🇨🇭 Move to Switzerland
Tech Worker Relocation Guide
Median Tech Salary
$110,000
vs US Salary
92%
Quality of Life
5/5
Safety Index
9/10
🌟 Why Move to Switzerland?
- ✓ Highest salaries in Europe, especially in tech and finance
- ✓ Stunning natural environment with Alps and lakes
- ✓ Political stability and world-class infrastructure
- ✓ Central European location with excellent transport links
📄 Visa Options
L Permit (Short-term)
B Permit (Residence)
C Permit (Settlement)
💷 Tax Overview
Federal tax 0-11.5%. Cantonal/municipal tax varies widely (8-36%). Total effective rate 20-40%. No VAT on financial services. Standard VAT 8.1%.
Special regime: Lump-sum taxation available for non-working foreign residents. Some cantons (Zug, Schwyz) have notably low tax rates.
📚 Practical Tips
banking
UBS, Credit Suisse (now UBS), or Zak (digital). Residency permit required. TWINT is the standard mobile payment app.
housing
Homegate.ch, ImmoScout24.ch, Comparis. Very competitive market. Expect 2-3 months deposit held in escrow.
healthcare
Mandatory basic insurance (Grundversicherung) from ~300-500 CHF/month. Compare on Comparis.ch. Deductible 300-2,500 CHF.
phone
Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt. Budget options: Wingo, Yallo from 20-30 CHF/month. Coverage is excellent even in mountains.
