Living in Switzerland: why and how?

Making a success of your move to Switzerland

Switzerland is a country that attracts many expats thanks to its exceptional quality of life, its economic stability and its magnificent Alpine landscapes. It is a true Swiss eldorado for many French nationals.

Nationals of the European Union (EU) and EFTA (European Free Trade Association) benefit from the free movement of persons when it comes to settling in Switzerland. However, moving to Switzerland requires careful preparation, particularly regarding administrative formalities and obtaining a residence permit.

Living in Switzerland offers a unique experience, with an excellent balance between work and a gentle pace of life, as well as access to numerous professional opportunities across various sectors. This guide covers everything you need to know to make your adventure a success.

What administrative formalities should you take into account?

Obtaining your residence permit and work authorisation

Obtaining a residence permit is an essential step when moving to Switzerland, even for nationals of the European Union. The length of your stay will depend on the validity of your employment contract for work.

• The administrative procedures for the residence permit and the work permit must be undertaken carefully to avoid any delays.

• A valid identity card or passport is mandatory to enter Switzerland and begin the residence formalities for your stay.

• It is important to understand the conditions and requirements for each type of permit (L permit, B permit and C permit). The B permit is the most common residence authorisation (valid for 5 years for nationals of the EU/EFTA), while the C permit is the permanent residence permit (retirement).

• For a family, family reunification is possible subject to conditions, namely having sufficient financial means and adequate housing.

Work and employment opportunities

The Swiss job market: salaries and languages

The Swiss labour market is dynamic and offers opportunities in various sectors, notably finance, technology and healthcare. It is a true eldorado for qualified candidates in this country.

• Salaries in Switzerland are generally high, ensuring an excellent standard of living, but the cost of living can vary considerably depending on the region and the city.

• Foreign workers, particularly French ones, often need a Swiss employer and an employment contract for work in order to obtain a Swiss work permit, except in certain specific cases of setting up a business.

• Looking for a job in Switzerland can be competitive, but qualified candidates with a good command of the Swiss languages (German, French, Italian, Romansh) have a better chance of succeeding. French-speaking Switzerland favours French, while German-speaking Switzerland requires German.

Everyday Swiss life

Cost of living, safety and culture

Daily life in Switzerland is characterised by a high quality of life, with access to high-quality public services, efficient Swiss public transport and abundant green spaces.

• The cost of living in Switzerland is high, particularly for housing, food and transport, which requires careful financial planning. The Swiss place great importance on safety and stability, which is reflected in their education system, their labour market and their politics.

• Expats must adapt to local customs and traditions, particularly when it comes to languages, festivals and public holidays. Reading up on local traditions is a good step towards integration.

Plenty of transport options

Traffic and the driving licence

Public transport in Switzerland is highly developed and efficient (punctuality, frequency), with trains, buses and trams connecting the main cities and regions. Traffic flows very smoothly in rural areas.

• Road traffic in Switzerland is generally smooth, but drivers must be prepared to tackle narrow, winding Swiss mountain roads.

• A Swiss driving licence is mandatory after the end of your first year of residence for foreign residents (or beyond 12 months of stay), and drivers must comply with strict road rules. Your licence must be exchanged for a Swiss one.

Education and family: Swiss culture

The education system and family reunification

The Swiss education system is of high quality and offers opportunities for public and private education for expat children.

• Swiss schools generally teach in the local language (German, French, Italian, Romansh), but there are also international schools offering programmes taught in English.

• Expat families must take into account the costs of education, which can vary considerably depending on the type of school and the region. Family reunification is an important part of moving abroad.

• Extracurricular activities and leisure pursuits for children are abundant in Switzerland, with opportunities for outdoor sports, music and the arts.

Integration and social life

Advice for foreigners and nationals

Integration into Swiss society can take time. Expats in Switzerland can ease their adaptation by learning the local languages, taking part in community activities and connecting with other expats.

• The Swiss are generally reserved, but once you have got to know them, they can be very warm and welcoming. Patience is essential.

• Expats must respect local customs and traditions, particularly when it comes to festivals and public holidays.

• Social media and support groups for expats can be very useful for connecting with other people who share similar experiences in your city of residence.

Where to live in Switzerland near the French border?

City and canton options for newcomers

Choosing where to live in Switzerland is the key to a successful move abroad.

• Basel (German-speaking Switzerland / France / Germany): On the French border side, towns such as Saint-Louis or Huningue are very popular. Quiet, close to the Rhine and within cycling distance of Basel. Basel also offers border areas on the German side (Lörrach and Weil-am-Rhein), popular thanks to Swiss salaries.

• Geneva and Lausanne (French-speaking Switzerland): This is the most sought-after area. Lausanne and Geneva are major financial and technological hubs. Many French nationals choose to live in France (Haute-Savoie) because of the cost of living.

• French-speaking Jura (Swiss side): Villages such as Pontarlier (on the French side, Doubs) offer access to Switzerland (canton of Jura, Neuchâtel) with a more mountainous, cheaper and quieter setting.

What salary is recommended for living in Switzerland?

Budget estimate for a comfortable standard of living

Calculating the necessary Swiss salary depends largely on the cost of housing and your lifestyle.

• A single cross-border worker living in France, working in Geneva, with rent paid in euros: A gross salary of around CHF 4 000 –4 500 can be enough for a good standard of living, especially if you reduce certain costs (housing, certain services) by living in France.

• A resident in Switzerland, in or near the Geneva region: A salary of between CHF 5 000 and 6 000 per month is often necessary to live comfortably, especially if you have housing in Geneva or its surroundings.

• A family (couple, children): Allow at least CHF 7 000–8 000 per month depending on the type of housing, schooling, studies and the desired lifestyle.

Points to consider for salary and budget

• The cost of housing varies enormously depending on the city (Geneva, Lausanne and Zurich are more expensive than peripheral cantons or the countryside).

• Health insurance (LAMal) is mandatory in Switzerland, generally between CHF 300–600 per month for an adult, depending on age and the plan chosen.

• Tax at source, social security contributions and the pension system (Pillar 2, etc.) affect your net take-home pay.

• Transport, schooling, childcare and leisure activities should be factored into your budget depending on your personal situation, but they contribute to the superior quality of life that Switzerland offers.

What is the minimum wage (SMIC) in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, there is no SMIC at federal level, unlike in France. Each canton is free to introduce its own minimum wage, often via a popular initiative or cantonal regulation. For example, the canton of Geneva has introduced a mandatory minimum wage, guaranteeing a decent level of pay for all workers in this region.