

What are the requirements needed to apply for a Swiss Permanent Residence Permit?

Also known as a “C” permit, requirements for a Swiss Permanent Residence permit can vary between cantons. Generally, however, the primary need is how long you have stayed in Switzerland, usually ten years.

Citizens of the United States and Canada, alongside those in EU countries, can apply after just five years of living in Switzerland.

Do you need a passport to move to Switzerland?

Yes. Almost any country you plan to travel to will require you to have a passport. Those from the United States will need a U.S. Tourist Passport before leaving their home country. With this passport, Americans can travel to Switzerland for 90 days without a Schengen visa.

Once a Swiss resident, many expats then apply for a Swiss passport.

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide to the 21 secrets to know before living in Switzerland has helped you to decide whether moving to the country might be the change your life needs.

After all, who couldn’t benefit from living in a country with world-renowned healthcare, an unparalleled education system, and one of the best work-life balances around?