Moving to Switzerland: everything you need to know about living abroad with b-sharpe

How do you move to Switzerland if you’re French? Is it easy to move to Switzerland? What steps do you need to take? b-sharpe tells you everything in this article!

Why choose Switzerland?

Switzerland is a prime destination for expats and for those wishing to study abroad. The country offers undeniable advantages and an incredible quality of life: 

• Switzerland is a safe and politically very stable country
• Its infrastructure is of a high standard, as is its transport system
• The labour market is buoyant, with very high wages
• The minimum wage in Switzerland is among the highest in Europe
• Switzerland is a real haven for expats: it is a multicultural and cosmopolitan nation with four official languages. For French speakers, it is an ideal destination.
• It offers an ideal environment for families. The healthcare and education systems there are of a particularly high standard
• Switzerland is a country blessed with incredible natural resources, magnificent landscapes and a wealth of opportunities for tourism. Lakes, mountains, winter sports or hiking… The possibilities are endless.

Living in Switzerland

However, living in Switzerland does have some significant drawbacks that should be taken into account before moving there.

A high cost of living

The cost of living in Switzerland is particularly high, and prices are steep across the board. Housing, transport, food… Switzerland is considered the most expensive country in Europe. Two Swiss cities feature in the top 10 most expensive cities in the world: Zurich (4th) and Geneva (7th). According to a study by the Federal Statistical Office, the general price level in Switzerland is nearly 60% higher than the European average. How can this be explained? 

• Salaries in Switzerland are very high. The cost of living is correspondingly high
• Switzerland is not part of the eurozone and the Swiss franc is a strong currency. Imported goods are therefore more expensive for foreign visitors
• Population density is very high in major cities such as Zurich, Basel and Geneva, driving up house prices. For example, the price per square metre in Switzerland is on average 50% higher than in France
• Switzerland tends to favour its domestic economy through protectionist policies, such as customs duties and import taxes.

Working in Switzerland

Are you thinking of moving to Switzerland? Here is some useful information about the local job market.

Salaries

It’s no myth: wages in Switzerland are significantly higher than in the rest of Europe. The minimum wage in the canton of Geneva is 4,368 Swiss francs gross, or 4,400 euros. According to the OECD, the average wage in Switzerland in 2023 was 62,379 Swiss francs gross per year. When converted using a euro-to-Swiss franc converter, this equates to 65,349 euros per year.

Unemployment and employment in Switzerland

Switzerland has an exceptionally low unemployment rate! It currently stands at around 2%, its lowest level in 20 years. Today, Switzerland is one of the most stable labour markets in Europe. Many sectors are actively recruiting: 

• Finance, of course, given that Switzerland is a major international financial centre. It is an incredible source of job opportunities, attracting candidates from all over the world and offering very high salaries. 
• Health and the pharmaceutical industry
• The watchmaking industry, a flagship of the Swiss economy with a global reputation
• Tourism, the hotel industry, and the catering sector
• Engineering: Switzerland is looking for engineers specialising in mechanical engineering, construction, energy or the environment
• New technologies
• Business services or consultancy, with a large number of major global companies operating in Switzerland.

Switzerland welcomes foreign workers, although competition for certain roles can be fierce. Whilst there are some job vacancies available without a degree or qualifications, these are far fewer in number.

Taxes

As far as taxation is concerned, it is worth noting that the average tax rate in Switzerland is 40%. Swiss tax rates are therefore lower than those in France. They are divided into three categories: 

• Federal tax at national level
• Cantonal tax at regional level
• Local council tax, payable to the local council where you live. 

Tax is deducted at source by the employer. However, tax rates vary depending on the canton of residence, family circumstances and salary: some cantons have a tax rate of 20%, whilst others have rates as high as 43%.

Some Swiss cantons also offer foreign residents who meet certain criteria a tax system known as the lump-sum tax. This scheme is particularly advantageous for high-income earners or those with substantial assets, as it calculates the taxable amount based on the taxpayer’s expenses rather than their income.​​ Expenses related to housing, food, transport and leisure are therefore taken into account. The lump-sum tax system is therefore a sensible option for certain types of expatriates!

Formalities and other information you need to know before moving to Switzerland

Are you thinking of moving to Switzerland? Here is some useful information to help you prepare for your move.

Swiss residence permits

European nationals do not require a visa to move to Switzerland, but they do need authorisation to stay for more than 90 days. Foreign workers must be issued with a residence permit or work permit. There are several documents known as ‘livrets’: 

• The L permit: valid for one year and renewable, it is intended for jobseekers or employees who have signed an employment contract of less than one year’s duration
• The B permit: valid for five years and renewable, it allows employees who have signed an employment contract of more than 12 months to reside in Switzerland. It is also available to people who are not in employment but have sufficient financial means to live in Switzerland
• The C pass: valid indefinitely, it is intended for people who can prove they have lived in Switzerland for five years without interruption
• Booklet G: this applies to cross-border workers and is valid for five years.
• Students enrolled at a Swiss higher education institution are granted a residence permit for the duration of their studies, provided they have sufficient financial means and health insurance.
• Retirees are granted a five-year renewable residence permit, provided they have sufficient financial means and health and accident insurance.

Other essential formalities

Before moving to Switzerland, remember to notify the French tax authorities of your move! This will ensure you are in good standing and avoid being subject to double taxation. 

Drivers, please remember to exchange your driving licence for a Swiss one. After all, once you have been living in Switzerland for more than three months, your French licence no longer entitles you to drive in the country.

Finally, anyone moving to Switzerland must notify their local council of their arrival within eight days. You must also register your arrival before your first day of work in Switzerland. Please contact your local council’s administrative services.
Is it easy to move to Switzerland? As in many countries, the process of moving abroad requires careful consideration and takes time. In Switzerland, the administrative formalities are quick to sort out, but you may encounter certain difficulties. The job market is competitive, and housing prices and the cost of living are high… However, life in Switzerland is particularly appealing and you’ll enjoy an unrivalled quality of life! To help you with the process and your finances, you will no doubt need a currency converter. b-sharpe supports you with all your transactions, so you can easily exchange currencies online!