Moving to Switzerland Guide 2023

There are many places in the world that people from the UK choose to move to, and one of the most beautiful is Switzerland.

Switzerland has become one of the most popular places in Europe for British people to move to, be that for work or that just because they want the change.

Before the days of Brexit, moving to Switzerland from the UK was easy; however, the process has become a little more complicated since then.
To help you figure out some of the finer aspects of moving to Switzerland, let’s look at our moving to Switzerland Guide 2023.

Those who live in the UK can visit Switzerland for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. However, if you plan to stay in Switzerland for any longer than this, you will need to apply for a Swiss visa and a residency permit too.

There are a variety of different permits that you can apply for; these will depend on the reasons why you are moving to Switzerland and your circumstances too.
The L Permit is for those moving to Switzerland due to work commitments. This is a temporary permit and is initially issued for 12 months. However, this can be extended up to 24 months.

The B Permit is another temporary permit issued to those who plan to either study in Switzerland or who will work (but not for a specific company, which the L Permit covers). You must either have an employment contract valid for a year or be enrolled in a course to apply for this particular permit. This permit is then issued for one year.

The C Permit is the permanent residence permit that allows you to live in Switzerland for an indefinite period and work there too. It is eligible for those based outside of the EU, including those who live in the UK, and is only granted if you have continuous residence of at least ten years in Switzerland.

Location and Climate
Switzerland is located in Central Europe, flanked by Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein. It is renowned for its mountainous terrain and its temperate climate, with average temperatures of 8-11 degrees Celsius (46-52 F). In addition, the country has four distinct seasons with long hot summers and cold snowy winters.

Culture
The Swiss culture is characterised by high levels of tolerance, openness and hospitality. There are four official languages spoken in Switzerland; German (spoken by 63% of the population), French (20%), Italian (7%), and Romansh (1%). Swiss culture is also guardedly secular with a heavy emphasis on traditional values such as respect for authority and hard work as well as a passion for privacy.

Living Costs
The cost of living in Switzerland varies greatly depending on location but generally speaking it is one of the most expensive countries in Europe to live in. Accommodation costs are especially steep with rent prices increasing drastically outside major cities like Geneva or Zurich. Public transport costs too are high which makes owning a car almost essential should you decide to move into more rural areas. Groceries are also fairly expensive but there are monthly specials available at supermarkets across the country that can help keep your grocery budget down.

Work Opportunities
As a highly developed nation, finding employment opportunities in Switzerland can be quite competitive as local talent usually take precedence over foreigners looking for jobs abroad. Oftentimes employers will want potential employees to speak at least two of the country’s official languages fluently so having language proficiency can be advantageous when applying for positions. Additionally, non-EU citizens will need a work permit prior to seeking employment in order to legally work within the country’s borders. On top of that workers must pay social security taxes from salary income which stands at around 8 percent.

If you are moving to Switzerland, there is a good chance that you won’t be entirely sure where the best places to live are. The good news is that there are plenty of great options for you to consider when relocating.

Geneva is an excellent choice for those who want a city feel for their new life. Those who want it quiet and serene would be better off living in Lugano. Of course, there is also the hustle and bustle of Zurich (ps. check our removals to Zurich service!), which is a usual choice if you are moving due to work commitments.
No matter where you choose to live, Switzerland is well-known for providing high-quality transport links, which means that you can rest assured that you can quickly move around from place to place.

If you need a helping hand in moving to Switzerland from the UK, then why not get in touch with us here at ASD Harrison. We offer Removals to Switzerland from the UK and can help ensure your move is as easy as possible.

With our help, before you know it, you will be settled and happy living in Switzerland with your new life!

In conclusion, moving to Switzerland can be both an enriching experience while also being challenging due to expensive living costs and tight job market conditions.

Understanding the local culture as well as having language proficiency will help those relocating transition smoothly into life in Switzerland while taking note of higher-than-average living expenses will ensure that relocation planning goes off without a hitch!

Are you looking for a fresh start in Switzerland? ASD Harrison offers fast and reliable removals from the UK to Switzerland, so your journey to an exciting life abroad is stress-free.

Our experienced team of professionals understands every stage of this complex shipping chain, ensuring that all your possessions arrive safely at their destination – giving you peace of mind during such an important move.

With our support, you can expect a service tailored perfectly to match individual needs – let us help turn your dream into reality! Find out more about our Removals To Switzerland in our services section