James N., originally from the UK, has lived in Switzerland for the last 30 years. His professional career has led him to work in radio and in banking. In 2023, James was encouraged to apply for Swiss citizenship through the simplified naturalization process, as he was married to a Swiss national and had lived in the country long enough.
Switzerland is an expensive country, and it has not escaped the cost-of-living crisis unscathed. While the current economic situation for the average Swiss worker is still relatively stable, many people find themselves having to ‘tighten the belt’. Projections for the lower-to middle class are bleak, and newcomers to Switzerland are especially at risk.
For foreigners moving to Switzerland, understanding the health insurance landscape is crucial. This guide will show you how to find the best health insurance available in 2024. The government mandates a basic health insurance plan, but you can also choose additional, private supplementary insurance for better coverage.
Switzerland has a high-quality healthcare system, but finding the right health insurance as a foreigner is tough. If you’re new to the country, you legally must be insured within 3 months of your arrival. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top health insurance providers for foreigners in Switzerland, each with unique benefits. Here’s our top 8 recommendations for 2024, formed by our independent insurance experts.
Stability and security are the key characteristics of Switzerland, but foreigners face unique challenges, risks, and even financial gaps when aiming for a resilient future. Here are the 8 crucial steps you need to take to secure your life if you’re new in Switzerland.
The Street Parade is back in Zurich! If you’re new in Switzerland, you don’t want to miss this legendary occasion on Saturday, the 10th of August 2024. Here’s everything you need to know about the world’s largest techno-party (including our own special recommendation for the after-party)!
You’ve newly arrived in Switzerland, concluded your basic health insurance on time, and started to settle in. Yet the first time you have actual healthcare expenses, you get stiffed with a high bill and rightfully ask yourself “how is THIS not covered by basic insurance?”.
Medications are becoming increasingly complex, and new pharmaceuticals are hitting the market often at high price points. Expat Services Switzerland is here to inform expats to the country on how your medications, vaccinations, and check-ups are paid for.
Living as an expat in Switzerland is an exciting journey full of new discoveries and experiences, but it also comes with numerous laws and regulations to adhere to. Switzerland takes fines seriously – violations of the many local regulations are quickly punished with fines. Here's how you can avoid unpleasant surprises and integrate smoothly.
If you're a newcomer in Switzerland, you may be surprised to learn you are legally required to have a vignette on your car if you plan on driving on the highway. Here's everything you need to know about the vignette road tax.
Rising healthcare costs are a cause for concern, especially in light of the average premium hike of 9% in 2024, with further increases in the years to come. In such challenging times, many people in Switzerland are seeking ways to minimize their financial burden. This is where "splitting" comes into play.
The Sechseläuten is a centuries-old tradition at the beginning of spring in Zurich. It always takes place on the third Monday in April. Besides historically costumed guild members, bands, horses, flowers, flags and the "Böögg" characterize the festival. Nowadays, the Böögg is even the main figure and symbolizes winter. He is burned on a pyre just in time for the six o'clock chimes of the Grossmünster church. And the faster his head, filled with fireworks, explodes, the more beautiful summer will be. At least that's what they say in Zurich.
You are new in Switzerland and would like to know what to consider when registering with a health insurance company? In the following article, we explain which deadlines apply and what is important when registering.
For personal retirement planning and family welfare, Switzerland has established a 3-pillar system since 1972. The first and second pillars together cover only about 60-70% of the last income before retirement. In this article you will find all the important information about the two types of third pillar.
As the fall and winter seasons approach, it's a reminder for many to think about switching health insurance providers. You are not satisfied with your health insurance and are considering switching to another insurance company? In this article you will find all the important information about changing your health insurance.
Visiting a doctor is certainly not your first priority when you are newly arrived in Switzerland. Nevertheless, it is beneficial to find out about how to find a doctor and register early on so that you are prepared in case of an emergency. In this article, you will find all the important information about this.
Already during the establishment of a company, it is important that you also think about the insurance of your company. There are certain insurances that you are obliged to take out. Find out everything you need to know about the various company insurances in Switzerland in this article.
ANobAG "employees without an employer liable to pay contributions" are persons who live in Switzerland and work for a foreign employer who does not have a place of business in Switzerland. This article tells you everything you need to know about this.
Sustainability is a topic that is becoming increasingly important and more and more people are addressing it. Whether it's reducing plastic consumption or separating garbage, everyone can make a contribution to more sustainability in their everyday lives. In this article, you will find out how you can make your everyday life more environmentally friendly.
Springtime - The favorite season for many people. And rightfully so. The weather is cooperating, the list of activities is endless and the anticipation for summer is huge. Want to be as active as possible this spring but don't know where to start? We have put together a list of the best activities for you to make your choice easier!
The Sechseläuten, also known as Sächsilüüte, is a spring festival in Zurich that has been held every spring in the center of Sechseläutenplatz since 1902. On April 25, the Sechseläuten took place. In this article you will learn the exciting story behind the spring festival.
In all parts of the world, Easter is a good reason to share hope, confidence and joy with loved ones and create unforgettable moments together. But every country has different customs and traditions and so does Switzerland. In this article we will acquaint you with the most common and popular Swiss traditions during Easter time!
Switzerland has a wide range of leisure activities to offer. This also includes museums. Whether culture, science or art - visitors are fascinated by what Switzerland has to offer. In this article, we have selected the 10 most exciting museums for you from over 1130.
Everyday life for newcomers can be challenging and often you don't know where to get the right support. In this article, we have compiled the most important apps that will simplify your life in Switzerland.
It's no secret that the Swiss work a lot - but what do they actually do on their days off or after work? Find out in this article which are the most popular Swiss hobbies.
From amusing, charming to brutal traditions - Switzerland has a variety of traditions and customs to offer. Around 200 different ones are still practiced today. We are pleased to introduce you to four of the best known living Swiss traditions.
As you already know from our article on "How to find love in Switzerland", making new contacts in Switzerland is not that easy. But that doesn't mean it's impossible - you just have to know how. Read on to find out more!
You already know that Switzerland offers very good educational opportunities and great career prospects. But did you know that the study opportunities are also just as diverse?
Good career opportunities, numerous further qualification possibilities and an attractive salary. These are the things that define the Swiss labour market. The world of work is stable and the unemployment rate has been low for many years, which is one of the many reasons why the Swiss labour market is one of the best in the world.
The range of childcare options in Switzerland is very diverse and wide-ranging. Find out in this article which childcare options are available for your children and which one best suits your needs.
Are you moving to Switzerland with children? Then it is important for you to know how the education system works in Switzerland. Switzerland offers your children many opportunities and a high-quality education.
Many expats come to Switzerland not knowing what will happen to their driver's license. Is it still valid in Switzerland? What is the further procedure? Here is a short overview over the foreign driver's license laws in Switzerland.
Conditions, qualities and expectations vary from country to country. Therefore, it is important that you are aware and know how the dating scene works in Switzerland and what Swiss men and women value and love.
We have summed up for you the ten most beautiful and interesting sights in Switzerland.
Switzerland has the longest, densest, most varied and best waymarked network of hiking trails. In so many ways a record breaker. In total in Switzerland there are 65’000 kilometers of waymarked trails at all levels of difficulties. We have gathered the most important information for hiking in Switzerland.
There are so many exciting, unique sleeping accommodations for short trips in Switzerland that are everything else but boring! We have listed for you some of the most spectacular ones.
In this article, we would like to talk about the two types of 3rd pillar, its advantages and how we can help you with finding your personal pension strategy.
Switzerland is very famous for its many laws and obligations. Here are some of the most bizarre ones.
The corona situation in Switzerland is still critical. If you still don't want to miss out on some fun and sport, you'll get your money's worth when visiting ski resorts.
Having a baby is a big event. We therefore explain you everything you need to know about becoming a parent in Switzerland.
If you are living in Switzerland, owning a vehicle can be a very helpful. To register your car or bike in Switzerland, you are obliged to conclude a vehicle insurance.
Covid-19 is still present in every aspect of our life. But when do you need to have a test and how do you proceed to get tested? And who will cover the expenses for testing?
When moving to Switzerland from abroad, you should take into consideration your working situation.
If you are planning to immigrate to Switzerland, you should already in advance plan where to stay.
When moving to Switzerland from abroad, understanding the Swiss tax system is crucial. The complexity of Swiss taxes often requires professional assistance, especially for foreigners. This guide covers essential aspects of Swiss taxation for expats, including proper taxation, withholding tax, ANobAG, possible deductions, and tax-saving plans like the pillar 3a.
Switzerland is renowned for its comprehensive solidarity system, which impacts various aspects of life, including retirement. This guide will help you understand and take actionable steps to manage and plan your retirement in Switzerland effectively, ensuring you secure your future and maintain your standard of living.
Switzerland is a great destination for expats, but every nation has its ups and downs. If you’re new to the country, or if you’re just in the process of planning your move, you should know what to expect. We’ve got the greatest advantages & disadvantages (plus how to deal with them!) about life in Switzerland laid out for you.
If you are thinking about moving to Switzerland with your car, you must be ready to undergo some formalities
Impressive scenery, good career prospects and an excellent standard of living, have long made Switzerland an attractive destination for immigrants.
Switzerland is one of the most beautiful and interesting countries in the world. Therefore, a lot of expats move to Switzerland with their families. We have listed the ten most popular swiss cities and given you a short review of them.
Navigating the Swiss health insurance system can be challenging for expats, but finding the right plan to meet all your needs is crucial. Within three months of arriving in Switzerland, expats are required to secure compulsory basic health insurance. Failure to do so can result in back payments and fines.