Living in Switzerland is in the plans of many people, and there are plenty of reasons why: after all, the European country is synonymous with quality of life, purchasing power, good jobs, and opportunities.
Because of its very high human development index, Switzerland offers its citizens a high quality of life. Safe and organized, it is one of the leading European countries when it comes to compliance with social rules and norms. In fact, its strict legislation and tight enforcement make for a good topic of discussion.
However, it’s not all roses. What’s good comes at a high price, and Switzerland is no exception. The country has one of the highest costs of living in the world, and Switzerland’s major cities consistently rank among the most expensive places to live. Below you’ll find more information on the “cost of living in Switzerland” and everything you need to know about life in this country.
Tips on how to live in Switzerland
In other words, Switzerland is one of the best countries in the world to live in, it is also one of the richest countries in the world, and many of its cities are on lists of the highest quality of life and well-being.
First and foremost, political stability, followed by low crime rates and surprisingly high salaries, make Switzerland a preferred destination. The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss franc, and as a result of the conversion, starting salaries are €3,000 (three thousand euros) for most professions.
A civil engineer, for example, can earn up to €12,000 per month, and these figures are well above the European average.
Best cities to live in Switzerland
Zurich is considered the second best city in the world according to Mercer’s ranking, which assesses the quality of life in cities. However, Switzerland has three cities in the top 10:
- Zurich
- Geneva
- Basel
There are also three Swiss cities tied for second place as the safest cities in Europe (Luxembourg comes in first):
- Basel
- Bern
- Zurich
However, it’s also possible (and cheaper) to live in smaller towns surrounding the cities we listed above. Living in the metropolitan area is cheaper, and you’ll find more affordable rents. Similarly, public transportation works very well, and you won’t need to buy a car.
The four official languages ​​of Switzerland
To clarify, Switzerland is a multilingual country, with four official languages. Most of the population speaks German, followed by French, Italian, and Romansh, the least spoken language. Additionally, English is widely spoken, and large multinational companies use it as their official language. Therefore, this could be your gateway to the country.
Types of visas for living in Switzerland
Regulations for those wishing to live in Switzerland are handled by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). According to the agency, visa types vary depending on whether the applicant holds European citizenship or is a citizen of other countries. Therefore, here are some of the visa options for living in Switzerland:
Short stays
The authorization for short stays is for those who intend to do business, tourism, study, visit relatives, receive medical treatment, attend cultural and sporting events; it is possible to stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days (3 months) without the need for a visa.
Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, therefore for short stays of less than 90 days a visa is not required.
Swiss work visa
To work in Switzerland, interested individuals must apply for vacancies and obtain an employment contract in order to apply for a visa. The visa is then issued by the Consulate after the necessary authorizations have been obtained.
See what documents are needed for a work visa:
- Authorization issued by the cantonal authority (copy or original);
- Valid passport (original);
- Recent photograph;
- Payment of the visa fee.
The fee for applying for a work visa to Switzerland is $110 USD. This means the fee must be paid when applying for a Swiss residency visa and is non-refundable if the visa is denied. According to the Consulate, fees may change depending on exchange rate fluctuations.
Study visa
For those wishing to study in Switzerland and intending to stay in the country for more than 90 days, it is first necessary to be enrolled in a Swiss educational institution with a minimum workload of 20 hours and a minimum duration of 6 months (one academic semester).
See what documents are needed for a student visa:
- Visa form (National Visa D);
- Valid passport;
- Copy of passport;
- 4 identical 3×4 color photos;
- Swiss school/university registration;
- Curriculum vitae;
- Letter of motivation for studying in Switzerland;
- Letter of financial commitment to support oneself in the country;
- Proof of income (latest income tax return);
- Certificate or diploma of the highest level of schooling.
Cheapest cities in Switzerland to live in
Life in Switzerland isn’t the same everywhere. The portal nau.ch published an analysis conducted by Credit Suisse bank showing the differences between municipalities and cantons in the European country. The large bank calculated the disposable income for 120,000 model families, that is, it calculated how much money is left over after deducting all mandatory taxes and fixed costs for discretionary consumption or savings.
Unsurprisingly, life is more expensive in large urban centers, especially in Swiss cities like Geneva and Zurich. On the other hand, average families live with lower costs in the cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden, Uri, and Glarus. Urban cantons such as Basel-Stadt, Vaud, Zurich, Zug, and Neuchâtel are less financially attractive places to live.
The cost of living varies not only by place of residence but also by type of dwelling. The ranking appears different for families, due to regional differences in family allowances, childcare costs, and family-specific tax parameters (such as child deductions). The canton of Valais, for example, is the cheapest for couples with children.
Learn how to plan your move to Switzerland.
For those who wish to live in Switzerland, the first step is to create a plan. This involves setting goals, deadlines, and saving money to start your life abroad. In addition, save as much as you can, prepare a strong resume, study one of the languages ​​spoken in the country, or master English independently.
Another helpful tip is to read a lot about the country on blogs, websites, and official sources. However, read the rules and laws, watch videos of people who live there, and pursue your dream. In short, with dedication and planning, you can live in any country in the world!
Find out what the cost of living is like in Switzerland.
In Switzerland, the cost of living is high, especially when compared to other countries in Europe and the world. Going to the supermarket in Switzerland, as well as going to restaurants and renting a house, can mean spending much more money than in other countries like Germany, France, Italy, and Austria.
However, those who live in Switzerland receive higher salaries than in other countries. Several rankings point to Bern, Geneva, and Zurich as the most expensive cities in the world to live in. Even compared to other European countries, which generally have a high cost of living, living in Switzerland is expensive, standing out from the European norm.
To give you an idea, according to the Swissinfo portal, average household expenses in Switzerland are 70% higher than the European Union average. Furthermore, prices for groceries, non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants, and hotels are higher than in all countries of the European Union and EFTA (European Free Trade Association).
Understand why Switzerland is an expensive country.
According to the Swissinfo website, the high prices (of practically everything) in Switzerland are justified by the fact that the country, due to its strong customs barriers, pays more for imports. Not to mention that many international suppliers adjust their prices based on the purchasing power of residents in each country.
Furthermore, some technical obstacles bring additional costs, for example: Swiss standards are different from European ones for labeling, which must be adapted and translated into the respective national language; customs duties are also different, as are customs clearance fees; and the strong Swiss franc contributes to higher prices.
Housing
We already understand that Switzerland is an expensive country, right? So, when it comes to renting or buying a house there, it’s necessary to keep that in mind. Anyone thinking of buying a house should expect an average price per square meter of CHF 6,495 over the last twelve months. In fact, this value increased by 8% in just one year.
There is also an upward trend in real estate prices, and this, of course, is reflected in rental prices. Across the country, according to the Immo Mapper portal, rents have increased by 5% (from last year to the current level) per square meter. However, the price level varies greatly depending on the region.
Food
Regarding food, it is also more expensive in Switzerland. Although most products, when compared to Germany and other top countries, for example, have a similar price ratio, the difference in meat is clearly noticeable.
Typically, meat prices per kilogram in Switzerland are two, three, or even four times higher than in elsewhere. Again, the problem is partly due to customs barriers and high import taxes on certain foods, which, according to the government, serve to protect local Swiss producers.
Health
The healthcare system in Switzerland is a mix between the state and the private sector; therefore, private health insurance companies operate in the country alongside the public sector. However, in a heavily regulated market, service providers, such as doctors and hospitals, are partly private and partly state-owned.
The quality of care and service are good, and Switzerland has a large network of doctors and hospitals. However, patients pay a high price, and all citizens are required to have basic insurance, which varies according to what the client/patient pays monthly and what they can use when needed.
Discover what employment is like in Switzerland.
In the first quarter of this year alone, Switzerland had over 100,000 job openings, according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). The country is suffering from a record labor shortage, but of course it is not the only developed country facing this situation.
As a highly industrialized country, the industrial and service sectors are currently facing the greatest challenges in finding skilled labor. In addition to these, there are shortages of professionals in healthcare, transportation, construction, and logistics. Even truck drivers are among those experiencing a labor shortage.
Areas that hire the most
Jobs requiring a high level of qualification are plentiful in Switzerland. Healthcare professionals, those in digital technology, and those in scientific research are highly valued and find good career paths in Switzerland. However, in the service sector, there are also plenty of vacancies in Switzerland, especially in the hospitality and construction industries.
Minimum wage
There is no national minimum wage in Switzerland. However, some cantons have introduced a minimum wage for their respective areas, and some standardized collective bargaining agreements and companies also stipulate minimum wages in relevant sectors.
In an international comparison, however, Swiss salaries are high, even though there is no national minimum wage. Many cantons have introduced a minimum wage, see below as published on the ch.ch portal:
- Canton of Neuchâtel: minimum wage of CHF 20.08 per hour;
- Canton of Jura: CHF 20 per hour;
- Canton of Ticino: CHF 19 per hour;
- Canton of Geneva: CHF 23 per hour.
Workload
The maximum weekly working hours in Switzerland are 45 hours for: employees of industrial companies, office workers, technicians, and sales staff of large retail companies. For all other employees, the maximum working hours are 50 hours per week.
Labor laws
Swiss labor law includes all regulations governing employment in any form. The country maintains employment rules and laws for private employers, which are largely standardized; however, cantonal laws also exist in the case of public sector employment relationships.
Official currency of Switzerland
The official currency of Switzerland is the Swiss franc, and it is the legal tender in the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein. The ISO international currency code is CHF, and 1 Swiss franc is worth €1 euro. While the euro is accepted as payment in Swiss cities, it is generally more commonly used in shops and businesses in border regions.
In addition to these, tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants are also prepared to accept euros. However, change is always given in Swiss francs.
Swiss cities with the most foreigners.
According to the Statista website, at the end of 2025, Geneva was the city with the most foreigners in Switzerland. In Geneva, 48.3% of the population is foreign, and the other Swiss cities that are part of this ranking are Zurich, Lausanne, Basel, and Bern.
Read Also: Spain Visa – Types, Requirements, and Application Process
Tips for an immigrant in Switzerland
Some tips are essential for anyone planning to live in another country. The first is to move legally and have already applied for a visa in your country of origin. In the case of Switzerland, it’s important to dedicate yourself to learning the language spoken in the canton where you will be residing (German, Italian, or French).
Remember that respecting social rules and local laws is essential. Therefore, ask for help to understand how things work in Swiss cities, so you don’t get penalized and/or make mistakes. Living in another country is a great opportunity, and living in Switzerland is an excellent way to get to know a first-world country.
