Living in Switzerland

Have you just moved to Zurich, or started a new job in Bern? We show you what to expect, and give you tips and information on living in Switzerland.

Working in Switzerland

Switzerland is very attractive for workers from abroad due to its high salaries. But who is allowed to work in Switzerland, and what conditions apply?

When am I allowed to work in Switzerland as a foreigner?

In principle, the Swiss labour market is open to everyone. This means that theoretically, workers from all over the world can find employment in Switzerland. Whether or not you are allowed to work in Switzerland depends primarily on your residence permit.

Are you from the EU/EFTA area? In this case, you may stay in Switzerland for up to three months to look for a job without registering. If you stay longer, you will first need a residence permit.

General working conditions in Switzerland

There is no national statutory minimum wage in Switzerland. As a rule, salaries and weekly working hours of Swiss companies are higher than in neighbouring countries. 

The law regulates how many hours you can work per week. You are also legally entitled to holidays. Your Swiss employer must give you a minimum of four weeks of holiday per year.

Important taxes for foreign employees in Switzerland

As in most countries, income tax is due in Switzerland. However, in Switzerland, this is a cantonal tax. The amount you pay is determined by your canton of residence. Your tax burden is therefore largely determined by your place of residence

More about working in Switzerland

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Unemployment benefit in Switzerland for foreigners – what applies to you?

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How to set up your own business in Switzerland as a non-Swiss citizen

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Job search in Switzerland: find the best job boards here

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Housing and administrative tasks

Comparis tip: are you looking for a job in Switzerland? Here we present various Swiss job boards.

What taxes do I have to pay as a foreign national in Switzerland?

Income tax and sales tax in Switzerland are lower than in many other countries. In Switzerland, for example, VAT is charged at 2.5% to 7.7% (as of 2022), depending on the product or service, making it one of the lowest rates in Europe.

Income tax is divided into cantonal and municipal taxes, as well as direct federal taxes. Even top earners in Switzerland usually do not pay more than 20% of their taxable income. However, foreigners with income in Switzerland must pay what is known as withholding tax

Living in Switzerland

The Swiss housing market is very strained. Zurich remains one of the most expensive cities in the world in terms of rental costs. Prices are also similarly high in other Swiss cities. 

It can therefore make sense to live outside the city and commute to work. The railway network in Switzerland is very well developed and you can easily reach the cities from smaller towns and villages by train. Trains, buses and ships are coordinated in such a way that in theory there is a connection in all directions in Switzerland every 60 minutes. A 30-minute cycle is planned for 2030-2035 (link not available in English).

Do you prefer to drive? Comparis provides you with all the essential information you need to know about importing and registering cars in Switzerland.

The Swiss property market: it’s worth comparing

Cheap flats are snapped up quickly, particularly in large cities such as Zurich, Bern, Geneva and Lausanne. Whether you are looking for an apartment or house, comparis.ch can help you find a new home in Switzerland that fits your budget requirements. When you use the largest online marketplace in Switzerland from Comparis, the Comparis Rating shows you at a glance whether the property is cheaper or more expensive than similar properties.

Go to the property marketplace

Are you thinking of buying rather than renting? It’s also worth comparing the various providers and deals when it comes to mortgage interest rates. This will help you find the right offer at the best price.

What insurance do I need in Switzerland?

Have you already terminated all your insurance policies in your former place of residence? Don’t forget to find out which new insurances you’ll need to take out. This applies regardless of whether you plan to stay in Switzerland for a few months or several years. When it comes to health insurance in particular, it’s worth comparing prices. The costs can vary considerably depending on the company and the canton.

Optimatis, the brokerage partner of Comparis, or other independent experts can help you find the right insurance cover.

The most important comparisons

Compare health insurance in Switzerland

Health insurance in Switzerland is compulsory. Basic insurance can be accompanied by an optional supplemental health insurance policy. After moving to Switzerland, you have three months in which to take out health insurance.

Which health insurance is best for you depends on various factors, so there is no easy answer to this question. Our list of best health insurers shows you which providers in Switzerland rate the highest in terms of customer satisfaction. When you use the health insurance premium calculator, the Comparis Rating helps you choose the right insurer. It’s well worth comparing to save on premiums.

If you had private health insurance in your home country, you’ll be familiar with some aspects of the Swiss health insurance system. It’s important that you compare health insurers in Switzerland carefully. This not only saves you money, but also ensures optimal insurance cover.

Compare personal liability insurance in Switzerland

Personal liability insurance is absolutely essential. Imagine if your dog, your child or you yourself were to cause a serious accident. Without personal liability insurance, you are liable for any damage caused without limitation, and will have to cover the costs from both your private assets and your current and future income. It can also be worth taking out a liability insurance policy that is valid worldwide.

Find cheap rates for home contents insurance in Switzerland

Home contents insurance covers damage caused by fire, water, theft or glass breakage. This includes damage to household items, furniture, clothes and sports equipment etc., but not damage to buildings. Expats in Switzerland benefit from home contents insurance because it covers damage caused by natural hazards. This also applies to damage to rented apartments.

Car insurance in Switzerland

In Switzerland, there are three different levels of car insurance cover: third-party liabilitypartial casco and full casco insurance). Third-party liability car insurance is compulsory in Switzerland. Third-party liability insurance, full casco and partial casco insurance cover the vehicle but not its owner. This means that claims are covered in the event of damage regardless of who was driving the car.

Compare legal protection insurance policies in Switzerland

Legal protection insurance covers lawyer’s fees and legal costs. You can purchase motor legal protection and personal legal protection insurance separately, or opt for deals that combine the two. These policies can be taken out for families or individuals.

Motor legal protection insurance covers, for example, the cost of legal disputes with insurance companies, at-fault parties and contractual partners and the cost of criminal and administrative proceedings arising from road traffic incidents.

Personal legal protection insurance covers legal expenses for contractual disputes, particularly those relating to purchase, rental, service, loan and employment contracts. It’s not just the costs of doctor’s visits that are high in Switzerland – legal advice and support can also be expensive. Therefore, good legal protection insurance can be worthwhile as a foreigner in Switzerland.

The Swiss social insurance system also includes:

  • Family allowances: these are benefits intended to partially compensate the costs of having children.

  • Accident insurance: all employees working in Switzerland must be insured against occupational accidents by their employers. Employees are also insured against non-occupational accidents when they work for the same employer for more than eight hours a week.
    Those who are not employed are not insured. They have to take out accident insurance through their health insurer.

  • Unemployment insurance: all employees with old age and survivors’ insurance (OASI) are liable to contribute. Unemployment insurance covers loss of earnings in the event that you lose your job.

More useful information about living in Switzerland

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